Farm Forecast & Review 2015

FARM

forecast and REVIEW

2015

Thursday, February 26, 2015 The Crescent-News

1

2 Farm Forecast The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015

Ag appreciation, hall of fame breakfast set in DefianceThe Defiance SWCD, OSU

Extension Office and Defiance Chamber of Commerce are hosting the annual Ag Appreciation and Hall of Fame Breakfast on March 18 from 8-10 a.m. at the Defiance Knights of Columbus Hall on Elliott Road.

Everyone in the community is welcome to attend with a farmers’ share breakfast being offered for $3

per person. Keynote speaker Randy Frazier will be sharing “What I’ve Learned from 9,000 Years of Farming...”

A native of Arkansas, Frazier was raised on a family farm in Arkansas County. In addition to a 30-year leadership/manage-ment career with the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, he has served as a fully commis-

sioned law enforcement officer, a Mountain Rescue Team member, an EMT instructor, and a certified self-defense instructor.

In the 1990s, he became a nation-ally recognized motivational speaker and trainer and has been a featured speaker in more than 40 states. His unique perspective, combined with humor and a heart-felt message about the resiliency and adaptability of farmers, is guaranteed to change how we all think about agriculture.

Frazier’s message will be fol-lowed by the induction of three new members to the Ag Hall of Fame.

In addition, a representative from Northwest State Community College will be unveiling the col-lege’s new associate of technical studies in crop and soil manage-ment degree in partnership with the OSU Agricultural Technical Institute. Call the OSU Extension Office at 419-782-4771 to register for the event.

Will be held March 18, Frazier to speak

2

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The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015 Farm Forecast 3

Revenue protection coverage available for farmersThe USDA Farm Service

Agency (FSA) will help farmers manage the risks of possible low yields or low prices by offering revenue protection coverage and helping producers under-stand the options with the new Federal Farm Program. The key word is “cover-age.” The new five-year farm program is like insur-ance coverage except that there is no premium charge according to John Gaynor, FSA director for Fulton and Lucas counties.

Farmers and landowners will be faced with a few decisions that will carry through 2018. There are three steps for participation. First, there is an opportu-nity to review records on file at the local FSA office for each farm in order to update yields or reallocate base acres by the deadline of Feb. 27.

Base acre reallocation can be done without updating yields or updating yields can be done without real-locating base acres. Then a program option may be elected by no later than the election deadline of March 31. And finally, later after the election deadline, the farm must be enrolled in the program annually in order to fully participate. The enrollment period and

enrollment deadline have yet to be announced.

Staff members at the local FSA office will go over the federal legislation bet-ter known as the Farm Bill with farmers and landown-ers explaining the details of each option. The fed-eral program is designed to manage economic risk through protection options. The options are titled the Price Loss Coverage (PLC), the County Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC-CO), or the Individual Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC-IC). These program options do not have any-thing to do with Federal Crop Insurance (FCI) policies sold by private agents with one exception. Private agents will offer the one exception known

as Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) but only if the election for the crop is PLC.

The first two of the three participation steps are optional and one time events. If a producer does not want to conduct a review and provide a certi-fication to update yields or reallocate the acres between crops, the yields and base acres on record at FSA will automatically carry over from the previous farm bill. If a producer does not want to make a decision on the program options, the farm on record with FSA will automatically default to the PLC option on all crops. However, there is a big drawback with default-ing. Default will not per-mit participation for 2014. Participation for defaulted

farms will be limited to the years 2015 through 2018 if the farmer enrolls the farm in the program each year.

Gaynor asked, “If free insurance was offered on a tractor and a farmer took the offer, why ignore this farm program coverage?”

For more information about PLC and ARC, inter-ested parties may go online to www.usda.gov/fsa/arc-plc. Farmers and farmland owners should contact their local FSA office without delay.

Gaynor added, “It takes a bit of time to go through all the updating, reallocat-ing, and questions about the program options and pro-ducers should avoid long lines by not waiting until the last minute before dead-lines.”

Ag-LINK applications accepted until March 16Celebrating its 30th year

of assisting Ohio’s agribusi-nesses, Ag-LINK applica-tions will be accepted online at www.OhioTreasurer.gov/agLINK until March 16.

“Agriculture is at the heart of Ohio’s strength and farmers work hard to pro-vide the food found on our families’ kitchen tables,” said Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel. “Their work helps make Ohio strong.”

Through Ag-LINK, now in its 30th year of exis-tence, Ohio’s agribusiness-es can apply for an inter-est rate reduction on new or existing loans or lines of credit up to $150,000. Applications are accepted on an annual basis, this year from Jan. 15-March 16. Lenders must complete and submit applications online on behalf of their borrow-ers at www.ohiotreasurer.gov/AgLINK. When an application is accepted, the Ohio treasurer’s office places an investment with the financial institution for one year. In turn, the lend-

er lowers the interest rate on the agribusiness’ loan

according to the rate reduc-tion established annually

by the treasurer’s office.• AG-LINK, Page 4

3

05080 Wonderly Rd.Hicksville

419-658-8423

Channel Seed • Stine Seed • Emerge Seed • Chemicals • Custom Application • Dry Fertilizer • Liquid Fertilizer • NH3

• GPS Soil Testing • Consulting • GPS Fertilizer & Lime Application

Let us help you build on your successCall: Mike Cook, Joe Lucas or Tom Pendleton

We strive to offer the best products to produce the most profitable results.

Advertiser indexAg Irrigation LLC ....................................6Archbold Equipment ..............................7Archbold Radiator, LLC .......................39Arps Dairy, Inc. ....................................11Bashore, Reineck, Stoller & Waterman .7Baughman Tile Co., Inc. ......................23Beltone Hearing Aid Center ................32Big C Lumber .......................................19Brookview Farms ................................. 6Buckeye Application ..............................9Burtch Seed Co., Inc ...........................24Citizens National Bank .........................20Crop Production Services ....................15Culligan Sales & Service of NW Ohio .36Custom Agri System ............................10Dan Limber Auctions ...........................21Defiance Hearing Aid Center ..............30Dilly Door ................................................8Estle Chevrolet Cadillac.......................13Farm Credit Mid America ....................39 Farmers & Merchants State Bank .......22 First Federal Bank ............................... 24Fitzenrider Inc. .....................................27Freedom Sales & Rental. .....................11Gaerte Ag Service ...............................27Harvest Farm Management .................38Helena Chemical Co. ...........................27Hi-Tech Foundations ............................17Hicksville Grain Co. .............................31Holgate Implement Sales ....................21Innovative Ag Management ................ 3J & B Feed Co. ......................................4J & J Ag Equipment, LLC ....................20Jewell Grain ........................................ 39Kauser Trucking Service ......................26Kenn-feld Group ..................................15Kohart Recycling, Inc. .........................28Laurels of Defiance ..............................40M.W. Concrete .....................................30Machinery Service Company & Auto.35Mercer Landmark ................................34Meyer Building .......................................5 Miller Construction ...............................26Miller Land Application, Inc. ................33Morton Buiildings .................................28N & R & G Reclycling Inc. ...................21Ney Oil Co. .......................................... 33Ohio Farm Bureau ...............................31Ohio Gas Co. ..................................... 12Progressive Auto Parts ........................25Ridgeville Elevator ...............................34Roehrs-McMillen Insurance .................17Rupp/Rosebrock ............................18, 29Schwab Builders, Inc. ............................4Scranton Insurance Agency ................20Sherwood State Bank ..........................19Sines Excavating .................................14Slattery Oil Company, Inc. ...................34Spartan Insurance Co. ........................ 6Spyker Contracting Inc, .......................37State Bank. .......................................... 14Stykemain Buick GMC ...........................2The Hicksville Bank..............................16Wagner Farms & Sawmill ....................28Williamson Insurance Agency .............23Woolace Electric Corp. ..........................9


This is the third year in which the Ag-LINK appli-cation process is available exclusively online. By leveraging technology, the treasurer’s office is working to better serve both the participants of Ag-LINK and the lenders.

In order to participate in Ag-LINK, applicants must be for-profit and be headquartered, along with more than half of their operations main-tained, in Ohio. To qual-ify, an applicant must apply and be approved for an operating loan or line of credit from a farm credit lender or eligible bank. After approval, the applicant may apply for an interest rate reduction from the Ohio Treasury’s Ag-LINK program.

Below is the timeline for the 2015 Ag-LINK program:

• Ag-LINK appli-cations must be received online by the

Economic Development Department at the State Treasurer’s office no later than 5 p.m. March 16.

• Once the application process has been com-pleted, notification of the application’s status will be sent to each lender no later than April 2.

• The state treasurer’s office is requiring lend-ers to confirm acceptance or denial of the linked deposit for each applica-tion they have submitted by April 10. This is only to confirm that the bor-rowers will participate in Ag-LINK.

• Requests for fund-ing will be accepted from April 20-June 24.

Detailed information and eligibility require-ments can be at www.O h i o T r e a s u r e r . g o v /AgLINK or by calling 800-228-1102.

AG-LINKFrom Page 3

Overholt Drainage School slatedIf you are a farmer or

drainage contractor and would like to learn more about the latest trends and concepts in agricultural drainage, this workshop may be for you.

Overholt Drainage School is a hands on and practical drainage course put on by The Ohio State University in connection with OSU Extension Defiance County and Defiance Soil & Water Conservation District from March 16-20.

This year’s Overholt Drainage Workshop will held locally at the Defiance County EMA building. Overholt is the premier learning environment, for local and distant contrac-tors, engineers, farmers and researchers.

The program was devel-oped by the late Virgil Overholt who spent the bet-ter part of his life helping the Ohio drainage indus-try develop into one of the world’s leading agricultural drainage industries it is today.

The school is a packed full week of information and experience directly pertain-ing to the installation, con-cepts and reasoning behind all types of agricultural drainage.

This year’s course covers the full gamut of drainage. Sessions include; subsur-face drainage design, lay-out, installation and also drainage water manage-ment including controlled drainage system design and installation.

The final session includes water table management pertaining to subirrigation and the benefits of such a system.

Overholt seems to fre-quent northwest Ohio due to the fact that our area is full of profession-als in the drainage indus-try. Drainage has always been a necessity in order to farm and live in north-west Ohio, since our entire area was once known as the Black Swamp. Research has shown that agricul-tural yields have increased 30 percent with improved drainage.

With that history in mind

it makes sense that a cut-ting edge drainage school would be held in a place like Defiance County.

It is extremely impor-tant to properly manage soil drainage in order to maintain a highly produc-tive agricultural soil, and also a place where people can live and work. By assembling professionals from all across the United States, North America and other continents it helps develop drainage materials, equipment and ideas for the future to meet an ever-changing world.

Overholt not only serves as a way to keep a healthy food production but also shows how a proper drain-age system can be a ben-efit to water quality and the environment.

People from around the area, the state and the world will come together March 16-20 at Defiance EMA building to learn all about agricultural drainage.

If you are interested in attending the Overholt

By TYLER MiLLERDefiance SWCD

Defiance County

Webinar set for March 10

A webinar on the agro-nomic utilization of manure will be held from 10-11:30 a.m. March 10. The event is part of the 2015 Corn, Soybean and Wheat Connection Webinar pro-gram, sponsored by OSU Extension Agronomic Crops Team. Those wish-ing to take part in the webi-nar can log-on using the link carmenconnect.osu.edu/cswconnection. The program will be recorded for those who cannot take part and will be available by 5:30 p.m. March 11 at go.osu.edu/cswconnection.

• OVERHOLT, Page 5

4

Sch wab Builders, LTD A-522 Co. Rd. 14A, N ew Bavaria, OH

419-653-4113 or toll free: 877-473-0831

Friday, March 21 ~ 10 am - 7 pm Saturday, March 22 ~ 9 am - 6 pm

• $500 Down Payment Options • 3% Discount on entire product line or 8%

on 60’ wide buildings of any length • 5% Discount on Labor

•

N

S E W

�

HOLGATE

NAPOLEON

108

281

•

•

• MILLER CITY

Co Rd B

Co Rd X

Co Rd 14A

SCHWAB BUILDERS

LTD

DEFIANCE

OTTAWA • 15

• Food • Refreshments • Door Prizes

BEST PRICES OF THE YEAR!!

www.wickbuildings.com

Pick 1 mid-winter sale oPtions • Free Wainscot

• Free Louvered Cupolas - up to 3 free (Depending on size of building)

• Free Double Gable on 24’ - 40’ wide building (As shown in picture)

• $500 Down Payment Options • 5% Discount on Labor

BEST PRICES OF THE YEAR !!!

schwab Builders, ltdA-522 County Road 14A, New Bavaria, Ohio

419-653-4113 or Call Toll-Free: 877-473-0831

www.wickbuildings.com

J & B Feed Company125 Reiser Street • Napoleon, OH 43545

419-592-6246

AlpAcAs, cAttle, cAts, chickens, chinchillAs, Deer, Dogs, Ducks, emus, Ferrets, Fish, gAme BirDs, goAts, guineA pigs, hogs,

horses, lAmBs, llAmAs, mini pigs, monkeys, pArrots, peAcocks, pigeons, rABBits, rAts, turkeys, WilD BirDs

We feed these animals every day!

