By Dusty Sonnenberg, CCA, Ohio Field Leader: a project of the Ohio Soybean Council and soybean checkoffJust because a farmer has raised cover crops for a few years, it does not mean they have all the answers. Sometimes the experience leads to more questions. The more experience they gain, the more questions they have, but also the more new things they will try.
Virtual Extension programming
Brooke Beam Contributing columnist
The following is virtual program offered the week of Feb. 8 through the Highland County OSU Extension office.
Monday, Feb. 8
6-7:00 p.m.
EPD Update: Breeding for Cow Longevity – John Grimes
Registration: https://osu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN N CtcKYwQB2l60Afug10aA
Tuesday, Feb. 9
Registration: www.go.osu.edu/AgTechTues
The Digital Ag Team will present on various topics on the latest on-farm technology. CCA credits can be earned.
High Tunnel Production School (Virtual)
12:30-1:30 p.m.
Dairy Labor Management Mini-Series (Virtual)
12:30-2 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 10
10-10:30 a.m.
Water Quality Wednesdays (virtual)
By Dusty Sonnenberg, CCA, Ohio Field Leader: a project of the Ohio Soybean Council and soybean checkoff
Farmers wishing to improve the health of their soils are often presented with a list of specific management practices to implement.
“There are many types of management to combine to manage soil health,” said Jordon Wade, from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. “These typically include: keeping the soil covered, minimizing soil disturbance, keeping plants growing throughout the year, having a diversity of plants, and incorporating livestock.”
Wade was a recent speaker for Ohio State’s “The Dirt on Soil Health” series featuring a discussion findings from his research looking at the relationship between improving soil health and increasing yields. As farmers evaluate their soils, there are three areas to assess.
Virtual Extension programming
Brooke Beam Contributing columnist
There are many options for virtual Extension programming occurring this winter. Many of the programs are free to attend. By registering, you will receive connection information to either view the presentation through the Zoom portal or call-in options. Included in the list are the upcoming programs for the week of Feb. 1.
There are many options for virtual Extension programming occurring this winter. Many of the programs are free to attend. By registering, you will receive connection information to either view the presentation through the Zoom portal or call-in options. Included in the list are the upcoming programs for the week of February 1, 2021.
By Dusty Sonnenberg, CCA, Ohio Field Leader: a project of the Ohio Soybean Council and soybean checkoff
As more is learned about the complexities of the soils serving as the basis for our civilization, it is becoming apparent to many that agricultural management practices need to change. Les Siler, a farmer from Fulton County, said farmers need to be intentional to improve the quality and health of their soil.
“Treat the soil like a living thing. You need to take care of it, keep it covered and not tear it up,” Siler said. “Along with the use of cover crops, having a multiple crop rotation is beneficial. “Crop diversity is very beneficial to the soil health and the soil life. Farmers also need to think about anything they do to the soil. If it is applying fertilizer or making a tillage pass. They need to think about how that impacts building the soil.”