I hope this Newsletter finds you well. On-and-off rains continue to slow down field work, but farmers are still getting seeds in the ground as opportunity allows. The rains have at least continued to provide sufficient moisture to Darke County
(https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?fips_39037. In the fields that were able to get planted earlier, emergence has occurred. A few triticale and wheat fields have been cut for forage, while most alfalfa is ready for first cutting when weather allows. Some alfalfa weevil damage has occurred, prompting pesticide applications in some cases. I’ve seen plenty of poison hemlock, common and giant ragweed, and other weeds throughout the fields. More on poison hemlock control in pastures will be shared in the Newsletter. Be sure to cooperate with any farm equipment on the roads, and stay safe in the fields and planting season progresses.
Remember to take advantage of the Darke County Garden Giveaway! Whether you’ve obtained seeds already or not, there is always room to plant some more. There is plenty of seed to go around, so if you would like any spinach, cucumber, green bean, carrot, and lettuce seed, reach out to me or stop in at the office. Planting information will be included in the seed packet, and I’m always happy to answer any questions.
The NRCS is offering the opportunity for poultry operations to increase biosecurity on their farm through free Biosecurity Assessments. These assessments will assist producers in increasing their farm’s biosecurity and provide cost-share opportunities. More details and contact information can be found in the attached flyer.
I’ll be at Worch Library next week on June 12th at 4:00 p.m. to discuss Wildflowers, Native Plants, and Pollinators. We’ll talk about some native plants, why they’re important, and how we can manage them. I hope to see you there!
Our next Darke County Garden Roundtable will be May 21st at 6:00 p.m. This session will be at the OSU Extension office, and the agenda is attached.
2025 Farm Science Review might seem like a ways off, but it will be here before we know it. The Review will be held on September 16th-18th, and is always a great opportunity to see the latest technologies, learn from professionals, and network with other agriculturalists throughout Ohio. Presale Tickets are $10 each; please let me know if you would like to order tickets for Farm Science Review ahead of time so we can get tickets ordered.
The next Darke County Ag Breakfast will be June 20th at 7:30 a.m. at Jack’s Cabin in Greenville.
This week’s Newsletter topics include:
Conservation Reserve Program Opportunities
Dealing with Wildlife Encounters
Farm Commodity Program Payment Estimates
Managing Weeds in the Pasture
Maximum Return to Nitrogen Calculator Update
Wheat Foliar Disease and Head Scab Risk
I hope you enjoy this week’s Newsletter, and as always, never hesitate to reach out to me and let me know how I can best serve you and all of Darke County.
by Caden Buschur, Darke County Extension Educator