Tip 1: Preparing for new rules on dealing with dicamba: Anyone who buys, handles, or applies certain dicamba products on a growing crop that’s resistant to the weed killer now has to be a licensed pesticide applicator and has to take dicamba training. These new requirements aim to reduce the potential for dicamba to drift onto sensitive crops. The Environmental Protection Agency on Oct. 31 required changes to labels of three dicamba products: Xtendimax, Engenia, and FeXapan. The changes detail additional stipulations on when and how to use the product to try to protect nearby fields. Staff affiliated with the Ohio State University Pesticide Safety Education Program have prepared training videos to assist growers in preparing for the Core Pesticide applicator exam. Ohio State University Extension educators also are offering training courses around the state for the Core and agronomic weed control exams. OSU Extension is the outreach arm of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES). For more information regarding the new pesticide applicator training courses and videos and dicamba training dates, visit go.osu.edu/pesticideclasses. Jenny Andon, program manager for the Pesticide Safety Education Program, can address questions about the changes to the dicamba label. Andon can be reached at andon.1@osu.edu or 614-292-4070.
Tip 2: Beannut Butter entrepreneur: Sara Steinbrunner, a senior in CFAES, has developed an alternative to peanut butter for anyone allergic to nuts: a garbanzo bean spread that is free of the eight most common allergens. Steinbrunner and business partner Taylor Crooks are producing, marketing, and selling the spreads, called Beannut Butter, all while Steinbrunner is still a student. For an article on Steinbrunner that can be republished, visit go.osu.edu/beannut.
February 2019 events
12 Environmental Professionals Network, 7:15–9:30 a.m., Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, 2201 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus, Ohio. Program will address “Pursuing Equity and Inclusion Within Environmental Organizations.” Facilitated by Marcelo Bonta Consulting, LLC. Registration: $10 for nonmembers; free for members and students. For details and to register: go.osu.edu/DEI.
13 Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) Training, 9 a.m. to noon, hardware store north of County Line Auction, 10150 Spencer Road (State Route 301), West Salem, Ohio. Covers GAPs that reduce the risk of on-farm produce contamination. A no-technology training especially for members of the Plain community. Registration by Feb. 6: $30. Details: 330-264-8722 or go.osu.edu/ChQV.
13 Agricultural Outlook Meeting, 5:30–9 p.m., Wayside Chapel, 2341 Kerstetter Road, Bucyrus, Ohio. Discussion of issues and trends affecting Ohio agriculture. Speakers will be Barry Ward, Ben Brown, and Ian Sheldon from OSU Extension and CFAES’ Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics. Registration: $15. Register by Feb. 5 by contacting the Crawford County office of OSU Extension, 419-562-8731, hartschuh.11@osu.edu. Details: crawford.osu.edu.
14–16 Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) Annual Conference, Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. 5th St., Dayton, Ohio. Ohio’s largest conference on sustainable food and farming. Features nearly 80 workshops plus special events and locally sourced meals. Registration rates vary. Details: oeffa.org/conference2019.
14 Digging into Soil Health: What Tests Can Tell Us About Our Soil, 1–4:30 p.m., Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. 5th St., Dayton, Ohio. Workshop by CFAES scientists on soil testing and improving soil health. Presented as part of OEFFA Annual Conference, but registration is free and open to the public. Register for the workshop in advance by calling 614-947-1606, or register at the door. Workshop registration is separate from conference registration. Details: go.osu.edu/OEFFASoilHealth2019.
20 Ohio Livestock Mortality Composting Certification Training, 7 p.m., OSU Learning Center, Darke County office of OSU Extension, 603 Wagner Ave., Greenville, Ohio. Preregistration is required by Feb. 13. The fee is $10. Details: 937-548-5215, go.osu.edu/CnPJ.