Basically, if it eats we can feed it!

134 E. Airport HighwaySwanton, OH 43558

(419)-826-9605

125 Reiser StNapoleon, OH 43545

(419)-592-6296

140 S. Brunell St.Wauseon, OH 43567

(419)-335-5821

The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015Farm Forecast 5

Drainage School go to the website http://agcrops.osu.edu/specialists/soil-and-water-management.

On the site, you will find a brochure and registration

form that can be down-loaded and completed if you are interested in join-ing us for this full-week course.

For more information about the training feel free to contact Mike Boff or Tyler Miller at 419-782-1794.

OVERHOLTFrom Page 4

Lake Erie CREP continues, but may be discontinued

CREP is a voluntary pro-gram that helps agricultural producers protect environ-mentally sensitive land, decrease erosion, restore wildlife habitat, and safe-guard ground and surface water.

CREP is an incentive pro-gram that combines resourc-es from partners like the Ohio Farm Service Agency (FSA), Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Pheasants Forever and the Conservation Action Project, among others, to promote the enrollment of 67,000 acres of farmland in a variety of conservation practices.

The Lake Erie CREP was implemented in year 2000 and continues at the pres-ent time but it has been announced that this pro-gram may be discontinued either the end of June or at the end of September. For this reason, if you might be interested, time is of essence for action on one’s part to have the opportuni-ty to enroll in this program yet this year.

The Lake Erie CREP is focused on improving water quality and soil con-servation in the Lake Erie Watershed, with a special emphasis on the Blanchard and Tiffin rivers as impor-tant tributaries on the Maumee River.

The Lake Erie CREP is available in 27 counties including; Allen, Ashland, Auglaize, Crawford, Defiance, Erie, Fulton, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Huron, Lucas, Lorain, Marion, Medina, Mercer, Ottawa, Paulding, Putnam, Richland, Sandusky, Seneca, Shelby, Van Wert, Williams, Wood and Wyandot.

These conservation prac-tices will target environ-mentally sensitive areas in the Lake Erie Watershed to reduce sediments and nutri-ents, prevent water pollu-tion and minimize the risk of flooding and enhance wildlife habitat.

Farmers and landowners can choose from a number of practices including grass buffer strips, hardwood tree plantings, wildlife habitat, wetlands and windbreaks that work together to pre-vent chemicals, soils and other contaminants from running off of cropland and into waterways.

Also, participants can earn money on less eco-nomically viable land, such as, land along ditch banks, streams and woodlands.

Signup for the Lake Erie CREP is going on now. Interested landowners and farmers should contact any of the County FSA office or the SWCD office of the 27 counties identified to learn more about the Lake Erie CREP.

By JOHN RADABAUGHWilliams County FSA

5

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Before After

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6


Conservation Reserve Program available for producers

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) has been a

component of USDA Farm Bills since 1985. Through the years interest has waxed and waned right along with commodity prices and prof-it levels on farms and farm-land in northwest Ohio.

The CRP program pro-vides incentives to produc-ers who utilize conserva-tion methods on environ-mentally-sensitive lands. For example, farmers are monetarily compensated for establishing long-term vegetative species, such as approved grasses, forbs or trees (known as “covers”) to control erosion, improve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat.

CRP consists of a “contin-uous” and “general” sign-up periods. Continuous signup for the voluntary program allows eligible

land to be enrolled in CRP at any time with contracts of up to 10-15 years in dura-tion.

For continuous signup practices offered, automatic acceptance and approval is provided on the land offered so long as both the land offered and the person or entity making the offer meet all required eligibility requirements to participate and enroll.

General sign-up periods are only offered at specific time periods during a given calendar year and will have a specific offer beginning date and a final date for making an offer.

General offers are then submitted on a national level and determining parameters are established for either accepting the offer

for enrollment and con-tract approval or notifica-tion that the offer has not been accepted. USDA has announced to field offices (USDA county service cen-ters) that a general sign-up will be conducted in 2015, but the specific dates have yet to be released or deter-mined.

For all offers made and accepted, cost sharing is available for establishing the cost to prepare the area for seeding, seed cost, fertil-izer and equipment used in the seeding or planting of the cover. The cost share is generally 50 percent of the total combined compo-nent costs applicable for the practice being applied on the land.

Once offered, accepted, and approved, annual rent-

al payments are then made on the land under contract based on rates comparable to the cash rent expected for the type and quality of the land offered and are issued each October for the current calendar year.

For any contract under general sign-ups receive a standard rental rate, which is comparable to the typical cash rent equivalent.

For many continuous offers, incentive rental pay-ments are built into the annual rental payment rates as an incentive to imple-ment practices on the more fragile and sensitive areas of a farm that are being enrolled.

Typically these rates can be 55 percent, 75 percent or even up to 125 percent of the standard rental rates.

By JOHN RADABAUGHWilliams County FSA

Programs, funds promote sustainable agricultureDespite the increasing

demand for local, healthy food and the economic

opportunities it creates, many business ideas are not pursued because of a lack of financing.

By helping to mobilize additional sources of capi-tal, the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) hopes to build the supply and availability of local, sustainably grown fresh food in Ohio, enhance farm and farm-related busi-

ness viability, and encour-age expansion of ecological agricultural practices.

OEFFA operates two pro-grams that help member farmers and others work-ing in sustainable food enterprises access the capi-tal they need to grow their business.

The OEFFA Investment

By LAUREN KETCHAMOhio Ecological Food and Farm Association

• FUNDS, Page 7

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Archbold Equipment Co. in Sherwood has com-pleted its 9,000-square-foot shop expansion. Ray Mendenhall, general manager at the Sherwood deal-ership, said the expansion “increased efficiencies. We have space now to bring in a combine and tear it apart to fix it. If it needs a part, we can bring in another combine beside it and work on that until the part comes in. It’s much nicer than before.” He said staff can “push a higher volume of service work through our shop to better serve our customers.” The Sherwood dealership is located at 00310 Ohio 18.

Shop expansion

Fund promotes sustain-able agriculture in Ohio by making flexible and afford-able capital available to farmers and farm-related businesses.

The fund is only open to

Ohio-based OEFFA mem-bers, who will be required to submit an application package, be a farm or a related business support-ing the supply chain of agricultural products from farm to consumer, and commit to support sustain-able agricultural practices

throughout the life of the investment. Applications will be approved by the fund’s investment commit-tee on a continuing basis.

OEFFA has also part-nered with Kiva Zip and is able to serve as a trustee to endorse zero percent inter-est loan requests from indi-

vidual borrowers to Kiva’s community of lenders. The purpose of this program is to help entrepreneurs access the financial ser-vices, and lower fees and interest rates they need to make borrowing afford-able, and cultivate com-munity between borrow-

ers and lenders. For more information, or to apply, go to www.oeffa.org/invest or contact Carol Goland at 614-421-2022 ext. 202 or [email protected]. If you’re not an OEFFA member, but would like to join, go to http://www.oeffa.org/membership.php.

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Crop residues are valuable resourceCrop residues remaining

after harvest can serve as a valuable resource for your field and future yield poten-tial.

They are no longer con-sidered a product of waste by producers, but a valu-able resource with economic value. As the crop residue remains on the field dur-ing the winter it will help reduce or prevent soil ero-sion. As the residue starts to decompose, it will serve as an additional source of organic matter to help build

the soil structure. The resi-due is contributing nutri-ents back to the soil that may have been lost if the field was baled after har-vest. An important factor to consider before harvesting crop residue is the impact on soil organic matter. Soil organic matter contributes directly to the soil’s per-formance: its nutrient avail-ability, nutrient holding capacity and water holding capacity. It also plays a sig-nificant role in the forma-tion of aggregates or clus-ters of soil particles.

Based on data from the Agricultural Research

Service’s (ARS) National Soil Tilth Lab, a ton of corn residue contains about 37 lbs. of nitrogen (N), 3.5 lbs. of phosphorous (P2O5), 33 lbs. of potassium (K2O). Based on research from Iowa State University Extension, the estimated cost of nutrients removed would be about $52 per ton. If you remove three to four tons of residue per acre (five or six round bales) the value of the nutrients removed would be $156-$208 per acre. These figures reflect the value of the nutrients removed by baling residue. The cost of replacing them

will vary based on crop needs, soil types and other agronomic conditions. The economic benefits of crop residues can add up quick-ly for many producers. By

leaving the crop residue in the field, producers are able to save their soil, nutri-ents and money by taking advantage of the benefits of crop residues.

By STACi MiLLERPaulding SWCD

As the crop residue remains on the field during the winter it will help reduce or prevent soil erosion.

Soybean group urges EU to accept U.S. soybean sustainability protocolST. LOUIS — The approval of

U.S. soybeans certified by the U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) as meeting the Dutch Feed Industry Association’s (Nederlandse Vereniging Diervoederindustrie or NEVEDI)

need for sustainable feedstuffs is a significant step forward, and should serve as a model for how the program could satisfy the same requirements under the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED), according to the

American Soybean Association (ASA).

NEVEDI maintains sustainability standards for imported feedstuffs to be used for Dutch-manufactured feed for import throughout Europe.

“NEVEDI’s announcement is a

great sign of our progress in dem-onstrating the sustainability of U.S. soy to Europe,” said ASA president Wade Cowan. “... It serves as a model for how the SSAP can sat-isfy the EU’s sustainability require-ments under the RED.”

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Get the facts about phosphorus runoff

Ohio legislators are con-sidering a number of rules and regulation regarding phosphorus (P) fertilizer and manure.

The following article out-lines some facts about P runoff.

Weather is one of the biggest culprits in P run-off. Over the last several decades, precipitation has changed with more numer-ous precipitation events occurring with higher amounts, longer duration and increased intensity. Due to weather, the key facts are that 90 percent of P runoff comes from one to two major runoff events each year and 80 percent of P runoff comes from 20 per-cent of the soil (Dr. Andrew Sharpley).

Location and transport are key factors. Fields close to a creek, stream or river contribute a considerable amount of P in surface run-off. Most soil P is stratified and P is located in the top 2-3 inches of the topsoil and subject to soil erosion and surface runoff.

On measuring P runoff, the P concentration (usually measured in parts per mil-lion) times the transport fac-tor (volume of water run-off) equals P lost in surface water.

Many researchers concen-trate too much on P con-centration and sometimes ignore the P transport. For example, no-till and cover crops typically have 10 per-cent to 50 percent higher P concentrations in the sur-face water, however; they also have a 10-100 times less runoff (Dr. Kevin King Research).

A Coshocton study on long-term (of more than 50 years) conventional fields had more than 1,500 inches of runoff compared to long-term no-till with less than 7

inches. A major focus should be

on reducing water runoff volume and reducing the energy in moving water by slowing it down because less runoff reduces the amount of P lost from farm fields.

Reducing the speed that water runoffs off the soil surface reduces nutrient loss. A doubling of the speed of water in a ditch or creek increases expediently the amount of water and nutrients that can be carried away.

So water moving at 16 mph in a stream carries 512 times more nutrients and at 32 mph 1,024 times more nutrients than water flowing at 1 mph. Slowing water runoff reduces the flashiness of our streams and reduces the amount of nutrients lost from a field. Cover crops and no-till protect soil from erosion, increase water infiltration, and reduce the speed and flow of water so that less nutrients are lost in the sur-face runoff.

How is soil P stored? Organic P (humus, active organic matter) tie up 50-80 percent of soil P in a sta-ble form that can be made plant available. Aluminum (Al3+), iron (Fe3+, Fe2+), calcium (Ca2+), and dis-solved reactive P (DRP) are inorganic forms of P associ-ated with the soil mineral-ogy.

There are two forms of P that are plant and algae available, exchangeable P (ExP) from active organic matter and DRP which is an inorganic form. The ExP has a longer carbon chain and is less likely to be lost from the soil profile.

Active organic matter in the ExP comes from live root exudates and muci-lage, microbial wastes and other carbon sources (ExP is greater than DRP in soil storage).

Soil organic matter (SOM) ties up a majority of soil P in a stable form compared to the inorganic sources however SOM levels have decreased 50-60 percent in the last 50-100 years due to excessive tillage.

The aluminum, iron, and calcium P is not consid-ered plant available how-ever they can become plant available slowly over time unless the soil becomes sat-urated.

Iron is a major element in our soils and a major prob-lem in northwest Ohio soils because it releases the P to surface water. Under satu-rated soil conditions, Fe3+ releases DRP quickly and converts to Fe2+ and when the soil dries out, the Fe2+

converts back to Fe3+ tying up DRP.

How often do you see

By JAMES HOORMANOSU Extension

When you see standing water in a field, iron is releasing dissolved reactive phosphorus, which can go into creeks,

ditches and streams. Saturated soils are common because of poor soil structure and soil compaction.

• RUNOFF, Page 10

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saturated soils after a rain in northwest Ohio? When water is standing on your field, iron is the bad boy releasing DRP to our creeks, ditches, and streams.

Saturated soils are a common problem due to poor soil structure and soil compaction caused by excess tillage.

In an article found on this page, looking at possible solutions, I discuss how no-till and cover crops improve soil structure, reduce soil compaction, increase water infiltration, improve water storage and result in less water and P runoff.

