Ohio Dept. of Agriculture news
REYNOLDSBURG — The Ohio Department of Agriculture will soon begin aerial treatments designed to control the gypsy moth population in Ohio. Treatments on 51 acres in Defiance County will begin in mid-May, as larva and leaf development reaches the optimal threshold for treatment.
Treatments are administered using a low-flying aircraft that flies just above treetops. High humidity, low temperature and minimal wind are crucial for a successful application. Treatment will most likely take place during early morning hours.
The department will use Foray (Btk), a naturally occurring bacterium found in the soil that interferes with the caterpillars’ feeding cycles. These treatments are not toxic to humans, pets, birds or fish.
Ohioans can view maps of treatment blocks at www.agri.ohio.gov. Daily updates on treatment progress across the state are available by calling 614.387.0907 or 800.282.1955, extension 37, any time after 5 p.m.
Gypsy moths are invasive insects that defoliate trees and shrubs. In its caterpillar stage, the moth feeds on the leaves of trees and shrubs and is especially fond of oak. A healthy tree can usually withstand only two years of defoliation before it is permanently damaged or dies. In Ohio, 51 counties are currently under gypsy moth quarantine regulations.
The department uses three programs to manage the gypsy moth population in Ohio. The suppression program is used in counties where the pest is already established, but landowners voluntarily request treatment to help suppress populations. The second program, slow-the-spread, occurs in counties in front of the larger, advancing gypsy moth population. The third program is the eradication program, used in counties where isolated populations develop ahead of advancing moth populations due to human movement of the moth. Officials work to detect and control isolated populations to slow the overall advancement of the gypsy moth infestation.
In total for state, 4,558 acres in seven counties will receive treatment. For more information about the gypsy moth quarantine or for specific treatment locations, visit www.agri.ohio.gov.
POSTED: 05/10/13 at 5:36 am. FILED UNDER: Farm
ODA information
REYNOLDSBURG — As the holiday season quickly approaches, Ohio Proud announces a special holiday campaign urging Ohioans to celebrate by making holiday dishes and giving gifts featuring Ohio products. Whether you’re spending the holidays at home, entertaining with friends or celebrating at work, make the best of the holidays by shopping Ohio Proud.
Consumers can look for the Ohio Proud logo when buying Ohio made and Ohio grown products. When you purchase Ohio Proud products you are supporting Ohio farmers, food processors, and your community. Every dollar spent on Ohio Proud products reinvests in the state’s economy. From fresh meats, fruits and vegetables, to snack foods, wine and baked goods you will find Ohio Proud products in every aisle of your favorite grocery store.
Online shoppers can visit the Ohio Proud web site at www.ohioproud.org for partner web sites and recipes for holiday meals. Ohio Proud can also be found on Pinterest, sharing homegrown gift, recipe and party planning ideas.
Ohio Proud is a program of the Ohio Department of Agriculture that helps consumers identify food and agricultural products produced by local farmers and food processors. Ohio companies that grow or make at least 50 percent of their product in Ohio are eligible to join the Ohio Proud program. There are currently 456 Ohio Proud partners located across 78 of Ohio’s 88 counties.
POSTED: 11/20/12 at 3:26 am. FILED UNDER: Farm
Paulding SWCD information
ANTWERP — The 62nd annual meeting and banquet of the Paulding Soil and Water Conservation District was held on November 1 at Grant Catering in Antwerp.
Jean and Vaughn Sanderson with their Ditch Maintenance Cooperator of the Year Award, along with Tim Franklin (right), SWCD ditch maintenance supervisor. (photo submitted)
Election procedures were in place with voting for supervisors candidates held from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. Candidates running for two seats on the Board of Supervisors were Matthew Stoller, Ryan Noggle, and Gary Derck. Officiating the election process was Jeff Ankney, ODNR program specialist.
The meeting officially opened at 6:30 p.m. with a welcome and Introduction of board supervisors and staff by Jim Stoller, chairman of the board. Charlie Simpson offered the invocation.
The evening meal was catered by Linda Grant Catering, which served approximately 103 guests.
There was one award given at the banquet, the “Ditch Maintenance Cooperator of the Year,” which was presented to Vaughn and Jean Sanderson by Tim Franklin, ditch maintenance supervisor. This award was to show appreciation for the Sandersons’ cooperation throughout the year with ditch maintenance.
The Bottom of the Barrel Boys music group was the entertainment for the evening. Door prizes were awarded and every child went home with a gift!
Election results showed Matthew Stoller and Gary Derck were elected to a three-year term commencing January 2013.
POSTED: 11/12/12 at 6:20 am. FILED UNDER: Farm
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WASHINGTON — Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Juan M. Garcia announced that the 2012 FSA county committee elections will begin on Monday, November 5, with the mailing of ballots to eligible voters. The deadline to return the ballots to local FSA offices is December 3.
“The role and input of our county committee members is more vital than ever,” said Garcia. “New county committee members provide input and make important decisions on the local administration of disaster and conservation programs. With better participation in recent years, we also have seen promising increases in the number of women and minority candidates.”