20 Ohio Marina Conference, 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Catawba Island Club, 4235 E. Beach Club Road, Port Clinton, Ohio. For marina owners and operators. Offers professional development training and updates on environmental regulations, best practices, lake levels, fisheries, and more. Registration is $30, which includes lunch, refreshments, and information materials. Details: 419-609-4120, go.osu.edu/CnNq.
20 Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) Training, 12:30–3:30 p.m., Henry Hostetler Farm, 9876 Firestone Road, Homerville, Ohio. Covers GAPs that reduce the risk of on-farm produce contamination. A no-technology training especially for members of the Plain community. Preregistration by Feb. 14: $30. Details: 330-264-8722, go.osu.edu/ChQb.
20 Guided Winter Walk, 2–3 p.m., Seaman Orientation Plaza, Secrest Arboretum, OARDC, CFAES Wooster Campus, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, Ohio. Featuring plants including witchhazel, Lenten rose, conifers, native grasses, and parrotia. Free. Details: 330-263-3761, go.osu.edu/Ch3D.
21–March 28 Annie’s Project: Risk Management Education for Farm Women. Offered by OSU Extension in Summit and Portage counties, the six-week program held each Thursday offers in-depth sessions to educate women entrepreneurs so they are prepared to make farm management decisions. Preregister by Feb. 14. Registration is $100 per person and includes all materials and dinners. Registration is limited to 25 women. Details: 330-296-6432 or christensen.227@osu.edu.
22 Ohio Commercial Pesticide Applicator Recertification Conference, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Kalahari Conference Center, 7000 Kalahari Drive Sandusky, Ohio 44870. Preregistration for conference only: $89 by Feb. 15. Preregistration for conference with lunch: $109 by Feb. 15. On-site registration for conference only: $100. No lunch available with on-site registration. Details: go.osu.edu/pestrecert.
22 Shrubs for the Landscape, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Jack and Deb Miller Pavilion, Secrest Arboretum, OARDC, CFAES Wooster Campus, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, Ohio. Details about the many kinds of shrubs and how to combine them for beautiful, sustainable landscapes. Registration TBA. Details: 330-263-3761, go.osu.edu/Ch3B.
23 Spring Workshop: Gardening at Your Doorstep, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Williams on the Lake, 787 Lafayette Road, Medina, Ohio. Presentations on herbs, hostas, and keynote by author Debra Knapke called “Simplifying Your Garden Without Diminishing Joy!” Registration: $55; includes continental breakfast, buffet lunch, and refreshments. Details: 330-725-4911, go.osu.edu/Ch29.
26 Ohio AgrAbility Workshop: Building Independence Through Agriculture, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, 2201 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus, Ohio. This workshop will focus on agriculture and horticulture as viable work options for individuals with developmental disabilities. Speakers and panelists will provide insight on adaptive employment models and will identify resources and assistive technology to support workers in these settings. Registration: $50 by Feb. 20 deadline. Details: 614-292-0622, go.osu.edu/CnZX.
26 Ohio Commercial Pesticide Applicator Recertification Conference, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High St., Columbus, Ohio. Preregistration for conference only: $89 by Feb. 19. Preregistration for conference with lunch: $109 by Feb. 19. On-site registration for conference only: $100. No lunch available with on-site registration. Details: go.osu.edu/ChQg.
27 An Evening with Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Laboratory, 7–9 p.m., Longaberger Alumni House, Ohio State 2200 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio. Presentations about Ohio Sea Grant and The Ohio State University Stone Laboratory, silent auction and merchandise sales supporting student scholarships, and cash bar and hors d’oeuvres. Free admission. Details and registration: 614-247-6684, go.osu.edu/CnJV.
28 Your Woodland Management Options and Legal Responsibilities, 6–8:30 p.m., the Crawford County office of OSU Extension, 112 E. Mansfield St., Bucyrus, Ohio. Workshop designed to help woodland owners manage their timber, wildlife, and more. Registration: $15. Registration deadline: Feb. 25. Details: 614-688-3421, go.osu.edu/Ch27.