Increased active car-bon from live roots improves soil structure and results in long-term SOM. All these soil health benefits can save the farmer money through reduced fertil-izer inputs and increase crop yields over time resulting in improved long-term profits.

RUNOFFFrom Page 9A solution to keep phosphorus in fields

An ecological solution to keeping phosphorus (P) in the soil profile is to mimic natural ecosystems by keeping live plants and live roots recycling soil nutrients. P stratification in the topsoil is natural in forests and prairie systems and occurs from decompos-ing vegetation. Live plants absorb soluble nutrients and keep both nitrogen (N), P, and other micronutrients recycling. The soluble nutri-ents accumulate at the soil surface, but with good soil structure, the nutrients are washed slowly into the soil, where either the plant roots or the soil mineralogy tie up dissolved reactive phospho-rus (DRP).

Our natural ecosystem has been broken from excessive tillage, a loss of SOM (Soil organic matter), and plow pans 7-9 inches deep, caus-ing soils to become hard and saturated with water. Vertical tillage (3-4 inches deep) has become popular and is creating new soil lay-ers that restrict the down-ward movement of water into the soil profile. Under saturated conditions, iron is releasing DRP and is sub-ject to P runoff, either over the surface (0.5 pounds per acre) or directly to tile lines through preferential flow (1.2 pounds per acre) without being treated (Dr. Kevin King). In natural systems, the micropores generated by live roots and earthworms slow the water down, allowing the DRP to be absorbed. Eco farm-ing using no-till and cover crops mimics the natural cycles and restores the soil so that the P stays in the soil profile.

All farmers should obtain a soil test to know how much P fertilizer or manure to apply and the soil tests should follow university recommendations for P fertilization. No fertiliz-er should be applied over

the critical level needed for crop production. The goal is to get farmers to use less P and to use it more effi-ciently. Current P use effi-ciency is only 10-30 percent. P fertilizer is expected to become more expensive as USA phosphorus reserves are used up by the year 2040.

Farmers should be encouraged to inject P fertil-izer, not incorporate fertil-izer. Incorporation implies tillage (plowing or disking) which is causing poor soil structure and soil compac-tion, and increased soil ero-sion. The bioavailable P in sediment is 30 percent avail-able to algae and plants and is a significant source of P runoff. Farmers are band-ing less P with their starter fertilizer because it slows down planting but fall sur-face applied P fertilizer may be lost with snow melt or spring rains. Technology needs to be developed that encourages P injection without excessively tilling the soil for our conventional

tillage farmers.For no-till farmers,

encourage cover crops and allow applying surface P fertilizer since improved soil structure, increased water infiltration, and high-er water storage allows P to be tied up by plant roots or the soil mineralogy. High levels of active organic mat-ter (ExP) and humus bind soil P. The P in the residue remains plant available and improves P use efficiency so that less P fertilizer is needed.

A total ban on Ohio win-ter application of manure will be difficult because of numerous small dairies that do not have adequate manure storage. The ban-ning of manure to snow covered soils on conven-tional tilled fields (especial-ly soybeans) may be jus-tified but not on pasture, hay fields or grass cover crops (2-4 inches of dense growth). Grass cover crops like cereal rye, annual rye, barley, triticale and wheat have live roots that soak up

soluble manure nutrients. The soil is not frozen solid because the live roots cause the soil to honey comb. Bare soils are not insulated and tend to freeze deeper and denser. When conventional soils melt, they melt quickly and water runs off, tak-ing soluble nutrients with the flowing water. With pastures, hay fields and cover crops, the soil melts earlier and slower, allow-ing manure nutrients to be slowly absorbed, reducing nutrient runoff.

In some areas, legacy P is a major issue where soil tests P levels are so high that the soil is super saturated with P. These soils are constantly releasing DRP whether it is in the sediment, waterways, filter strips, stream beds or in the soil profile. Some soils are so saturated, they just may not be able to hold any more P. Legacy P is a major reason why most of our best management prac-tices appear to be slow to

By JAMES HOORMAN OSU Extension

• PHOSPHORUS, Page 11

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Breakfast on the Farm set in SwantonWAUSEON — The agri-

culture community of Fulton County will host the inaugural Breakfast on the Farm (BOTF) in northwest Ohio on June 13.

Fulton Soil and Water Conservation District, the Ohio Farm Bureau Fulton County and Ohio State University Extension Fulton County Office, along with Sandland Dairy Farm is hosting this event, which will be free to the public. The event will be held at Sandland Dairy Farm, in Swanton from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. approximately 2,000 guests are expected to attend this event.

BOTF is a free family-friendly event that gives the general public a firsthand look at modern food pro-duction. Participants will be able to enjoy a breakfast fea-turing an Ohio-grown and produced menu of items as well as a self-guided tour.

The tour will include opportunities to meet the Brehm Family, the owners and operators of Sandland Dairy farm, as well as learn about bio-security, animal well-being, grain bin safety, cow nutrition, milk qual-ity and safety, and nutrient management.

Others stations to visit will be the calf area, milk-ing parlor, breeding barn and cow housing. Tractors and farm equipment will be on hand and crop tours will be available.

There will be children’s activities and the opportu-nity to interact with com-modity groups. Volunteers will be available to answer any questions that partici-pants may have.

BOTF lets the community visit local farming opera-tions, have a close-to-home agriculture experience, and interact with the farm fami-lies who provide a whole-

some food supply for Ohio and the world. Farmers are instrumental in providing food that is shipped over the entire world.

They believe in practicing good environmental stew-ardship and conservation, and they make a difference in the community and the world.

BOTF was first started at Michigan State University in 2009 in which more than 61,259 children and adults have attended events throughout Michigan.

Sandland Dairy Farm, dba Sandland Farms Inc., is a family-owned and oper-ated dairy farm. In 1940, Harold and Stella Brehm moved to Swanton from the Wauseon area to begin the family farm. They began their operation with chick-ens, hogs and 15 cows.

In 1960, Lowell and Barbara Brehm purchased the farm and built a loaf-

ing area for the milk cows. In 1981, Lowell, Gary and Hal, incorporated Sandland Farms. Soon after, they built

a new parlor, free stall bar, three cement silos, feed

• BREAKFAST, Page 12

Sandland Dairy Farm in Swanton will be the location of the inaugural Breakfast on the Farm on June 13. The event is open to the public and will give the general public a firsthand look at modern food production.

11

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respond. The legacy P is so high in the system, that it takes a long period of time

before P is tied up (250-300 years in some cases). The best way to manage legacy P is to tie it up into a stable form including SOM and aluminum (alum/alumi-num sulfate).

PHOSPHORUSFrom Page A10


room, treatment room and manure storage. The dairy operation now has over 500 dairy cows.

The event is free to the public and registration is required.

To register, go to www.fultonohbreakfas-tonthefarm.com.

Tickets will be print-able after web registra-tion.

You can also reg-ister by contacting the following offices: Fulton Soil and Water Conservation District, Lucas County Soil and Water Conservation District, OSU Extension Fulton County Office, OSU Extension Lucas County Office or the Farm Bureau offic-es in Pettisville and Woodville. Also fol-low BOTF on Facebook (Fulton County Breakfast on the Farm).

BREAKFASTFrom Page 11Conservation Tillage and

Technology Conference setADA — The Conservation

Tillage and Technology Conference will be held March 3-4 at the McIntosh Center at Ohio Northern University in Ada.

The conference will have 60 presenters with 10 hours of nutrient management and 10 hours of soil and water programs during the event. There will be speak-ers from eight universities as well as farmer and indus-try speakers.

Admission to the event is $80 per day or $105 for both days. Individuals may register at ctc.osu.edu.

Programs on March 3 include: Cover Crops and Soil Health, 8 a.m.; App for Farmers, 8-9:30 a.m.; concurrent sessions start from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. in Corn University, Advanced Scouting and Precision Seeding and Placement.

Wednesday’s programs include concurrent sessions from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. of Soybean School, Nutrient Management, Solving the P and N Problem and Big Data.

Certified Crop Adviser credits will be avail-able with an emphasis on soil and water and nutri-ent management hours.

Limited sign-in sheets will be available. Preferred sign-in during each presentation will be by an app, available at ctc.osu.edu.

Prior to the event, on March 2 will be a special 51⁄2 hour session on biofuels and bioproducts. Those interest-ed in attending should con-tact Sarah Strausbaugh at 740-289-2071 ext. 112 or via email at [email protected].

Then on March 5 from 9 a.m.-noon, there will be a three-hour training for fertilizer applicator certi-fication. Individuals may register at nutrienteduca-tion.osu.edu. The certi-fication is limited to 400 people. For those with an Ohio Pesticide Applicator license, the training is free. There is a $30 fee for those without the license.

As part of Breakfast on the Farm, visitors can meet the Brehm family, the owners and operators of Sandland Dairy Farm, as well as learn about bio-secu-rity, animal well-being, grain bin safety, cow nutrition, milk quality and safety and nutrient management. Other stations to visit will be the calf area, milking par-lor, breeding barn and cow housing.

Livestock producers meeting March 18

PAULDING — A Northwest Ohio Livestock Producers' meeting will be held from noon-3:30 p.m. March 18 at the OSU Extension building at the Paulding County Fairgrounds. Lunch will be provided. Kevin Elder of the Ohio Department of Agriculture will speak. Two hours CLM credits are available.

The event is free, but reg-istrations are required by calling 419-399-8225 or via email at [email protected].

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Land to Lake: A look at impacting water quality

Land to Lake.

What does the phrase “Land to Lake” mean? Everything that hap-pens on our land, our yards, roads, farm fields… impacts the quality of water. For example, a drop of rain

falling on a recently fertilized lawn will carry that fertilizer to the side-walk, into the nearest road ditch, then to a smaller stream, next to the

By STEPHANiE SiNGER and JEN ENGLiSHLand to Lake Initiative

• LAKE, Page 14

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Maumee River, and eventually this drop of water car-rying fertilizer will end up in Lake Erie.

Does what we do here in Defiance really impact Lake Erie?

Yes. The small streams, ditches, and drains flowing near our homes all eventually make their way to Lake Erie.

There are many things that you can do to help. Land to Lake is an effort to get Defiance County more familiar and comfortable with ways they can help.

Why is Land to Lake important? We are living in an area once known as the Great

Black Swamp. This swamp, or wetland, functioned as a giant filter. Since much of this filtering capacity no longer exists, it is easy for pollutants, such as fertilizer, to enter into our waterways.

Land to Lake promotes increasing our land’s abil-ity to filter by installing rain barrels, rain gardens, bioswales, green infrastructure and restoring natural areas.

Free upcoming rain garden and rain barrel work-shops are:

• March 3, 6-7:30 p.m. at Johnson Memorial Library, Hicksville

• March 7, 10:30 a.m.–noon at Sherwood Library• March 10, 6:30–8 p.m. at Defiance LibrarySign up for workshops and receive discounts on rain

barrel and rain garden kits by calling 419-782-1794 or emailing [email protected].

Land to Lake is a partnership between the city of Defiance and Defiance Soil & Water Conservation District.

Learn more at: landtolake.com.

LAKEFrom Page A13 Remember right source, right

rate, right time, right placeThe 4R Nutrient

Stewardship is an inno-vative and science-based approach to environmental concerns with fertilizer. It was introduced a few years ago and deserves another mention.

4R Nutrient Stewardship Program is a voluntary pro-gram targeted at those who provide nutrient services to farmers.

The 4R’s imply there are four aspects to every fertil-izer application.

The concept was to use the right source or fertilizer type for the crop’s need at the right rate at the right time, when crops need it with the right placement, only where it is needed.

Following the 4R Nutrient Stewardship can improve productivity with this type of management.

It improves efficiency of the dollars spent on fer-tilizer while minimizing environmental impact.

The reduction of nutrient loss means there is money saved.

Placing nutrients only where they are needed reduces the energy use per harvest. Phosphorus (P) loss from any field is pos-sible, especially fields that have poorly drained soils, sloping fields and those with less than 30 percent residue cover (or a cover crop) on the surface.

The following recom-mendations are noted for 4R Nutrient Stewardship: Inject or band P, lightly incorporate applications, follow setbacks, use vari-able rate application, avoid applying more P than need-ed for the crop, apply at Tri-State recommendations, soil test at least every three years and plant cover crops.

Training and certifications are available for businesses so that the employees will not over-apply nutrients in the watershed.

In creating a 4R Certification Program, the 4R Advisory Committee in

Western Lake Erie Basin sought to provide guid-ance and direction for a consistent, recognized pro-gram for agricultural retail-ers, service providers, and certified professionals to help ensure that 4R nutri-ent sustainability goals are adopted and that in turn can lead to long term posi-tive impacts on water qual-ity in the Western Lake Erie Basin.

The group felt a responsi-ble commitment to a cleaner Lake Erie.

The 4R Nutrient Stewardship program has approximately 45 crite-ria that a nutrient service provider must successfully meet through an audit pro-cess to attain certification. http://4rcertified.org/

There is a new program for the Flat Rock Creek Watershed that addresses many of the same recom-mendations.