Eligible voters who do not receive ballots in the coming week can obtain ballots from their local USDA Service Center. December 3 is the last day for voters to submit ballots in person to local USDA Service Centers. Ballots returned by mail must also be postmarked no later than Dec. 3. Newly elected committee members and their alternates will take office January 1, 2013.
To be an eligible voter, farmers and ranchers must participate or cooperate in an FSA program. A person who is not of legal voting age, but supervises and conducts the farming operations of an entire farm also may be eligible to vote. Agricultural producers in each county submitted candidate nominations during the nomination period, which ended August 1.
While FSA county committees do not approve or deny farm-operating loans, they make decisions on disaster and conservation programs, emergency programs, commodity price support loan programs and other agricultural issues. Members serve three-year terms. Nationwide, there are about 7,700 farmers and ranchers serving on FSA county committees. Committees consist of three to 11 members that are elected by eligible producers.
More information on county committees, such as the new 2012 fact sheet and brochures, can be found on the FSA website at www.fsa.usda.gov/elections or at a local USDA Service Center.
POSTED: 11/03/12 at 6:45 am. FILED UNDER: Farm
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WASHINGTON — Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Juan M. Garcia announced that the 2012 FSA county committee elections will begin on Monday, November 5, with the mailing of ballots to eligible voters. The deadline to return the ballots to local FSA offices is December 3.
“The role and input of our county committee members is more vital than ever,” said Garcia. “New county committee members provide input and make important decisions on the local administration of disaster and conservation programs. With better participation in recent years, we also have seen promising increases in the number of women and minority candidates.”
Eligible voters who do not receive ballots in the coming week can obtain ballots from their local USDA Service Center. December 3 is the last day for voters to submit ballots in person to local USDA Service Centers. Ballots returned by mail must also be postmarked no later than Dec. 3. Newly elected committee members and their alternates will take office January 1, 2013.
To be an eligible voter, farmers and ranchers must participate or cooperate in an FSA program. A person who is not of legal voting age, but supervises and conducts the farming operations of an entire farm also may be eligible to vote. Agricultural producers in each county submitted candidate nominations during the nomination period, which ended August 1.
While FSA county committees do not approve or deny farm-operating loans, they make decisions on disaster and conservation programs, emergency programs, commodity price support loan programs and other agricultural issues. Members serve three-year terms. Nationwide, there are about 7,700 farmers and ranchers serving on FSA county committees. Committees consist of three to 11 members that are elected by eligible producers.
More information on county committees, such as the new 2012 fact sheet and brochures, can be found on the FSA website at www.fsa.usda.gov/elections or at a local USDA Service Center.
POSTED: 11/03/12 at 6:11 am. FILED UNDER: Farm
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COLUMBUS — Steve Maurer, executive director for Ohio’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), announced the sign-up period for the 2011 crop year Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments (SURE) program begins today. “Any eligible producer who suffered losses during the 2011 crop year is encouraged to visit their local FSA office to learn more about the SURE program and how to apply,” said Maurer.
The SURE program is part of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Farm Bill). Under the 2008 Farm Bill, SURE authorizes assistance to farmers and producers who suffered crop losses caused by natural disasters occurring through Sept. 30, 2011. All eligible farmers and producers must sign-up for 2011 SURE benefits before the June 7, 2013, deadline.
To qualify for a SURE payment, the producer’s operation must be located in a county that was declared a disaster for 2011 and have at least a 10 percent production loss that affects one crop of economic significance. Producers with agricultural operations located outside a disaster county are eligible for SURE benefits if they had a production loss greater or equal to 50 percent of the normal production on the farm.
All of Ohio’s counties received a primary Secretarial Disaster Designation or contiguous Secretarial Disaster Designation during 2011. This means that all counties in Ohio can apply for SURE benefits as long as all other eligibility requirements are met.
To meet program eligibility requirements, producers must have obtained a policy or plan of insurance for all insurable crops through the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation and obtained Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage on non-insurable crops, if available, from FSA. Eligible farmers and produces who meet the definition of a socially disadvantaged, limited resource or beginning farmer or producer do not have to meet this requirement. Forage crops intended for grazing are not eligible for SURE benefits.
For more information on SURE program eligibility requirements contact a local FSA office or visit the website at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/sure.
POSTED: 10/23/12 at 4:50 am. FILED UNDER: Farm
ODA information
REYNOLDSBURG — Ohio Department of Agriculture Director David T. Daniels announced a new way to preserve Ohio farmland.
The Agricultural Easement Donation Partnership Program will reimburse local partners (counties, townships, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, or land trusts) for real estate closing and administrative costs to assist landowners with donations under the state’s farmland preservation program.
The department has set aside $50,000 to cover up to $3,000 in costs for the donation of farms up to 200 acres. The incentive would increase by $5 per acre for easements more than 200 acres in size. Funds will be equally available in all areas of the state.
