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Jan. 14, 2019
Tip 1: Soybean Prices Rebounding? Soybean prices showed early strength at the start of the New Year, in part because of lower estimates of soybean production in Brazil, the world’s top supplier. The rise may also be because of optimism over a potential trade deal with China, the leading soybean consumer in the world, said Ben Brown, manager of the farm management program in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University (CFAES). The recent price increases are a welcome change in a market that has contended with a dip in prices over the past six months. Brown is available to discuss the price trends and provide future projections. He can be reached at brown.6888@osu.edu, 614-688-8686, or 660-492-7574 (cell). Brown and others from CFAES’ Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics will discuss the economic outlook for farmers in a series of meetings across the state.
Tip 2: Farms and Fun: Opening up a farm to the public can bring in additional income for farmers, but it could also bring headaches if farmers are not fully versed on how to reduce the risk of lawsuits. Pumpkin patches, Christmas tree lots, and corn mazes, among other tourist activities, all come with the potential for injuries. Peggy Hall, an associate professor and agricultural and resource law field specialist with Ohio State University Extension, can address questions from the media about the nature of the risks associated with a farm and how farmers can reduce those risks through various measures including insurance plans and best management practices. Hall and Eric Barrett, an OSU Extension educator in Mahoning County, will address the issue during a webinar Wednesday. For details on the webinar, see go.osu.edu/farmsandfun. Hall can be reached at hall.673@osu.edu or 937-645-3123. OSU Extension is the outreach arm of CFAES.
JANUARY 2019 EVENTS
15 Environmental Professionals Network, 7:15 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, 2201 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus, Ohio. Breakfast program will address “Climate Action: Our Local Response to a Global Challenge.” Facilitated by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, a group of community leaders across public and private sectors who are making targeted efforts to mitigate and adapt to greenhouse gas-induced climate change. Registration: $10 for nonmembers; free for members and students. For details and to register: go.osu.edu/ChPQ.
15 Food Safety Document Development for Small Food Processors Workshop, Dayton, Ohio, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the Montgomery County office of OSU Extension, Calumet Center, 580 Calumet Lane, Dayton, Ohio. Workshop for small (less than $1 million in annual sales) producers of fermented, canned, and other shelf-stable foods. Offers an opportunity for processors to develop their food safety documentation in small groups with individual coaching from instructors. Registration: $25 by Jan. 10; includes lunch and materials. Details: go.osu.edu/Ch4Q.
15 Ohio Commercial Pesticide Recertification Conference, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., John S. Knight Center, 77 E. Mill St., Akron, Ohio. For individuals who hold a current commercial pesticide license. Co-sponsored by OSU Extension and Ohio Department of Agriculture. Preregistration by Jan. 8: $89 for conference only; $109 for conference plus lunch. On-site registration: $100 with no lunch available. Registration includes morning and afternoon conference breaks and conference proceedings book. Details: go.osu.edu/Ce3x.
15 OSU Extension New and Small Farm College, Vinton County, 6–9 p.m., Community Building, 31935 State Route 93, McArthur, Ohio. Eight-week program introducing new and seasoned farmers to a variety of topics. Learn how to get the most out of your acres and how to manage financial and farm records. Registration: $150 per person; includes resources, meals, dessert, and one soil sample evaluation. Enrollment deadline is Jan. 8. Details: go.osu.edu/CekS.
16 Farms and Fun: Reducing Liability Risk for Agritourism, noon–1 p.m., webinar. Hosted by the National Agricultural Law Center. Presenters: Peggy Hall, an associate professor and agricultural and resource law field specialist with OSU Extension, and Eric Barrett, an assistant professor in CFAES and an educator in the Mahoning County office of OSU Extension. Free. Details: go.osu.edu/farmsandfun.
16 Columbus Green Drinks, 6–8 p.m., Ohio State’s Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, 2201 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus, Ohio. Hosted by CFAES’ Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens. A casual monthly networking event open to the public. Focused on green living and sustainability with several guest speakers. Billed as a “keystone in Columbus’ eco-conscious culture.” Beer, nonalcoholic beverages, and light snacks provided. Donations of $5–10 by working professionals encouraged. Details: go.osu.edu/Ch4N.