28 CFAES Alumni & Friends DC Networking & Happy Hour, 5–8 p.m., Penn Commons, 700 6th St., NW, Washington, D.C. Free. Networking, socializing, and updates for CFAES alumni and friends. Free. Registering in advance is helpful but not required. To register, email CFAESalumni@osu.edu or call 614-292-0250. Details: badger.50@osu.edu, go.osu.edu/CnJN.
March 2019 events
2 Ohio Charter Captains Conference, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Cedar Point Conference Center, Bowling Green State University Firelands Campus, University Drive, Huron, Ohio. Updates on Lake Erie’s 2019 fishing outlook, environmental conditions, licensing, regulations, and business management. Specifically geared to Lake Erie charter captains and their businesses, but open to the public. Preregistration is required by Feb. 22. The fee is $45. Details: 419-607-4046, go.osu.edu/CnNv.
5–6 Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. March 5, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 6, at the McIntosh Center, Ohio Northern University, 402 West College Ave., Ada, Ohio. Annual conference for farmers and producers. Registration: $65 by Feb. 21 for one day or $85 for both days. Late registration: $80 for one day or $105 for both days. Details: 419-674-2297, ctc.osu.edu.
6 Ohio Woodland, Water, and Wildlife Conference, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Mid-Ohio Conference Center, 890 W. Fourth St., Mansfield, Ohio. Annual conference designed for natural resource professionals and land managers. Registration: $60 by Feb. 21; $80 after Feb. 21. Details: 614-688-3421, go.osu.edu/Ch23.
7 Pruning Workshop, 9 a.m. to noon, Jack and Deb Miller Pavilion, Secrest Arboretum, OARDC, CFAES Wooster Campus, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, Ohio. Introductory workshop covering basic pruning techniques, including timing, tools, and proper cuts. Outdoor practice included. Focus will be on landscape trees and shrubs; fruit trees will not be covered. Registration: $25 for members of Friends of Secrest Arboretum; $30 for nonmembers. Details: 330-263-3761, go.osu.edu/Ch2v.
9 Wool Judge Workshop II, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Animal Science Building, 2029 Fyffe Road, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. This training workshop has been developed to assist sheep show ring judges in their evaluation of fleece quality with the wool breeds of sheep. Registration: $20 by March 1; includes lunch. Open to the first 35 registrants. Details: go.osu.edu/CkyV.
11 Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) Training, 1–4 p.m., Washington County office of OSU Extension, 202 Davis Ave., Marietta, Ohio. Covers GAPs that reduce the risk of on-farm produce contamination. Registration by March 4: $30. Limited to 20 participants. Details: 740-376-7431, go.osu.edu/CnN5.
12 Livestock Mortality Composting Certification Training, noon to 2 p.m., Robert Fulton Agriculture Center, 8770 State Route 108, Wauseon, Ohio. Registration: $15; includes lunch. Details: 419-337-9210, go.osu.edu/CnKB.
13 Better Together: Connecting Invasive Plant Management and Research, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, Ohio State, 2201 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus, Ohio. Research conference and annual meeting of Ohio Invasive Plants Council. Registration: $35; includes morning refreshments, lunch, and conference materials. Details and link to register: go.osu.edu/CnJg.
13 Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) Training, 1–4 p.m., hardware store north of County Line Auction, 10150 Spencer Road (State Route 301), West Salem, Ohio. Covers GAPs that reduce the risk of on-farm produce contamination. A no-technology training especially for members of the Plain community. Registration by March 6: $30. Details: 330-264-8722, go.osu.edu/Ch2g.
13 Tree Walk, 1–2 p.m., Seaman Orientation Plaza, Secrest Arboretum, OARDC, CFAES Wooster Campus, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, Ohio. Featuring a variety of topics including selection, planting, diseases, and pests. Free. Details: 330-263-3761, go.osu.edu/Ch2S.