It is a cost share for land that is not already in a

By DEB HUBBARDPaulding SWCD

• 4RS, Page 15

14

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conservation program. The watershed spans from where Ohio 500 intersects the state line in Paulding County, northeast to where Ohio 111 enters the city of Defiance.

The program includes precision soil sampling, subsurface fertilizer placement and cover crops.

It also includes prac-tices such as controlled drainage structures and manure structures.

Contact your local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) for more information on the 4R program. And thank you for conserv-ing resources.

4RSFrom Page 14 Defiance County watersheds eligible for

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative program

Ohio’s Department of Natural Resources Division of Soil and Water Resources has a new conservation pro-gram for local farms and landowners to participate in that will help improve water quality in Lake Erie.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under its Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), has approved $5,940,000 in funding to help combat the recent harmful algal blooms (HAB) in the west-

ern basin of Lake Erie. The recent HABs were a factor in the drinking water scare in Toledo on Aug. 2, 2014.

The program aims at reducing the phosphorus loading from agricultural landscapes in the Maumee River into the western basin of the lake.

The program will utilize a systems approach that uses a combination of manage-ment practices such as soil testing cover crops, drain-age water management, precision soil sampling with fertilizer placement and manure storage.

The program will be tar-

geted to four specific sub-watersheds in the western basin that lie within parts of nine counties.

The selected watersheds

are: South Turkeyfoot Creek, Flat Rock Creek-Auglaize River, Bad Creek-Swan Creek and Rock

By JASON ROEHRiGDefiance SWCD

• WATERSHEDS, Page 17

15

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Maple Syrup Festival set for MarchMONTPELIER — It’s time

for some real maple syrup.The Maple Syrup

Festival will be held from 8 a.m.-noon March 28 at the Williams County Fairgrounds in Montpelier.

The event begins with a pancake and sausage break-fast.

Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children age 7-12. Breakfast starts at 7 a.m., and there will be two serv-ing lines.

There will be several events going on through out the festival.

There will be horse drawn wagon rides, weather per-mitting, from 9-11:30 a.m.

and tractor rides from 8 a.m.-noon.

Individuals can see a working sugar shack, tree tapping and collection pro-cess.

There will be sev-eral displays includ-ing wildlife belts from Joe Blosser, the National Turkey Federation, Ohio Division of Forestry, OSU Williams County Master Gardeners, Montpelier Tree Commission and local bee-keeper Bethany Carlson.

There will be a tree raffle and raffle for a garden bas-ket of goodies as well dur-ing the event.

The Williams County Soil

and Water Conservation District will be having its tree seedling sale and there will be maple syrup items for sale from the Northwest Ohio Maple Syrup Producers as well.

The Maple Syrup Festival is sponsored by the Northwest Ohio Maple Syrup Producers, Williams County Fair Foundation, Williams County Senior Fair Board, Williams Soil & Water Conservation District and OSU Extension Office of Williams County.

For more information on the Maple Syrup Festival, visit northwestohiomaple-syrupproducers.com.

Ohio Sensitive Crops Registry training set

PAULDING — An Ohio Sensitive Crops Registry training will be held from 9-11 a.m. March 17 at the Youth Leadership Building at the Paulding County Fairgrounds in Paulding.

This is a crash course on how to navigate and regis-ter with the Ohio Sensitive Crops database via the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

Wi-Fi enabled laptop is required.

The Ohio Sensitive Crop Registry is a free and secure web map showing loca-tions in Ohio which are susceptible to damage by pesticide drift or off-target applications.

Cost is $5 pre-register for those who register before March 12, after that $15. This training is for beekeep-ers, aqua-culturists, nursery and sensitive crop growers and pesticide applicators.

To register, contact Sarah Noggle at 419-399-8225 or via email at [email protected].

Montpelier

An individual works in the sugar shack during last year's Maple Syrup Festival in Montpelier.

16


Creek-Sandusky River. The goals of the pro-

gram are to complete 40,000 acres of nutrient soils tests; 60,000 acres of cover crops; 500 drainage control structures; 20,000 acres of fertilizer systems with cover crops; and 25 manure storage facilities.

Here is a look at the best management prac-tices and cost-share infor-mation:

• controlled drainage structures — installations will be eligible to receive a maximum payment of $1,500 on a structure based upon the actual costs. The site needs to drain a minimum of 15 acres within 2.5 feet of elevation change.

• soil testing —soil sam-

pling will be for acres that do not have a current soil test or any samples that are four years or older at $9 an acre. Grid or zone samples will be a max-imum of 7.5 acres. Soil tests must include fertiliz-er recommendations that are based on the Tri-State Fertility Recommendation Guide.

• cover crops — a flat rate of $25 per acre will be used for this practice. The minimum number of acres a producer can enroll is 25 acres. Cover must be established and maintained until March 15 and be an over-winter-ing variety.

• precision soil sam-pling and placement with cover crop — precision soil sampling done in grids or zones of a maxi-mum grid or zone size

of 7.5 acres; soil testing will be reimbursed at a rate of $15 per acre and will be used in a systems approach that includes fertilizer placement below the surface along with a cover crop. All fertilizer must be placed 1.5 inches below the surface and will be reimbursed at a rate of $20 per acre; cover crop must be established with a reimbursement rate of $30 per acre. Total sys-tem will be reimbursed at a rate of $65 per acre. Fertilizer recommenda-tions will be at the Tri-State Fertility Level of 80 pounds per acre.

• manure storage and roofing — reach storage system will be required to have a comprehensive nutrient management plan with cost to be based on engineer’s estimate.

WATERSHEDSFrom Page 15Planning for the future:

Clean water is essential

When is the last time that you set out for vacation by getting in your car with no plans, itinerary or reserva-tions? This approach prob-ably wouldn’t result in the most fun or relaxing vaca-tion.

Typically, we plan our vacations to allow family input, get the best prices, and explore different options. Hence, planning creates more opportunities for successful outcomes.

For larger issues that affect whole communities, planning becomes essen-tial to avoid and address problems. To tackle the issue of water quality in the Maumee River, a group has been working on this spe-cific planning for over four years. The Upper Maumee Watershed Partnership, in cooperation with the Defiance Soil & Water Conservation District and Allen County SWCD (Ind.), initiated this process. The factors affecting water qual-ity across the landscape

were identified and more importantly, a detailed plan was created to change prac-tices contributing to water pollution.

The end result is the Upper Maumee Watershed Action Plan, a more than 400-page document, which has been endorsed by Ohio, Indiana and the U.S. Environmental Protection agencies. These endorsements have opened up large funding opportu-nities for our area.

The plan makes one thing very clear, there is a lot of work to be done to get water quality to meet stan-dards for a clean river and Lake Erie. Because a water-shed approach was used, all land draining to the Upper Maumee River was evalu-ated.

Therefore, anyone living, working and driving on the land can make a difference in improving water quality. The plan calls for replac-ing faulty septic systems, reducing stormwater runoff by increasing practices such as rain gardens, rain bar-

By STEPHANiE SiNGERDefiance SWCD

• WATER, Page 18

Comments sought for dietary guidelinesW A S H I N G T O N ,

D.C. – The 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, a group of prestigious outside experts, submitted its rec-ommendations to Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, in order to inform the 2015 edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

The secretaries have released the advisory com-mittee’s recommendations report online, making it available for public review and comment. The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture (USDA) will consider this report, along with input from other federal agen-cies and comments from the public as they devel-

op the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2015, to be released later this year.

The public is encour-aged to view the inde-pendent advisory group’s report and provide writ-ten comments at www.DietaryGuidelines.gov. The public will also have an opportunity to offer oral comments at a public meeting in Bethesda, Md., on March 24.

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rels, bioswales and green roofs, and decreasing the use of fertil-izer. Overall, anything to help the water slow down, spread out, and soak in will help.

Because the land in the water-

shed is roughly 80 percent agricul-ture, farmers are also asked to con-sider how they can help improve water quality.

In fact, the plan calls for farm-ers to take strong measures to ensure fertilizers that they are using do not leave their fields, enter into waterways and con-tribute to this problem. This is

easier said than done as there are many factors cannot be controlled including weather. But farmers can use best management prac-tices such as soil testing, variable rate fertilizer application, grassed waterways, gypsum application, drainage water management and cover crops. Techniques such as these used in conjunction with fil-

ter strips and saturated buffers can drastically reduce fertilizer run-off. Anyone interested in learning more about farming best manage-ment practices and funding oppor-tunities should contact Defiance Soil & Water Conservation District at 419-782-1794.

Every positive action can make a difference.

WATERFrom Page 17

Location, soil quality driving current land valuesAs 2014 came to a close,

land values had stabi-lized from the double digit increases of the past few years, according to Farmers National Co., the nation’s leading farm and ranch real estate company.

Location and quality of land continue to be main drivers of prices for a given tract of land. The lower supply of land for sale and the continued demand for agricultural land is main-taining general stability of the land market.

“While lower grade land has seen drops in value near 15 percent from recent highs, top quality crop and grazing land still bring

solid prices as owner opera-tors and investors seek to expand their operations with the most productive land,” said Randy Dickhut, vice president of real estate operations of Farmers National Co.

According to Farmers National Co., the supply of land for sale is less than in the past few years as there is no tax policy change driv-ing sales and landowners remain tight holders of the asset.

“Land is viewed as a long-term asset and owners con-sider agricultural land a sta-ble investment in a chang-ing world,” said Dickhut.

Demand for cropland and grazing land from owner operators remains good, but buyers are being more

realistic in what they will pay given lower grain pric-es. Sellers are having to be realistic in evaluating the quality of their land and the expected selling price in order to have a success-ful sale.

Despite leveling or mod-erately decreasing land values overall, Farmers National Co. has seen strong prices paid for spe-cific properties within the last 60 days based on local competition and the desire for quality.

According to Dickhut, farmland seldom comes up for sale in many locations, therefore local producers are willing to pay top dollar to grow their operation and asset base.

Recent value adjustments

in the land market still leave land values at historically high levels in the longer term view.

Price softening is happen-ing, but at different rates depending on the region, prices for major commodi-ties in that region and qual-ity of the land. Profitability from record crop incomes supported by insurance coverage, has kept farm operations in the black and producers interested in adding land.

“Buyers are being more realistic when consider-ing land purchases which has reduced the fervor of rapidly escalating prices seen at land auctions in recent years,” said Dickhut. “Owner operators continue to be the main purchasers

of agricultural land com-prising nearly 90 percent of buyers in many areas.”

Investors are showing up in the market to purchase land, but are also being real-istic in the timing of their purchases and the long-term outlook for agricul-tural land.

Profitability in recent years has left many farm owners cash rich and opting for land purchases for per-sonal and business invest-ments.

The tangibility of land and the ability to grow their operation makes land a pre-ferred investment for the owner operator. Producers are being more realistic with their land purchases

By JONi WiLLiAMSFarmers National Company

• VALUES, Page 19

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as they give more atten-tion to the economics of the asset and seek increased financing.

Even with lower grain prices, record grain har-vests will keep net farm income quite positive in 2015. This factor should keep the current market fairly stable for the time being.

“As we forecast further out into late 2015 and 2016, circumstances could shift,” said Dickhut.

One of the factors that could impact values mov-ing into 2015 is the poten-tial for rising interest rates. If rates increase gradu-ally, as predicted, market

impact should be minimal in the short term.

Longer term, world demand for water, food, fuel and fiber will deter-mine commodity prices which will affect future land values.

As long as the supply of land for sale remains low and demand continues to be present, land values will be supported, according to Dickhut.

Farmland investment is still a positive long-term opportunity for most pro-ducers and investors. Despite slight downward shifts, the land market remains stable and sup-ports business expansion for farm operators looking to grow their businesses and investors wanting a long-term asset.

VALUESFrom Page A18

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Ohio State lab to start soil fertility on-farm projectsThe Ohio State Soil

Fertility Lab will be starting a number of projects this year that will only be suc-cessful with participation from farmer cooperators across the state.

We are asking for your help with the projects out-

lined below.1) Revising Fertilizer

Recommendations in Corn, Soybean and Wheat

We are in the process of updating the Tri-State Recommendations, look-ing specifically at nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium

in corn, soybean and wheat. This is a major undertaking that will require a collec-tive effort from numerous OSU extension personnel, crop consultants and farmer cooperators.

We will cast a broad net to collect data from a large number of farms across the state and determine eco-nomically-optimum fertil-ization rates to maximize farmer profitability.

Experiments will involve either applying additional fertilizer or no fertilizer to replicated strip plots. Farmers can choose which nutrient they’d like to work with and will have a large degree of flexibility in the plot layout and applied rates.

We are ideally looking for farms that capture a diversity of soil types, and are especially interested in fields that test low in phosphorus and potassium. For a limited number of

sites, the soil fertility lab can come in after planting and impose treatments and handle all the data collec-tion. Farmers will be paid for their time and effort.

Data to be collected:• Soil sample before

planting• Leaf nutrient analysis at

early reproductive stage• Grain yields at harvest

and nutrient analysis of grain

• Short questionnaire about soil management

2) Soil Active Organic Matter Testing

Active organic matter is only a small fraction (5-20 percent) of the soil’s total organic matter, but is very important to crop nutrition since nutrients in this frac-tion are rapidly cycled and taken up by crops.

