News tips and events for the week of Dec 2

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Tip 1: A bottle of red, a bottle of white: Learn the art of wine grape growing and wine production during the 2019 Grape and Wine Analysis Workshop Dec. 5 at The Ohio State University South Centers. Sip some wisdom and wine at the event, which is for established grape growers, wine makers, and anyone interested in getting started in the industry. Proven techniques for growing wine grapes and managing a vineyard will be revealed along with information about vine establishment, vine training, and vineyard maintenance. The $25 workshop, which includes lunch, will be at 1864 Shyville Road in Piketon. The South Centers is part of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES). To register and for more information, go.osu.edu/wineworkshop2019

Tip 2: Choosing a government commodity program? Farmers who grow corn, soybeans, wheat, or other commodities have until March 15, 2020, to choose one of three government commodity programs: Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) with either county or individual coverage (ARC-CO or ARC-IC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC). The programs help cover potential financial losses associated with commodity crops. Ohio State University Extension and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency are jointly hosting meetings across Ohio to inform farmers about changes to the ARC and PLC programs. The meeting facilitators will also discuss decision-making tools and calculators available to help growers determine which program best fits their needs. OSU Extension is the outreach arm of CFAES. The meetings end in February. For a list of all meetings across the state, visit go.osu.edu/farmbillmeetings.

Tip 3: With Black Friday behind us, think red, specifically scarlet, and support CFAES students by buying poinsettias: CFAES is hosting two poinsettia sales this week. The Columbus campus sale is Dec. 4–5 and benefits the CFAES chapter of Pi Alpha Xi, the national honor society for horticulture students. The Wooster campus sale, Dec. 6–7, supports greenhouse and floriculture students at Ohio State ATI. Watch for details at facebook.com/PAXOSU and ati.osu.edu, or call 614-688-3479 (Columbus sale) or 330-287-1243 (Wooster sale).

December 2019

4 Environmental Professionals Network breakfast program, “Digging in With Ohio’s Soil Experts,” 7:15–9:30 a.m., Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, 2201 Fred Taylor Drive, Ohio State, Columbus, Ohio. Event will feature talks by Ohio soil scientists and educators on creating, preserving, and enhancing healthy soils. Registration is $10, which includes breakfast, or is free for students. Details: jackson.1457@osu.edu or go.osu.edu/decepn19.

4 Processed Meats Product Show, 9:15–11:15 a.m., 117 Animal Science Building, 2029 Fyffe Road, Ohio State, Columbus. A variety of meat products developed and produced by CFAES students will be available for tasting and judging. All products are inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and are properly labeled. The students all developed a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points safety plan, and a marketing and advertising plan for the products. The show is part of a class taught by Macdonald Wick, a CFAES associate professor. Also on display will be other products produced by the class throughout the year, including various types of jerky, loaves, ham, bacon, deli-oven roasted chicken breast, roast beef, and beef pastrami. Students practice their final products at least once before the presentation.

4–5 Pi Alpha Xi Poinsettia Sale, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Howlett Greenhouse, 680 Vernon Tharp St., Ohio State, Columbus, Ohio. Annual sale benefitting the CFAES chapter of Pi Alpha Xi, the national honor society for horticulture students. Details: facebook.com/PAXOSUpialphaxi@gmail.com

5–8 Forestry Forum Christmas Tree Sale, noon to dark Dec. 5–6, 8 a.m. to dark Dec. 7–8. Annual sale of pines, firs, and others by the students of CFAES’ Forestry Forum, an official student chapter of the Society of American Foresters and the International Society of Arboriculture. Proceeds go to support the group’s scholarships and activities. Details: go.osu.edu/forestryforumatosu

6–7 Ohio State ATI Flower Shop and Greenhouse Holiday Sale, noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 6, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 7, Ohio State ATI, 1328 Dover Road, Wooster, Ohio. Annual sale featuring poinsettias in many sizes, types, and colors, including unusual poinsettia trees, all grown by Ohio State ATI greenhouse management students; potted plants grown by Greenhouse Club students; and holiday designs created by floral design and marketing students. Details: 330-287-1243.  

9 Livestock Mortality Composting, noon to 2 p.m., Mahoning County office of OSU Extension, 490 S. Broad St., Canfield. Poultry, dairy, swine, beef cattle, and other livestock producers wanting to learn economically and environmentally beneficial ways to handle the death of their animals can earn livestock mortality composting certification through a course offered by CFAES experts. Registration is $10 and includes lunch, materials, and handouts. Details: 330-533-5538.

14 Guided Bird Walk, 9–11 a.m., Seaman Orientation Plaza, Secrest Arboretum, Wooster campus, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, Ohio. Led by members of Greater Mohican Audubon Society. Open to birdwatchers of all experience levels. Free admission. Details: go.osu.edu/Bd99

January 2020

9 Ohio Commercial Pesticide Recertification Conference, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dayton Convention Center, 22 East Fifth St., Dayton, Ohio. Sponsored by OSU Extension and the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Attending the entire day is necessary to meet the five hours required for an Ohio commercial license. Registration for conference is $90 before Jan. 2, 2020, $115 after that date, and includes lunch. On-site registration is $100 but does not include lunch. Details: go.osu.edu/cpestDayton.

16–17 Greenhouse Management Workshop, “Sustainable and Safe Crop Production,” Shisler Conference Center, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster campus. The annual workshop, now in its 22nd year, will offer more than a dozen technical sessions on how to maintain and optimize crop production, reduce chemical inputs on ornamental crops, and use Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) to keep hydroponic crops free of foodborne pathogens. Managing pests, diseases, lighting, temperature, and humidity will be among the subjects covered. Registration to attend in person is $150 by Jan. 3, 2020, and $175 after that date. The cost includes all sessions, tours, and continental breakfast and lunch both days. Lodging is extra. Registration to attend by webinar is $90 by Jan. 3, 2020, and $115 after that date. The cost includes the general session and concurrent sessions both days. Details: go.osu.edu/greenhouseworkshop20.

24 Ohio Commercial Pesticide Recertification Conference, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Kalahari Conference Center, 7000 Kalahari Drive, Sandusky, Ohio. Sponsored by OSU Extension and the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Attending the entire day is necessary to meet the five hours required for an Ohio commercial license. Registration for conference is $90 before Jan. 2, 2020, $115 after that date, and includes lunch. On-site registration is $100 but does not include lunch. Details: go.osu.edu/cpestSandusky.

 

Writer(s): 
CFAES News Team
614-292-2270