I hope this Newsletter finds you well. Frequent rains and cooler temperatures have kept farmers out of the fields, but many people are ready to get planting as soon as there is a window to get into the fields
(https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?fips_39037. There is crop emergence throughout the county from fields where farmers were able to get some planting done. Some alfalfa weevil damage has occurred in alfalfa stands, and nearby counties have reported numbers of black cutworm and true armyworm. 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 farms’ 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 May 15th at 4:00 p.m. to conduct the program Spring Into Gardening. We’ll discuss the makings of a spring garden, what plants to grow, and how to help them be successful. I hope to see you there!
Our next Darke County Garden Roundtables will be May 14th at 12:00 p.m. and May 21st at 6:00 p.m. Both sessions 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 May 16th at 7:30 a.m. at Jack’s Cabin in Greenville.
This week’s Newsletter topics include:
Forage Maturity Across Ohio
Glufosinate Use and Label Guidelines for 2025
Managing Heat Stress in Dairy Cows
Second Quarter Fertilizer Prices Across Ohio
Using Baleage to Manage Hay Quality
Using Liquid Manure With Newly Planted Corn and Beans
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