This project’s goal is to better understand active organic matter and devel-op a robust farmer-test to compliment traditional soil

testing. We are looking for farms

of all types of crops and sizes — both convention-al and certified organic. Farmers will mail in soil from their fields with a short questionnaire.

A full standard soil test (total OM, pH, CEC, extractable base cations and micronutrients) will be run, as well as three new soil tests of active organic matter with no charge to the farmer. Individual soil results will only be shared with the farmer, while sum-marized results from across the state will be shared with all cooperators.

Farmer participation in this project requires a rela-tively small commitment.

3) Soil Amendment and Foliar Application Evaluations

Finally, it is worth men-tioning a new service start-

• FERTILITY, Page 21

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ing in 2015: independent evaluations of proprietary soil amendments and foliar applications aimed at improving the mineral nutrition and productivity of crops.

The goal of this service is to provide farmers with timely and valuable infor-mation on products that enhance soil biological

and/or chemical function. Similar to variety trials

conducted at OSU, yearly reports will be generated and posted online to help guide farmers’ decisions about product use on their farms.

If you have questions or would like to participate, contact OSU Extension Defiance County at 419-782-4771 or email Bruce Clevenger [email protected].

FERTILITYFrom Page 20

2014 northwest Ohio corn silage test results available

In 2014, 53 corn silage hybrids representing 16 commercial brands were evaluated in a joint trial with Michigan State University (MSU).

One Ohio location is com-bined with Michigan’s two southern (Zone 1) silage locations.

The Ohio test site was

located in our northwest region at Hoytville (Wood County).

The two MSU sites are located in Branch and Lenawee counties, which are on the Ohio/Michigan state line. The test results from the three 2014 loca-tions are treated as one region.

The plots were planted with 4-row air type plant-ers and maintained by each respective state utilizing standard production prac-

tices. The center two rows were

harvested with MSU’s self-propelled forage harvester.

Silage tests were har-vested uniformly as close to half milk line as possible. Near Infrared Reflectance (NIR) Quality Analysis was performed by MSU using the updated 2014 equation established for silage qual-ity.

Silage results present the percent dry matter of each hybrid plus green weight

and dry weight as tons per acre.

Other data presented include percent stand, the percentage of in vitro digestible dry matter, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber digestibility, crude protein and starch. Milk production in pounds per ton and pounds per acre were estimated using MILK2006 (UW-Madison Dairy Science Department).

A complete summary

of the Ohio results will be available online at: http://www.oardc .ohio-s tate .edu/silagetrials.

More information on pro-cedures and additional 2014 MSU silage test data can be viewed on the web at http://www.css.msu.edu/varietytrials/corn/corntri-als.htm.

For more information on Ohio States crop variety testing around the state, visit: http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~perf.

By RiCH MiNYO, ALLEN GEYER, PETER THOMiSONOSU Extension

Pesticide recertification, fertilizer classes setKALIDA — A pesticide

recertification class and Ohio ag fertilizer applica-tion certification class will be held from 4-9 p.m. March 17 at the Kalida Nights of Columbus.

At this recertification, training class participants will also receive training to obtain an Ohio Ag Fertilizer

Applicator Certification. Only farmers who have an Ohio Pesticide License can receive their Ohio Ag Fertilizer Applicator Certification at this train-ing class. This certification process supports respon-sible agricultural practices and promotes the 4R pro-gram while allowing Ohio

to continue to grow its vital agriculture industry.

To register or for more information on the classes, contact James Hoorman at the Putnam County OSU Extension office at 419-523-6294 or via email at [email protected].

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Taking a look at the Northwest Ohio Cooperative Kitchen

Ohio has a rich history in fruit and vegetable production and food processing, the Northwest Ohio Cooperative Kitchen (NOCK) focuses on the development and production of specialty, value-added foods.

Managed by the Center for Innovative Food Technology (CIFT), the NOCK is a nonprofit commer-cial kitchen facility designed to assist entrepreneurial efforts and expand current food-related businesses.

The facility assists new and grow-ing businesses by providing access to a commercially-licensed kitchen, networking opportunities with other like entities and technical assistance.

The kitchen incubator’s services and resources bridge the gap between an idea and reality.

While it is costly to begin a new business, the NOCK provides an affordable venue in which to develop a concept into a commercially viable food product.

The ability to network with other entrepreneurs, access information

and take advantage of production capacity — all in one spot — mini-mizes the risk for a new food business venture.

“CIFT has worked with small and start-up companies since the center’s inception in 1995,” noted Rebecca Singer, vice president and director of agricultural programs at CIFT.

“In conjunction with the NOCK, CIFT provides product development guidelines, resources and marketing direction to entrepreneurs involved in the production of value-added food products. Technical capabilities, including nutritional analysis and shelf-life stability testing, ensure that the products are produced safely and properly.”

CIFT hosts numerous educational programs at the NOCK facility that show participants how to establish a commercially viable food business.

The center also helps food-based entrepreneurs with regulatory com-pliance involving local health depart-ments and the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

Center for innovative Food Technology

• NOCK, Page 23

Individuals stir ingredients at the Northwest Ohio Cooperative Kitchen, which focuses on the development and production of specialty, value-added foods. It is managed by the Center for Innovative Food Technology.

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Information on packag-ing options, sourcing of ingredients, and labeling offers a portfolio of knowl-edge to start up enterprises.

One-on-one consulta-tions with CIFT business advisors provide help with defining a viable plan to establish a profitable food business venture.

At present time, more than 38 businesses have generated 33,593 contain-ers of food products for local distribution and mar-ket growth at the NOCK.

One tenant has manu-factured over 150,000 lbs. of salsa for distribution to nine states in stores like Kroger, Riesbeck’s Food Markets, Buehler’s Fresh Foods, Giant Eagle Market District and many more.

CIFT also manages a state-of-the-art freezer located at the NOCK, along with a blanching/freez-ing process, which helps explore the benefits for freezing produce.

This allows for testing of the process variations asso-ciated with different crops.

The information is then provided to growers to assist with crop selection, as well as potential buy-ers searching for locally-produced product in the off season.

“The available resourc-es are designed to fur-ther assist and stimulate economic activity while strengthening our local food system,” stated Singer.

The NOCK is located at 13737 Middleton Pike,

Bowling Green.For more informa-

tion, contact the Center for Innovative Food Technology at 419-535-6000, visit ciftinnovation.org or like Northwest Ohio Cooperative Kitchen – NOCK on Facebook.

NOCKFrom Page A22

Individuals package food items at the Northwest Ohio Cooperative Kitchen (NOCK) in Bowling Green. The facility assists new and growing businesses by providing access to a commercially-licensed kitchen, networking opportunities with other like entities, and technical assistance.

Conservation Stewardship rewards good practices

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) helps farmers improve their farm’s soil, air, water, wildlife habitat, and energy resources. Farmers earn payments for conservation performance; the bigger the impact, the higher the payment.

There are two types of payments offered through five year contracts. Annual payments help farmers adopt new practices, and improve, maintain and man-age existing activities on agricultural land and nonin-dustrial private forest land. Supplemental payments assist farmers in adopting a resource-conserving crop rotation.

Producers can apply to renew a contract if they have successfully fulfilled the initial contract and agree to achieve additional conservation objectives.

The National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) accepts CSP applications at local service cen-ters on a continuous basis. The entire farm operation must be enrolled and include all eligible land that will be under the applicant’s control for the term of the proposed contract.

There will be more money available through the Conservation Stewardship Program than through the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) in 2015 according to the Ohio NRCS office.

Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association member Kyle Sharp of Sharp Family Farms in Fairfield County currently participates in the CSP.

According to Sharp, “Participating in CSP was a no-brainer. The program basically rewards us for practices we wanted to implement anyway to improve the farm.”

He cites the flexibility of the program as important. “The more practices you implement, the more your

annual payment grows,” he said.

By AMALiE LiPSTREU Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association

• STEWARDSHIP, Page 24

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Just looking through all of the conser-vation options was beneficial for Sharp. “I got some ideas on things we could do

that I never would have thought of on my own,” he added.

Start taking advantage of this tremen-dous opportunity.

To find your local NRCS office, go to http://1.usa.gov/12Ca1so or call 614- 255-2472.

STEWARDSHIPFrom Page 23

Funding available for renewable, energy efficiency projectsWASHINGTON, D.C.

— Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that rural agricultural pro-ducers and small business owners can now apply for resources to purchase and install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements. These efforts help farm-ers, ranchers and other small business owners save money on their energy bills, reduce America’s depen-dence on foreign oil, sup-port America’s clean energy economy, and cut carbon pollution.

The resources announced are made possible by the 2014 Farm Bill.

“Developing renewable

energy presents an enor-mous economic opportunity for rural America,” Vilsack said. “The funding we are making available will help farmers, ranchers, business owners, tribal organizations and other entities incorpo-rate renewable energy and energy efficiency technol-ogy into their operations. Doing so can help a busi-ness reduce energy use and costs while improving its bottom line. While saving producers money and creat-ing jobs, these investments reduce dependence on for-eign oil and cut carbon pol-lution as well.”

USDA is making more than $280 million avail-able to eligible applicants

through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).

Application deadlines vary by project type and the type of assistance requested. Details on how to apply are on page 78029 of the Dec. 29, 2014, Federal Register or are available by contacting state Rural Development offices.

USDA is offering grants for up to 25 percent of total project costs and loan guarantees for up to 75 per-cent of total project costs for renewable energy sys-tems and energy efficiency improvements. The REAP application window has been expanded. USDA will now accept and review loan and grant applications year-round.

Eligible renewable ener-gy projects must incorpo-rate commercially available technology. This includes

renewable energy from wind, solar, ocean, small hydropower, hydrogen, geothermal and renew-able biomass (including anaerobic digesters). The maximum grant amount is $500,000, and the maximum loan amount is $25 million per applicant.

Energy efficiency improvement projects eli-gible for REAP funding include lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation, fans, automated controls and insulation upgrades that reduce energy consump-tion.

The maximum grant amount is $250,000, and the maximum loan amount is $25 million per applicant.

USDA is offering a sec-ond type of grant to sup-port organizations that help farmers, ranchers and small businesses conduct energy audits and operate

renewable energy projects. Eligible applicants include: units of state, tribal or local governments; colleges, uni-versities and other institu-tions of higher learning; rural electric cooperatives and public power enti-ties, and conservation and development districts. The maximum grant is $100,000. Applications for these par-ticular grants have been available since Dec. 29 of last year.

The REAP program was created in the 2002 Farm Bill. Because of the success of the program, Congress reauthorized it in the 2014 Farm Bill with guaranteed funding of no less than $50 million in annual funding for the duration of the five-year bill.

The 2014 Farm Bill builds on historic economic gains

• ENERGY, Page 25

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in rural America over the past six years while achieving meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for tax-payers.

Since 2009, USDA has awarded $545 million for more than 8,800 REAP projects nationwide. This includes $361 mil-lion in REAP grants and loans for more than 2,900 renewable energy sys-tems.

When fully operational, these systems are expect-ed to generate more than 6 billion kilowatt hours annually – enough to power more than 5.5 mil-lion homes for a year.

In 2013, owners of the Ideal Dairy restaurant in Richfield, Utah, used REAP funding to install 80 solar modules and two 10-kilowatt invert-

ers, which convert energy from solar panels to elec-tricity. The owners have saved, on average, $400 per month.

These savings have helped them preserve their restaurant and live-lihood.

President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural commu-nities.

Under the president’s leadership, these invest-ments in housing, com-munity facilities, busi-nesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue lead-ing the way – strengthen-ing America’s economy, small towns and rural communities.

USDA’s investments in rural communities sup-port the rural way of life that stands as the back-bone of our American values.

ENERGYFrom Page 24 Paulding County Farm Bureau

offering college scholarshipsPAULDING — The

Paulding County Farm Bureau will award up to three $500 scholarships for the college year 2015-16. The scholarship(s) award-ed will be presented at the Paulding County Farm Bureau 2015 annual meet-ing.

The Paulding County Farm Bureau will select recipients from the appli-cations that meet the man-datory criteria. A scholar-ship selection committee, appointed by the Paulding County Farm Bureau Board of Trustees, will evaluate the scholarship applications and present their recom-mendations for the awards to the board for approval. From the applications, the

committee will evaluate each candidate’s academic performance, agriculture and Farm Bureau involve-ment and activities.

The purpose of the schol-arship program is:

• To financially assist and reward a college-bound high school senior and/or college enrolled student who intends to further their education.

• To recognize the pres-ent and future scholastic ability of young adults.

• To invest in the post-secondary education and career planning of young adults.

• To select recipients based upon merit, abilities and accomplishments.

Financial need does not

enter into the selection pro-cess and financial informa-tion is not requested for the scholarship application.

The complete scholar-ship application, certified transcript, and one recom-mendation letter should be delivered or mailed no later than May 1 to: Paulding County Farm Bureau, 1206 E Second St., Suite 1, Ottawa 45875. To apply, visit http://ofbf.org/uploads/Paulding_Scholarship_2015-16.pdf. You can also email the county office at [email protected] to receive a copy.