16 OSU Extension New and Small Farm College, Adams County, 6–9 p.m., North Adams High School, 96 Green Devil Drive, Seaman, Ohio. Eight-week program introducing new and seasoned farmers to a variety of topics. Learn how to get the most out of your acres and how to manage financial and farm records. Registration: $150 per person; includes resources, meals, dessert, and one soil sample evaluation. Enrollment deadline is Jan. 8. Details: go.osu.edu/CekZ.
17–18 Greenhouse Management Workshop, “Root Zone Optimization,” 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 17, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 18. Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC), 1680 Madison Ave., CFAES Wooster campus. Speakers from CFAES, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and industry on topics including biostimulants and container culture for ornamentals. Registration to attend in person is $175 and includes all sessions, tours, and breakfast and lunch both days. Registration to attend via webinar is $125 and includes general sessions and one concurrent session each day. Details: go.osu.edu/greenhouse19 and go.osu.edu/Ce4D.
17 Agricultural Outlook Meeting, 8 a.m. to noon, Der Dutchman, 445 S. Jefferson Ave., Plain City, Ohio. Registration: $15. Discussion of issues and trends affecting Ohio agriculture. Speakers will be Barry Ward, Ben Brown, Ian Sheldon, and Aaron Wilson from OSU Extension and CFAES’ Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics. Register by Jan. 10 by calling the Union County office of OSU Extension, 937-644-8117. Details: union.osu.edu.
17 Ohio Maple Days, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lutheran Memorial Camp, 2790 State Route 61, Fulton, Ohio. Educational sessions on maple syrup production timed to help producers prepare for their coming season. Featured speakers will cover recent weather effects, new research, spout and tubing sanitation, and implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Preregistration is $35 and includes lunch; the deadline to preregister is Jan. 11. Registration at the door might not include lunch. Details: 330-674-3015, go.osu.edu/Ch3n.
18 Ohio Maple Days, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mennonite Christian Assembly Church, 10664 Fryburg Road, Fredericksburg, Ohio. Educational sessions on maple syrup production timed to help producers prepare for their coming season. Featured speakers will cover recent weather effects, new research, spout and tubing sanitation, and implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Preregistration is $35 and includes lunch; the deadline to preregister is Jan. 11. Registration at the door might not include lunch. Details: 330-674-3015, go.osu.edu/Ch3n.
18 Corn and Soybean Day, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Founder’s Hall at Sauder Village, 22611 State Route 2, Archbold, Ohio. Registration: $35 by Jan. 7, $50 after Jan. 7. OSU Extension educators will discuss the On-Field Ohio project, cover crops, farm management decisions for sustainability, using eFields to drive nitrogen decisions, spring wheat management, soybean traits and pest concerns, and grain storage issues. Details: go.osu.edu/ChPS.
19 Ohio Maple Days, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Huntsburg Community Center, 12396 Madison Road, Middlefield (new location from last year). Educational sessions on maple syrup production timed to help producers prepare for their coming season. Featured speakers will cover recent weather effects, new research, spout and tubing sanitation, and implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Preregistration is $35 and includes lunch; the deadline to preregister is Jan. 11. Registration at the door might not include lunch. Details: 330-674-3015, go.osu.edu/Ch3n.
21 Lake Erie Day at the Progressive Mid-America Boat Show, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., I-X Center, 1 I-X Drive, Cleveland. $1 from the sale of each ticket will be donated to The Ohio State University Stone Laboratory to support student scholarships. Tickets: Adults (over 12), $14; seniors (over 60), $12; children 12 and under free. The boat show overall runs from Jan. 17–21; hours vary by day. Experts from Ohio State’s Ohio Sea Grant program will be at the event Jan. 19–21 to share information and to host children’s activities. Details: go.osu.edu/CeD5 and clevelandboatshow.com.
24 Grafting Workshop, 8 a.m. to noon, Jack and Deb Miller Pavilion, Secrest Arboretum, OARDC, CFAES Wooster Campus, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, Ohio. Features the what, why, and how of plant grafting. Includes hands-on practice. Rootstocks and scions are provided. Participants can take home their grafted plants. Registration: $35 for members of Friends of Secrest Arboretum; $45 for nonmembers. Preregistration required. Details: 330-263-3761, go.osu.edu/Ch3j.