16 Seeds for Success: Northwest Ohio Small Farm Conference and Trade Show, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Northwest State Community College, 22600 State Route 34, Archbold, Ohio. Designed for beginning and small farm owners. Workshops and seminars taught by OSU Extension professionals and industry leaders will be offered on subjects related to horticulture, farm management, livestock, specialty crops, and more. A trade show will feature vendors unique to small farms. Registration: $60 by March 1; $30 for those under 18; includes lunch. Details: go.osu.edu/Ckyq.
18 Organic Vegetable School, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Moebius Nature Center, 929 E. Mennonite Road, Aurora, Ohio. Join industry experts and researchers for a full day of the latest information on organic vegetable production for your small farm. Registration: $25 by March 11; includes lunch. Details: go.osu.edu/Cky3.
21 Cool Season Annuals Sale, 3–6 p.m., Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens, Ohio State, Howlett Hall, 2001 Fyffe Court, Columbus, Ohio. Features cool-season flowers and vegetables. Proceeds benefit arboretum’s students, programs, and gardens. Free admission. Details: go.osu.edu/CnJZ.
22 Agricultural Outlook Meeting, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Romer’s Catering, 118 E. Main St., Greenville, Ohio. Discussion of issues and trends affecting Ohio agriculture. Speakers will be Barry Ward, Ben Brown, David Marrison, and Ian Sheldon from OSU Extension and CFAES’ Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics. Registration: $20. Register by March 16 by calling the Darke County office of OSU Extension, 937-548-5215. Details: go.osu.edu/CjCz.
25 Ohio Agritourism Conference and Trade Show, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Maize Valley, 6193 Edison St. NE, Hartville, Ohio. Learn about the latest trends and topics impacting the agritourism industry, explore options for your farm, and visit a premier Ohio agritourism operation: Maize Valley Winery, Craft Brewery, Farmers Market and Family Fun Zone. Details: go.osu.edu/agritourismconference2019.
28 First Annual Impact Assembly, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Tri-Rivers Career Center, 2222 Marion-Mt. Gilead Road, Marion, Ohio. The assembly, which is being put on by the Marion County office of OSU Extension and United Way of North Central Ohio, will bring together land-grant universities, funders, community partners, and residents for a dialogue to tackle social issues. Topics to be discussed will include land-grant university involvement, results-based accountability, asset-based community development, and equity and inclusion. Registration: $50. Scholarships are available upon request. Registration is open from Feb. 15–Mar. 22. Details: Contact Whitney Gherman, gherman.12@osu.edu, 740-223-4040, or visit go.osu.edu/impactassembly
29–30 Opening Doors to Success: Small Farm Conference and Trade Show, Ohio State University South Centers, 1864 Shyville Road, Piketon, Ohio. For small farm owners wanting to learn more about how to make their farms work better for them. Also offers optional hops workshop and Food Safety Modernization Act training. Registrations fees vary. Details: 740-289-2071, go.osu.edu/OSUFarmConference2019.
April 2019 events
10 Tree Walk, 1–2 p.m., Seaman Orientation Plaza, Secrest Arboretum, OARDC, CFAES Wooster Campus, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, Ohio. Features a range of tree-related topics including selection, planting, pests, and diseases. Details: 330-263-3761.
13 Guided Bird Walk, 9–11 a.m., Seaman Orientation Plaza, Secrest Arboretum, OARDC, CFAES Wooster Campus, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, Ohio. For birdwatchers of all skill levels. Led by members of Greater Mohican Audubon Society. Free. Details: 330-263-3761, go.osu.edu/CnH7.
24 Guided Spring Walk, 2–3 p.m., Seaman Orientation Plaza, Secrest Arboretum, OARDC, CFAES Wooster Campus, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, Ohio. Features early blooming plants and other signs of spring. Free. Details: 330-263-3761, go.osu.edu/CnHz.