For more informa-tion, contact the Paulding County Farm Bureau office at 419-523-5874 or 800-260-3499.

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2014 corn and soybean yields released in regionOn Feb. 19, the U.S. Department

of Agriculture, National Ag Statistics Service (NASS) released county level yields for the 2014 harvested corn and soybean crops.

NASS provides agricultural com-modity producers with unbiased and reliable data that is used by farm organizations, agribusiness and transportation firms, state and national policy makers, and foreign buyers of agricultural products.

The 2014 corn yields in six north-west Ohio counties of Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Paulding, Putnam, Williams, were all above the 2010-

2014 five year average yields by 12-31 percent.

Of the six counties, Putnam County recorded the highest 2014 corn yield at 196.2 bushels per acre and Paulding County record-ing the highest percentage increase over the five year average at 31 percent. The highest county corn yield in Ohio for 2014 was in Clinton County at 200 bushels per acre.

The 2014 soybean yields in six northwest Ohio counties of Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Paulding, Putnam, Williams, were also all above the 2010-14 five year average yields by 2-25 percent.

Of the six counties, Paulding

County recorded the highest 2014 soybean yield at 55.7 bushels per acre and Defiance County record-ing the highest percentage increase over the five year average at 25 percent.

The highest county soybean yield in Ohio for 2014 was in Mercer County at 62.2 bushels per acre.

One of the direct uses of county level yield data is the current 2014 Farm Bill Commodity Programs. The Farm Bill is federal legislation that provides risk management options for farmers to elect pro-grams related to economic losses associated with national commod-ity prices, county yields or farm (individual) yields.

The Farm Bill program that uses county level yields is Agricultural Risk Coverage – County (ARC-CO). ARC-CO provides support to enrolled farms when the actual county revenue for a given year falls below 86 percent of the county ARC-CO Guarantee.

The county guarantee is a mov-ing average of recent county yields and a market year average (MYA) price.

When the MYA price of corn at $3.65 per bushel (current pro-jection) is used with the above average 2014 county corn yields, higher 2014 county revenue will

By WM. BRUCE CLEVENGEROSU Extension

Grain, seed task force publishes new commercial trade infoWashington, DC — The

Canada-U.S .Grain and Seed Trade Task Group has pub-lished new information that will help commercial grain

handlers and buyers bet-ter understand the regula-tions on cross-border trade. The task group includes several not-for-profit U.S.

and Canadian associations working together to provide information that facilitates grain and seed marketing between the two countries.

The information is post-ed on the group’s website, http://canada-usgrainand-seedtrade.info. It includes new options for commercial handlers to obtain a phyto-

sanitary certificate for U.S., Canadian or commingled grain shipments to third countries loaded at eleva-tors in either country.

The website now provides four trade modules, cover-ing U.S. producer deliver-ies, Canadian producer deliveries, seed trade and the new commercial mod-

ule as well as industry news updates.

The task group formed after the Canadian Marketing Freedom for Grain Farmers Act of 2011 ended the mandatory mar-keting requirement for western Canadian farmers and changed several aspects of the commercial trade, including the elimination of end-use certificates.

The open-market changes provide new opportunities for U.S. and Canadian pro-ducers and traders to move wheat, durum, or barley across the border but that grain is still subject to the respective and applicable customs and import regula-tions, such as phytosanitary requirements.

Some of that grain may also be exported to a third country.

“U.S. and Canadian gov-ernment agencies in both countries clarified the requirements governing how phytosanitary certifi-cates are issued for com-modities transshipped through either country,” said Tyler Bjornson, inter-im executive director of the Canadian Grains Council. “The new rules provide

• TRADE, Page 27

• YIELDS, Page 27

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more transparency about the origin of grain, but they can be complex. Now grain handlers and buyers can reference the new commer-cial module and share their questions and comments on the website.”

“This new information should answer many of the questions that com-mercial traders had fol-lowing the open-market transition about cross-bor-

der trade opportunities in both countries,” said Gary Martin, president and chief executive officer of the North American Export Grain Association. “We are very pleased to pro-vide this kind of support that has only been possible because so many grower and industry stakeholders on both sides of the border have been willing to work together.”

Task Group members will continue their efforts to improve transparency and recommend policies

that facilitate cross bor-der agricultural trade that exceeds $40 billion in two-way trade each year.

TRADEFrom Page 26

likely lower the estimated ARC-CO payments for 2014 corn for some Ohio counties.

It is estimated that above average 2014 county soy-bean yields will not impact ARC-CO payments for 2014 soybean crop because the MYA price of soybeans is currently projected at 10.20 per bushel resulting in county revenue above the 86 percent guarantee level.

Farmers can obtain a downloadable spread-

sheet calculator for ARC-CO and the Price Loss Coverage program from the University of Illinois at http://farmdoc.illinois.edu.

Question can also be directed to Wm. Bruce Clevenger, OSU Extension Educator Defiance County at 419-782-4771 or [email protected]

YIELDSFrom Page 26

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Nutrient management, stewardship meeting setThe Williams Soil and Water

Conservation District (SWCD) invites you to attend a meeting on “What is the Latest Ag News for 2015 regarding Nutrient Management, Stewardship, Programs, 4Rs & What Does It All Mean to You.”

The meeting will be held March 5, in the Williams SWCD meet-ing room in Bryan starting at 5:30 p.m. with a meal followed by the program.

Come hear Ohio’s 2014 certified crop adviser of the year Joe Nester.

Nester will share many insights on the use of no-till, conservation tillage, cover crops and nutrient management practices.

This information and the knowl-edge he has gained from working on local farms will be very useful to all of us. His experiences and observations of the changes and challenges coming to agriculture can impact any size farm. Nester will update us on nutrient manage-ment regulations from Senate Bill 1 and House Bill 61, and his dis-cussions with the Ohio House Ag Committee.

Nester owns Nester Ag, LLC, an independent crop consulting busi-

ness in Bryan. They provide nutri-ent management services to farm-ers throughout northwest Ohio, northeast Indiana, and south cen-tral Michigan.

Nester has been an agronomist in this area for 38 years, is currently the chairman of the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program, and is a past chairman of the Ohio Certified Crop Advisers.

Ed Crawford, Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB) project manager, will explain the latest on the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).

The multi-state RCPP project includes more than 40 collabo-

rating public and private sector organizations that have committed resources to leverage $17.5 million in federal funds for the reduction of phosphorus and sediment load-ing and harmful algal blooms in western Lake Erie.

Project partners will use NRCS conservation practices and innova-tive demonstration practices that farmers can implement with EQIP and ACEP funds to protect soil health, water quality and quantity, and prevent fish and wildlife habi-tat degradation.

Crawford was the local program

By ANNE MARiE MiCHAELSWilliams County SWCD

Nationwide USDA organic survey currently underwayWASHINGTON, D.C.

— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is conducting an organic sur-vey to gather detailed data on U.S. organic agriculture

production. The survey is a complete inventory of all known organic producers that are certified, exempt from certification, and tran-sitioning to certified organic

production.“Total organic product

sales by farms and ranches in the United States have continued to grow over the last few years, increas-

ing by 83 percent between 2007 and 2012,” said USDA deputy secretary Krysta Harden.

“These latest census results show the continued interest in organic agricul-ture among consumers, producers and businesses. As we look to the future, the important information we gather will be crucial to capturing the strong pri-

vate and public sector sup-port to sustain the contin-ued growth of this indus-try.”

Conducted by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the organic survey is a result of this growing demand for organic agricultural prod-ucts and data. The survey

• SURVEY, Page 29

• MEETING, Page 29

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looks at many aspects of organic agriculture dur-ing the 2014 calendar year — from production and marketing practices, to income and expenses. It also focuses on the future of organic production by including producers transitioning to certified organic agriculture.

Producers who receive the organic survey are encouraged to respond.

The responses will provide important and detailed information to help determine the eco-nomic impact of organic production, and this infor-mation will help USDA officials develop pro-grams and services for organic crop and livestock producers.

Farmers and ranch-

ers can fill out the sur-vey online via a secure website, www.agcensus.usda.gov, or return their form by mail. Federal law (Title 7, U.S. Code) requires all produc-ers who receive a form to respond and requires NASS to keep all individ-ual information confiden-tial.

Recipients are required to respond to the survey online by April 3.

SURVEYFrom Page 28

specialist to 20 SWCD’s in northwest Ohio through the ODNR-Division of Soil and Water Resources.

He served as the state coordinator on the Lake Erie CREP program for 12 years and currently works for the DSWR as a project manager for Ohio’s Clean Lakes Initiative in the Western Basin of Lake Erie.

Since 1988, Crawford has served as the state coordinator for the Conservation Action Project (CAP).

Brian Barclay, Williams County NRCS district conservationist, will explain the latest Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programs and updates for 2015.

He will also discuss the latest changes regarding Highly Erodible Land (HEL) and wetland determinations. Barclay will

answer what the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) is and how one applies.

EQIP provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers in order to address natural resource con-cerns and deliver environmental ben-efits such as improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, reduced soil erosion and sedi-mentation or improved or created wild-life habitat.

The evening meal is sponsored by the Williams Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and the Ohio Federation of Soil & Water Conservation districts.

The meeting will be held at the Williams SWCD meeting room at 1120 W. High St. and starts at 5:30 p.m. Reservations are requested for the meal.

For reservations, contact the Williams County SWCD at 419-636-2349 ext. 3 by Feb. 27.

MEETINGFrom Page 28 USDA has plan to help

beginning farmersThe United States

Department of Agriculture (USDA) recognizes that new and beginning farmers and ranchers are as diverse as American agriculture itself.

New farmers are growing traditional crops and new varieties, organic produce and heirloom products. They are part of row-crop farms — employing cut-ting-edge technology and equipment — and commu-nity supported agriculture programs that deliver fresh products directly to their neighbors.

They are raising beef, pork, dairy cattle, poultry, and fish on operations of every size.

Diversity, youth engage-ment, and types of agri-culture are all increasing, and growing the next gen-eration of agriculture has never been more exciting or more urgent than it is right now.

And as the average age of farmers and ranchers in America continues to rise, the question of how we

build our bench in agricul-ture becomes ever more important.

USDA is working hard to make sure we are ready to meet the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow. Please visit www.usda.gov/newfarmers to find information important to today’s beginning farmers. The website will be useful for locating market news, commodity projections, census data on agriculture, and Farm Service Agency (FSA) farm loan programs that fit the needs of begin-ning farmers.

In addition to Farm Loans, FSA offers a waiver on Non-insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program service fees and a 50 percent reduc-tion in buy-up premiums for beginning farmers.

Beginning farmers receive a 90 percent payment factor in comparison to the tradi-tional 60 percent payment factor for use in livestock grazing and feed loss pro-grams, livestock death loss

• NEW, Page 30

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Office. Generally, to be consid-

ered a beginning farmer or farm operator, an indi-vidual must have operated or owned a farm for less than 10 years.

NEWFrom Page 29

Compost course to focus on large-scale facilities

WOOSTER — Keep organic material such as yard waste, food waste and manure out of landfills. Compost it instead.

So said scientist Fred Michel in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at the Ohio State University. An associate biosystems engineering professor, he is co-organizer of an event next month on breaking down waste in big volumes.

“Composting allows the valuable nutrients and car-

bon that organic materials contain to be used again, reduces fossil fuel use for fertilizers, reduces green-house gas emissions from landfills and can be done economically,” he said.

The Ohio Compost Operator Education Course takes place March 24-25 at the college’s research arm, the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, in Wooster in north-east Ohio.

Its content focuses on running centralized, large-scale composting facilities. Examples include those for farms, businesses and

municipalities.The aim is to further the

knowledge of compost pro-ducers, solid waste man-agers, farmers and others as more and more organic materials get diverted from landfills, Michel said.

Nursery operators, public health officials and environ-

mental regulators, among others, also may gain by attending, he said.

The course covers a range of scientific, engi-neering and business top-ics, including site design, mix preparation, compost testing, state regulations, contaminant issues, how to

manage compost piles and windrows for peak aerobic conversion and the fewest odors, and how to use com-posts to naturally reduce plant diseases and create value from waste.

“We’ll also touch on

By KURT KNEBUSCHOSU Extension

An Ohio Compost Operator Education Course will be held March 24-25 in

Wooster. It will focus on running central-ized, large-scale composting facilities.

• COMPOST, Page 31

30

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important issues such as persistent herbicides and biodegradable plastics,” Michel said.

The course will have classroom and laboratory components.

The instructors will be from the college, from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and from industry, including CLC Labs, Barnes Nursery, KB BioEnergy and URS Corporation.

Registration is $175 for members of the Organics Recycling Association of Ohio and $225 for non-members.

Registration includes all materials, continental breakfast and lunch.

The course schedule, a registration form, and lodg-ing and other details can be downloaded at go.osu.edu/2015CompostCourse.

The course schedule, a registration form, and lodg-ing and other details can be downloaded at go.osu.edu/2015CompostCourse.

For more information, contact Mary Wicks, 330-

202-3533, [email protected].

Participants wishing to join ORAO and receive the discount rate should email Marcie Kress, [email protected].

Continuing education units are pending approv-

al for OEPA wastewater operator certification and for Ohio registered sanitar-ians.