24 Agricultural Outlook Meeting, 9 a.m. to noon, St. Mary’s Hall, 46 E. Main St., Wakeman, Ohio. Discussion of issues and trends affecting Ohio agriculture. Speakers will be Barry Ward, Ben Brown, and David Marrison from OSU Extension and CFAES’ Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics. Registration is free by Jan. 22 and $20 after Jan. 22. Register by calling the Huron County office of OSU Extension, 419-668-8219. Details: huron.osu.edu.
28 Agricultural Outlook Meeting, 6–9 p.m., Jewell Community Center, 7900 Independence Road, Jewell, Ohio. Discussion of issues and trends affecting Ohio agriculture. Speakers will be Ian Sheldon, Ben Brown, and Aaron Wilson from OSU Extension and CFAES’ Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics. Registration is $10 by Jan. 22 and $20 after Jan. 22. Register by calling the Defiance County office of OSU Extension, 419-782-4771. Details: defiance.osu.edu.
29 Food Safety Document Development for Small Food Processors, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Cleveland Culinary Food Hub, 7501 Carnegie Ave., Cleveland. Workshop for small (less than $1 million in annual sales) producers of fermented, canned, and other shelf-stable foods. Offers an opportunity for processors to develop their food safety documentation in small groups with individual coaching from instructors. Registration: $25 by Jan. 24. Details: go.osu.edu/ChPZ.
30 Master Gardener Volunteers Training, 9 a.m., the Portage County office of OSU Extension, 705 Oakwood St., Suite 103, Ravenna, Ohio. Registration: $225, which includes all materials. Details: go.osu.edu/Cekd. Application: go.osu.edu/Cekj.
30 Agricultural Outlook Meeting, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Fisher Auditorium, OARDC, CFAES Wooster Campus, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, Ohio. Discussion of issues and trends affecting Ohio agriculture. Speakers will be Ian Sheldon, Ben Brown, Barry Ward, Dianne Shoemaker, David Marrison, and Kenneth Burdine from OSU Extension and CFAES’ Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics. Registration: $15. Register by Jan. 24 by calling the Wayne County office of OSU Extension, 330-264-8722. Details: wayne.osu.edu.
FEBRUARY 2019 EVENTS
5 Southern Ohio Specialty Crop Conference, 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., Oasis Conference Center, 902 Loveland Miamiville Road, Loveland, Ohio. Offers 15 sessions by CFAES scientists on topics including fruits, vegetables, pests, and cultural practices. Pesticide recertification credits available. Registration: $50. Registration deadline: Feb. 1. Space limited to 75; no walk-in registration available. Details: go.osu.edu/Ch3b.
5 Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) Training, 12:30–3:30 p.m., Mt. Hope Farmers Produce Auction, 8076 OH 241, Mt. Hope, Ohio. Covers GAPs that reduce the risk of on-farm produce contamination. Available to members of both the Plain and English communities. Preregistration by Jan. 30 is $30. Registration is also available at the door. Details: go.osu.edu/ChQJ or call 330-264-8722.
7 Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) Training, 6–9 p.m., Local Roots Market and Café, 140. S. Walnut St., Wooster, Ohio. Covers GAPs that reduce the risk of on-farm produce contamination. Registration: $30. Details: go.osu.edu/ChQS.
8 Economic Nationalism and Trade Conference, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Ohio State’s William B. Saxbe Law Auditorium, 55 W. 12th Ave., Columbus, Ohio. Detailed look at the legal, business, and economic consequences of U.S. trade policy. More than a dozen guest speakers representing a cross-section of expertise. Free. Details and link to register: go.osu.edu/Ch3X. Registration deadline: Jan. 31.
9 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/Ch3Q.
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.
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.
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: $45 by Jan. 31; $55 after Jan. 31; includes continental breakfast, buffet lunch, and refreshments. Details: 330-725-4911, go.osu.edu/Ch29.
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.
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.
MARCH 2019 EVENTS
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.
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.
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.
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