“Ohio has gone from zero preserved farmland acres to more than 54,000 preserved acres in just over 10 years. This would never have been possible without the help of our local partners,” said Daniels. “Today, through this program, we are offering a way to help our partners preserve even more productive farmland at the local level. We hope to preserve many more acres of donated agricultural easements through these incentives.”
The new program will help provide local partners with resources to respond to landowners who want to permanently protect their land for agricultural production. Tax benefits for the value of the easement donation may be available.
Bob and Lois Stoll of Logan County donated an agricultural easement on their 345-acre farm. “Our land is under our care for a short period and it is our responsibility to leave it to the next generation better than when received,” said Bob Stoll. “Preserving land for agriculture, woodland production, wildlife or natural beauty is a responsibility of our society. The family farm is a cornerstone of our existence and should be preserved and never lost for future generations.”
The department currently holds 53 donated agricultural easements on 6,390 acres. To review the new program guidelines, visit: http://www.agri.ohio.gov/divs/FarmLand/FarmLand.aspx.
POSTED: 08/09/12 at 6:32 am. FILED UNDER: Farm
COLUMBUS — Ohio Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Steve Maurer announced additional drought relief for Ohio’s livestock producers on Wednesday. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack authorized the release of emergency haying and grazing lands for all Ohio counties for certain practices and acres enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).
USDA will allow acres under CRP to be used for haying or grazing under emergency conditions. This will allow lands that are not yet classified as “under severe drought” but that are “abnormally dry” to be used for haying and grazing. This will increase available forage for livestock.
Under emergency haying at least fifty percent of each field or contiguous fields must be left unhayed for wildlife. Under emergency grazing at least twenty-five percent of each field or contiguous CRP fields must be left ungrazed for wildlife, or graze not more than seventy-five percent of the stocking rate as determined by NRCS.
Under emergency haying and grazing CRP participants will be assessed a payment reduction based on the number of acres actually hayed or grazed times the CRP annual rental payment times ten percent.
Participants may sell hay harvested under emergency provisions. CRP participants who do not own or lease livestock may rent or lease the haying or grazing privilege to an eligible livestock producer.
CRP is a voluntary program that provides producers annual rental payments on their land in exchange for planting resource conserving crops on cropland to help prevent erosion, provide wildlife habitat and improve the environment.
Producers must notify their local FSA office and file a request and receive approval before starting this emergency haying and grazing activity.
Information submitted
On Saturday, July 28, the Northwest Ohio Big and Little Plow Event will hold its third annual event on the Davis Farms, 1084 Hoaglin Center Road in Van Wert County. Registration begins at 9 a.m., with plowing beginning at 10:15 that morning. The event will end at 4 p.m.
A $10 donation is requested for each plowing entry for the event. A $5 donation for golf carts and 4-wheelers is also requested.
All makes and models of tractors, including garden tractors, and plows are welcome. A forklift loader will be available to assist drivers with the loading and unloading of their equipment. A display area will be set aside for Cushman scooters, and antique cars and trucks. The public is welcome, but no pets are allowed.
This year, the local competition includes the Ohio State Plowing Contest sponsored by the Darke County Plowmen Association. Those who would like to compete in the plowing contest must be registered by this Saturday, July 21. Trophies will be awarded to the winners. Those interested can call Roger Neate at 419.965.2284.
A special women’s program will also be presented at 10 a.m. that day. The program, “Language of Flowers,” will be presented by Secret Flora and Gifts of Convoy.
Food and beverages will also be available, provided by Middle Point Fire Department. No alcohol/beer is allowed.
For more information, contact Mark Adams at 260.348.0438, Dale Merkle at 419.230.0255 or Wayne Weber at 419.662.0103 or access the event’s organization’s website at www.nwohbigandlittleplow.com.
The event is sponsored by Scott Equity and C&Y Marathon Oil Company.
FSA information
COLUMBUS – Steve Maurer, state executive director for Ohio’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), reminds producers of the acreage reporting requirements that must be met prior to receiving program benefits. If producers miss the acreage reporting deadline dates, a late filing fee will be charged.
“Producers are required to file an FSA-578, Report of Acreage, certification for the farm by July 2 for small grains and by July 16 for all other crops except small grains,” Maurer noted.
To be considered timely, acreage reports on crops are due in the county office by July 2 for small grains and July 16 for all other crops, or 15 calendar days before the onset of harvest or grazing of the specific crop acreage being reported.
It is also very important that producers report crop losses, including those insured under Federal Crop Insurance (FCIC) and Non-insured Assistance Program (NAP) within 15 days of the date damage occurred or 15 days from the date damage is apparent. Losses and or damages to crops must be reported after each disaster occurrence and in a timely manner to insure continued eligibility for benefits.
Producers are encouraged to visit their local FSA county office to file the required FSA-578 certification report before the deadline dates expire. Filing an accurate acreage report for all crops and land uses, including failed acreage and prevented planting acreage, can prevent the loss of benefits for a variety of programs.
POSTED: 06/26/12 at 4:57 am. FILED UNDER: Farm