Funding support to develop the course came from Ohio EPA’s Ohio Environmental Education Fund.

COMPOSTFrom Page 30

Annie’s Project workshops set Join Ohio Women in Ag network

According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, 30 percent of operators are women on the national level. In Ohio, 28 percent of operators are female: 31,413 women of 113,624 total operators.

The goal of the Ohio Women in Agriculture Learning Network (OWIALN) is to help women in agriculture improve their quality of life by providing them with resources to make better business decisions, while maintaining a bal-ance with family and per-sonal obligations.

This national initiative is developing a new por-tal for education, techni-cal assistance and sup-port of women farmers, ranchers and producers. The OWIALN shares the same goals and collabo-rates on programs with the Extension Women in Agriculture Community of Practice at extension.org/womeninag.

To join the network, contact Gigi Neal at 513-732-7070 or [email protected] or Heather Neikirk at 330-830-7700 or [email protected]. Like us at Ohio Women in Agriculture Learning Network on Facebook.

By GiGi NEALOSU Extension

PAULDING — The Paulding County OSU Extension Office will be presenting Annie’s Project in March and April.

The mission of Annie’s Project is “to empower farm women to be better business partners through networks and by manag-ing and organizing infor-mation.”

Annie Project partici-pants have said they find answers, strength and friendship — and also grow in confidence, busi-ness skills and community prestige through this pro-gram.

Cost is $100 per person. Registration is limited to 24 women. For more informa-tion, contact Sarah Noggle, 419-399-8225 or [email protected].

Annie’s Project provides

education and a sup-port network to enhance business skills of women involved in all aspects of agriculture. Through the program, you will gain insight and knowledge about:

• Your personality temperament and how it affects communication.

• The importance of organizational skills and goal setting.

• How to find resources and work with profession-als to meet your goals.

Since 2000, more than 5,000 women have com-pleted the workshop.

Classes in Paulding County will be held at the Paulding Youth Leadership Center, 503 Fairground Drive, Paulding.

The class schedule is as follows:

• March 15 — Communication, introduc-tion and mission/goal set-ting.

• March 23 — Financial management, financial statements, credit scores, introduction to business plan development.

• March 30 —Retirement and transition, retirement issues, farm transition and taxes.

• April 6 —Marketing and management, com-modity marketing basics, marketing panel and direct marketing basics.

• April 13 — Farm plan-ning, crop insurance, local resource people, contracts that farmers sign.

• April 20 — Risk man-agement, general farm lia-bility issues, farm family business communications, meetings and stress.

31

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BUREAU?

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gain access to informational seminars and workshops, learn

where to buy and sell local foods, and enjoy agricultural

experiences like farm tours, cooking and dining events and

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Black Swamp Nature Center is a hidden treasure in Paulding

PAULDING — A true piece of natural wonder exists at the Black Swamp Nature Center.

The nature center wasn’t always a wildlife area, the land use to be part of the sugar beet factory. There were four ponds constructed by the beet factory to aid in the production process of the beets.

Three ponds still exist today as part of the Black Swamp Nature Center. There was also a dam built for water retention that still exists today. The sugar beet factory closed down in 1948, it wasn’t until 1958 that the wildlife area was established. From 1958-90, the Ohio Department of

Natural Resources (ODNR) spent monies on turning the wetlands, wooded areas, and ponds into fish stocked, wildlife refuge park with a driveway and parking lot that exists as what we know today at the Black Swamp Nature Center.

In 1990, the Paulding Ponds Wildlife Area was offered and approved for sale to the Paulding County commissioners from ODNR.

Today the Black Swamp Nature Center is maintained by the Paulding Soil and Water District (SWCD) with the ownership of the property being the Paulding County commission-ers.

The Black Swamp Nature Center

By STACi MiLLERPaulding County SWCD

The Black Swamp Nature Center is one of the few designated wildlife areas in Paulding County. • CENTER, Page 33

32

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There is no fee for participating in this field test. Special testing will be done to determine the benefits of this technology. Benefits of hearing aids very by type and degree of hearing loss, noisy environment, accuracy of hearing test and proper fit. This a great opportunity to determine if hearing help is available for your hearing loss while you evaluate your performance with this technology.

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The Black Swamp Nature Center is one of the few designated wildlife areas in Paulding County. The nature center consists of 51 acres of land.

There are 24 acres of woodland, 14 acres of wet-lands and 6 acres of old meadow as well as the nature center building. The nature center building offers a picturesque view of nature for many differ-ent events such as meet-ings, trainings and field trips for local schools and rental for personal events.

There are four nature trails available to the public for daily walkers or those who truly want to enjoy the wonders of nature. Year around the nature center is home many dif-ferent species of wildlife and birds.

There have been over 175 species of birds document-ed at the Black Swamp Nature Center. The Black Swamp Nature Center is a prized piece of his-tory and natural wonder in Paulding County. The Paulding SWCD would

invite you to come visit the nature center and explore the many wonders of nature and wildlife.

If you are interested in learning more about the history of the Black Swamp

Nature Center, visit the Paulding SWCD office at the fairgrounds for a copy of the history.

Go walk, enjoy the peace-ful atmosphere of the Black Swamp Nature Center

CENTERFrom Page 32

Ohio group works to expand ethanol infrastructure

The Ohio Corn Marketing Program, in partnership with the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest and the American Lung Association of the Midland States, has announced, the Ethanol Infrastructure Grant Program, a new grant funding opportunity for petroleum marketers to signifi-cantly expand the reach of ethanol compatible fuel in the Ohio mar-ketplace.

The Ethanol Infrastructure Grant Program will provide funding to fuel retailers to aid in the purchase and installation of necessary dis-pensing equipment that is compat-ible with ethanol-blended fuels.

E85 and ethanol-blended fuels contain a percentage of ethyl alco-hol and gasoline. E85 is a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.

There are over 16 million flex fuel vehicles on the road today, creat-ing a great opportunity to reduce life-cycle carbon dioxide emissions through the use of E85 fuel. Using ethanol-blended fuels can reduce ozone-forming pollutants and air toxics.

“Motor vehicle emissions are a major source of environmental pollution. We are pleased to be a part of this program in Ohio,” said Barry Gottschalk, president

and chief executive officer of the American Lung Association of the Midland States.

“The use of alternative fuels, like E85, benefit air quality which is important in our mission to save lives to improve lung health and prevent lung disease," he contin-ued.

The Ethanol Infrastructure Grant Program details include:

• Funding structure to aid in the purchase of ethanol compat-ible fuel dispensing equipment and site-work (i.e. tanks) to accommo-date installation.

• Priority given to petroleum-marketers looking to install in mul-tiple locations.

• Simple application process with assistance available for completing appropriate paperwork.

• Quick reimbursement when projects are completed.

• Application process started Feb. 1.

“Over 722,000 Ohio motorists are driving flex fuel vehicles and they deserve access to efficient and clean burning ethanol,” said Tadd Nicholson, executive director of the Ohio Corn Marketing Program. “The new grants will help Ohio fuel retailers offer more choices at the pump, with fuel that is pro-duced in Ohio by our seven etha-nol plants with corn grown by our farmers.”

For questions on the grant appli-cation process or to apply , contact John DeRosa, environmental pro-grams director for the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest at 217-787-5864 or [email protected].

Information is also available online at www.CleanAirChoice.org.

Corn Marketing Program, associations help fund new grant for fuel retailers

33

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Changes for check-off programs for organic farmers

All organic farmers and businesses will be able to say “good-bye” to federal conventional check-off pro-grams, thanks to changes approved in the 2014 Farm Bill.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued proposed rules in December, which will allow certified organ-

ic farmers and businesses paying into federal check-off programs to get their money back.

The USDA estimates cer-tified organic operations currently pay into 12 of the 22 federally-mandated programs. More than $13.6 million could be pulled out of conventional check-off funds; beef, dairy and fluid milk represent almost 85 percent of that projected amount.

A previous Farm Bill

allowed 100 percent organ-ic operations to request their assessed monies back.

The 2014 Farm Bill clari-fied that an entire operation does not have to be organic to be refunded an assess-ment. Instead, any assess-ment based on organic sales can be requested back.

Check-offs, formally known as Mandatory Federal Research and Promotion Programs, are assessments made on sales of commodities, such as pork, soybeans and cotton, which are used to fund pro-motion and research.

The benefit of these check-off programs to organic farmers has been questioned for years.

In fact, since most check-off funds are used for commodity promotion and research that serves conventional production, organic farmers and busi-nesses have been paying into programs that often

work against their interests.While withdrawal from

the conventional check-offs will be welcomed, will organic operations sup-port a federally mandated organic check-off?

The Organic Trade Association (OTA) hopes so. OTA is expected to sub-mit a federal organic check-off program application in early 2015.

The trade association projects more than $40 mil-lion will be collected annu-ally, since this assessment would cut across the organ-ic industry.

In 2014, OTA sent out educational materials to more than 18,000 U.S. organic certificate holders, and conducted phone sur-veys to gauge support for an organic check-off.

An August survey of organic farmers and busi-nesses conducted by the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) found outright support for an organic check-off is low. Those open to the idea of a mandatory check-off were not confident the program would be run properly or benefit them.

Further, there was a strong distrust in govern-ment’s involvement in the program.

At press time, farms and businesses earning $250,000 or less per year in organic sales would be exempted from the check-off program.

The OEFFA survey revealed that 58 percent of respondents did not sup-

port an exemption. Farmers and businesses

earning less than $250,000 — approximately two-thirds of all organic cer-tificate holders — will not be allowed to vote in the referendum to establish an organic check-off if the sales threshold stands.

OEFFA and other farm organizations question the need for the exemp-tion, given OTA’s proposal to make the assessment “broad and shallow” with a 1/10 of one percent assess-ment on net organic sales.

A farmer with $50,000 in organic sales per year would pay $50, less than the $100 voluntary mem-bership OTA is proposing for exempt certificate hold-ers.

It’s also questionable whether it’s legal to have a check-off that excludes a super-majority of those in the industry.

The Commodity, Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 states generic promotion activities need to be of “par-ticular benefit to small pro-ducers who lack resources or market power to adver-tise on their own.”

OEFFA presented its sur-vey results to OTA, and encouraged, at minimum, a change to allow every organic certificate holder to vote on the check-off refer-endum.

Following the Organic Trade Association’s submis-sion, the USDA is expected to take several months to review the application.

By RENEE HUNT Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association

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Buzzards: A pleasant sight to see throughout northwest Ohio

Buzzards or turkey vul-tures being called a pleasant sight?

The groundhog may be able to predict how much longer winter will last, but buzzards have their own day to welcome spring.

Buzzard Day is a long standing history for the city of Hinckley since 1957. Buzzard Day takes place on March 15, where many people eagerly await the return of the buzzards at “Buzzards’ Roost” at the Hinckley Reservation, part of the Cleveland Metroparks.

The annual Return of the Buzzard celebration starts at 6:30 a.m. at the Hinckley Reservation. Many peo-ple gather to compete for the first sighting of the buzzards. The event has become a fun way to gather people together and witness a sure sign that spring is on the way.

The buzzards are famous in Hinckley, but many peo-ple view them as gross crea-tures of the world.

Vultures are scaven-

gers and they feed almost exclusively on carrion (dead animals). However, many people do not see the importance of vultures as scavengers, and they are, in fact, very beneficial. These vultures play a very impor-tant role in the ecosystem by disposing of carrion that would otherwise be a breeding ground for dis-ease.

Just think of what it would be like without vul-tures to dispose of dead animal carcasses.

All of the animals that are killed by cars would just remain on the side of the road for weeks until they either decomposed com-pletely or are disposed of by someone. The truth is, vultures make our world a much cleaner place and should be appreciated for doing so.

Turkey vultures find their food using their keen eye-sight and sense of smell. They fly low enough to detect the gases that are produced by the beginnings of the process of decay in dead animals.

Their keen sense of smell is a trait that is very uncom-

mon to the avian (bird) world. This ability allows turkey vultures to search for carrion. They prefer to feed on animals that are recently dead, and tend to avoid carcasses that have reached the point of decom-position.

There are three species of vultures in North America; the turkey vulture, the black vulture, and the California

condor. The two most com-mon species are the turkey vulture and the black vul-ture.

The turkey vulture has the largest area range

that spans from southern Canada to the southern-most tip of South America. Turkey vultures have a wingspan of six feet.

The turkey vulture’s pri-mary form of defense is regurgitating semi-digest-ed meat, a foul-smelling substance which deters most creatures.

The turkey vulture’s life expectancy in the wild ranges upward of 16 years. A captive life span of over 30 years.

Information about the turkey vulture was pro-vided by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

It’s has been a long and cold winter, but with Buzzard Day just around the counter, this means that winter is almost over. Springtime is near….so when you spot a buzzard know that they are scaven-gers, but they are helping to keep our environment clean.

By STACi MiLLER Paulding SWCD

Jenny Derringer/C-N Photo

Buzzards or turkey vultures are very beneficial as they play an important role in the eco-system of dis-posing of carrion that would otherwise be a breeding ground for diseases.

Vilsack to visit Commodity Classic showU.S. Secretary of

Agriculture Tom Vilsack will make his sixth visit to Commodity Classic, the annual convention and trade show for soybean, corn, wheat and sorghum growers.

The secretary will deliver a keynote address to sev-eral thousand farmers and agriculture allies during the event’s general session, to be held Feb. 27 in Phoenix, Ariz.

“Secretary Vilsack has been a strong voice and advocate for agriculture, and we’re looking forward to his joining us once again at Commodity Classic, where he can not only speak to growers but hear

from them as he visits our trade show,” said American Soybean Association presi-dent Wade Cowan.

“We’re grateful for his support on the recent farm bill and his leadership on other policy actions that affect our members. Secretary Vilsack under-stands and appreciates our role in making America great.”

Vilsack was appointed by President Barack Obama as the 30th secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and took office in January 2009.

He was reappointed soon after the president’s re-election in 2012. Previously, Vilsack served two terms as

governor of Iowa.The 20th annual

Commodity Classic conven-tion and show takes place Feb. 26-28 at the Phoenix Convention Center.

Established in 1996, Commodity Classic is America’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused con-vention and trade show, produced by the National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers and National Sorghum Producers.

Starting in 2016, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers and many of its members will be joining the event.

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Young biotech firm chases the next cash crop

CREVE COEUR, Mo. — A biotech startup here is trying to accomplish some-thing that hasn’t been done since the middle of the last century. Researchers are trying to turn what current-ly amounts to a weed — in this case, pennycress — into a viable commodity crop for farmers. And they hope to do it before the end of this decade.

“It’s been a long time since a wild strain was domesticated,” said Dennis Plummer, one of the found-ers of Arvegenix. “Even for some of the recent domesti-cations, it took decades.”

Indeed, the last plant to make a similar jump was the soybean, which origi-nated several thousand years ago in China. Outside of China, the plant spent the vast majority of its life as little more than a novel-ty. It wasn’t until the 1920s that it began its ascent to its current position as one of the world’s largest grain crops. And even then, it didn’t become a staple of U.S. farms until the 1950s.

It would be asking a lot to expect pennycress to enjoy the same level of success. Still, this member of the mustard seed family does have a lot working in its favor.

The plant’s seeds have the potential to be solid oil pro-ducers, while leftover meal can be used to make live-stock feed. But its strongest trait may be the fact that it grows in the winter, when most Midwestern fields are empty.

Arvegenix envisions a crop rotation where penny-cress fits in between a typi-cal corn/soybean rotation, giving farmers an extra growing season.

“If we can fit into that window when nothing else is growing, that’s the defi-nition of sustainability,” said Jerry Steiner, the new chief executive of the two-year-old biotech startup, which has 11 employees, with more than half work-ing for equity in the com-pany in lieu of salaries.

The sustainability feature is one of things that helped the company in snagging a $100,000 investment by Yield Lab, an accelerator for agribusinesses. Yield Lab, founded last year, recently named Arvegenix among the five companies in its initial investment program, which includes mentoring and a business develop-ment program.

“There aren’t many crops that can grow in the win-ter,” said Matt Plummer, Yield Lab program manag-er and son of the Arvegenix founder. “We’re not increas-ing land acres to grow any-

thing. And we aren’t tak-ing anything away from the food supply.”

This is also why the crop has been pushed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in its quest for new biofuel sources.

All, however, is not per-fect with this spindly plant and the tiny seeds it pro-duces.

The biggest problem is that farmers can’t make money growing it. At least

not yet.That’s where Arvegenix

has its focus at the moment, using advanced breeding technology to nudge the plant toward something better than it is today. A plant needs to be more pre-dictable, more consistent and one that produces a higher oil yield.

Within four years, researchers hope to have a version that could break even. From there, it should have no trouble attract-ing the attention of farm-ers, said Dennis Plummer, a former Monsanto execu-tive.

“I’m sure not every farm-er will want to plant it,” he said. “But they’re all inter-ested.”

That Arvegenix has taken up the pennycress cause is welcome news to Winthrop Phippen, professor of plant breeding and genetics at Western Illinois University.

Phippen has been work-ing with pennycress since 2009. He’s traveled across the country, collecting samples for a seed collec-

tion and cataloging various traits. He’s found it growing as far south as the Missouri-Arkansas border and as far north as Anchorage, Alaska.

He’s been doing his own breeding but says tradi-tional breeding — with-out the aid of molecular technologies — is consid-erably slower than what Arvegenix should be able to accomplish.

“They’ll be able to speed up the process,” Phippen said.

He sees other obstacles down the line, including the inevitable pest and disease issues faced by all crops. And there’s the fact that some states, including Michigan — a likely hotbed of pennycress farming — still classify the plant as a weed. That would have to change if the plant is going to be grown and sold as a crop, he said.

But having a company dedicate itself to the plant should bode well for its future.

“Every crop needs a champion,” Phippen said.

By TiM BAKERSt. Louis Post-Dispatch TNS

A biotech startup in Missouri is trying to turn the weed pennycress into a via-ble commodity crop. The plant's seeds

may be sold to oil producers while its meal can be used for feed.

36

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Value-Added Producer Grants are available

Daniel and Ann Trudel met in college. They never thought they’d be farmers. But one day, when visit-ing a friend in Ohio, they drove down Blair Road in Fredricktown and saw a house for sale. When they drove up the driveway, got out of the car, and took in the beautiful view, they knew this would be their new home.

Fast forward 10 years and Ann’s Raspberry Farm has three high tunnels that are home to 300 raspberry plants each. In response to growing demand, they now have 7,000 Brussels sprout plants as well. The farm is “Certified Naturally Grown” but what really sets them apart is their value-

added operation. Daniel and Ann have cre-

ated a variety of raspberry jams, a Brussels sprout rel-ish, Hungarian hot pepper mustard and a hot pep-per jelly, all from produce they raise themselves. In fact, their preserves have garnered them six Good Food Awards since 2011 and their savory Brussels sprout relish and petite pickled Brussels sprouts are finalists for the 2015 Good Food Awards.

After attending their first food show in Cincinnati, they started to consider applying for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG). Daniel realized that the VAPG could help offset the costs of participating in food shows so they could maximize attendance and

help their diversified busi-ness reach new markets.

What is the key to success with a VAPG? Daniel said you really have to invest the time in completing a thorough and compelling application. He wrote 25 revisions and estimates that he spent at least 80 hours on the grant application and developing sales forecasts for attending the shows.

“You must be able to show that you are going to grow your business,” said Daniel. “The benefits are definitely worth the time investment.”

Daniel’s 80 hour invest-ment paid off in almost $20,000 in grant funds. Ann’s Raspberry Farm was the only Ohio producer awarded a VAPG grant in 2014.

There is tremendous

opportunity for more Ohio producers to tap into this funding and grow their value-added businesses. Now is the time to start asking questions and plan-ning to submit your appli-cation. The announcement for new VAPG applications is expected soon. For more information, visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_VAPG.html.

By AMALiE LiPSTREUOhio Ecological Food and Farm Association

Daniel and Ann Trudel of Ann's Raspberry Farm is the only Ohio pro-ducer who was awarded a Value-

Added Producer grant in 2014 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They received almost $20,000 in funds.

Ag businesses sought for Good Earth directoryThousands of conscien-

tious consumers and com-panies in Ohio and sur-rounding states use the Good Earth Guide, the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association’s local farm and business product and services directory.

In 2014, the guide listed 450 farms and businesses that sell directly to the pub-lic, including 193 certified organic farms and business-es and more than 100 com-munity-supported agricul-ture (CSA) programs.

The directory identifies

sources for locally grown vegetables; fruits; herbs; honey; maple syrup; dairy products; grass-fed beef, pork, and lamb; free-range chicken and eggs; fiber; flour and grains; cut flow-ers; plants; hay and straw; seed and feed, and other local farm products.

Each farm listing includes name and contact informa-tion, products sold, a farm description, and whether the farm is certified organic.

The searchable database

By LAUREN KETCHAMOhio Ecological Food and Farm Association

• EARTH, Page 39

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Tractor Supply offers FFA scholarship through foundation Coming off the heels of

a successful second year in 2014, Tractor Supply Co. has announced the third annual Growing Scholars program in partnership with the National FFA Foundation.

Last year, Tractor Supply customers donated $447,671, resulting in 334 scholarships awarded to FFA members in their pur-suit of a college degree.

The Growing Scholars program will be supported nationally by each of the more than 1,400 Tractor Supply and Del’s Feed & Farm Supply stores Feb. 20-March 1, which includes National FFA Week. Tractor Supply customers can donate $1 or more at store registers during the

checkout process to support local FFA chapters and their members. Ninety percent of funds raised through Tractor Supply’s Growing Scholars program will be utilized to fund scholar-ships for FFA members. The remaining 10 percent of donations will benefit state FFA organizations.

“The funding we received from our customers last year was tremendous,” said Tractor Supply president and chief executive offi-cer Greg Sandfort. “We’re honored to be able to pro-vide critical funding to FFA members who intend to pursue a college degree. Many of these students go on to be agriculture educa-tors – and we know how

important ag. ed. is to our communities, customers, and the lifestyle they value. Local FFA chapters enrich the lives of young mem-bers by teaching life skills, citizenship and leadership qualities. Giving back to our 1,300-plus communities that we serve is very important, and the Growing Scholars program is one of the ways that we support our current and future customers and future team members.”

To be eligible for the scholarship program, stu-dents must be current FFA members and either high school seniors or a fresh-man, sophomore or junior college student seeking a two- or four-year degree or other specialized train-

ing program. Major areas of study will also be con-sidered when determining scholarship recipients.

“We can’t thank Tractor Supply and its custom-ers enough for supporting FFA, student and alumni members and agriculture education in general,” said National FFA Foundation president Molly A. Ball. “The Growing Scholars program truly makes a dif-ference in the lives of our youth.”

In addition to the Growing Scholars program, Tractor Supply and the National FFA Foundation have many other joint initiatives, including the FFA horse evalua-tion career development

event, National FFA Week and the annual National Association of Agricultural Educators Conference. At an individual store level, Tractor Supply continually hosts fundraising events and works closely with local FFA chapters and high school agriculture advisors to provide resources and leverage synergies.

includes tools that make it easy to search the listings for a specific product, farm or farmer, by county, or by sales method.

Many profiles have loca-tion listings and maps for where the farm’s products are sold.

Now’s a great time to promote your farm or business through the Good Earth Guide by creating or updating your online pro-file.

There are two ways to get listed in the guide:

• Create a profile online at http://www.oeffa.org/search-geg

• Contact Renee Hunt

at 614-421-2022 ext. 205 or [email protected] to request a form to complete a listing by mail.

Listings in the Good Earth Guide are open only to Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association members. If you’re not a

member, but would like to join, go to http://www.oeffa.org/membership.php.

Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association members must opt-in to participate in the guide and are not automatically included.

EARTHFrom Page 38

New private pesticide applicator training to be heldPAULDING — A new

private pesticide applicator training session will be held from 9-11 a.m. March 11 at the OSU Extension office building at the Paulding County Fairgrounds in Paulding.

The session is a crash

course of how and what to study in preparation for CORE and Category 1 (grain/cereal crops) private pesticide applicator testing. Additional personal prep-aration and study time is suggested.

Study materials should be

purchased prior to this date or upon registering via OSU Extension Paulding County.

Cost is $35 and can be paid prior to the event or at the door.

To register or for more information, contact Sara Noggle, ag educator for

Paulding County, at 419-399-8225 or [email protected].

39

Radiator Sales • Repair • Recoring & Installation

JOSH GRIMEJED GRIMEwww.archboldradiator.com

419-445-20303889 Co Rd. 24

Archbold, OH 43502Located north of Yoder & Frey

Farm Credit offers loans, leases and crop insurance.

You know farming.We know

farm financing.

ARCHBOLD OFFICE 23052 St Rt 34

Stryker, OH 43557 Call 419-267-3466

or go to e-farmcredit.com

Farm Credit Mid-America is an equal opportunity provider

The Jewell Grain Co.

Jewell, Ohio419-497-2101

Okolona, Ohio419-758-3513

Ney, Ohio419-658-2319

HEADQUARTERS FOR:• Grain Seed Feed• Chemicals - Fertilizers• General Farm Supplies• Liquid Nitrogen• Custom Application


40

TheLaureLsO f D e f i a n c e

A Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

BEST IN THE REGION!

1701 S. Jefferson Ave., Defiance, OH 43512419-782-7879

BEST THERAPY…..At Laurels, the goal is to return short term guests to THEIR HOME! Aggressive therapy is available up to 3 hrs/day, up to

7 days/week. Out-patient and in-home therapy also availbale, ALL provided by Laurel therapists.

BEST NURSING….At Laurels, Registered Nurse (RN) coverage 24/7,

actually in the building. No matter how much help you need, NO extra charge is added.

BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE CARE with a smile….At Laurels, you can use your medicare benefits, and KEEP your hard earned money. No yearly contract!

It’s ALL about YOU at The Laurels of Defiance!

The staff at The Laurels would like to thank you for voting us the best Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility in the six county area.

5 Straight Years As # 1!

Documents

Farm Forecast & Review 2015