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REYNOLDSBURG – The Ohio Department of Agriculture has suspended grain handling operations at United Equity, Inc. in Delphos, with branch locations in Spencerville and Celina, after a department audit confirmed a financial shortfall. The company’s grain handler’s license has been suspended to prevent more outstanding obligations from being incurred and to facilitate a possible remedy via the Grain Indemnity Fund.
If you believe you have outstanding grain obligations with United Equity, Inc. and have questions, call ODA at 614.728.6410. Ohio’s Grain Indemnity Fund was created in 1983 to reimburse farmers when a licensed handler becomes insolvent. Claims to the indemnity fund are handled through ODA’s Grain Feed & Seed Section in conjunction with the recommendation of the Ohio Commodity Advisory Commission.
Ohio Revised Code gives priority to the automatic lien established and held by the department for the benefit of farmers in the event of a grain handler’s failure or insolvency. The department’s liens will now have priority over all competing lien claims asserted against the handler, ensuring that the indemnity fund receives maximum reimbursement in the asset liquidation process.
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COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association (OSIA) today celebrated the inaugural Buckeye Baa-ttle at the Ohio State Fair, where legislators, cabinet members, and media representatives joined Ohio’s talented 4-H and FFA sheep exhibitors in the show ring.
Following an evening of friendly competition, State Representative Haraz Ghanbari (R‑Perrysburg) was named Grand Champion, while Kevin Miller, Director of Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, earned Reserve Champion.
“Our 4-H and FFA exhibitors are some of the best ambassadors for Ohio agriculture,” said ODA Director Brian Baldridge. “The Buckeye Baa-ttle gave them the opportunity to share their knowledge with Ohio’s leaders while showcasing the dedication, responsibility and hard work that goes into raising livestock. That’s what the Ohio State Fair is all about.”
The Buckeye Baa-ttle paired each participant with an experienced 4-H or FFA sheep exhibitor who served as their coach and mentor throughout the competition. Together, they demonstrated the teamwork, communication, and animal care skills required to successfully exhibit livestock.
The event highlighted Ohio’s sheep industry while giving participants an inside look at the preparation and commitment behind every show ring appearance.
“Our exhibitors spend countless hours caring for their animals and preparing for competitions like this, and the Buckeye Baa-ttle gave them an opportunity to share that experience with Ohio’s leaders,” said Roger High, executive director of the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association. “We appreciate everyone who stepped into the ring and helped shine a spotlight on Ohio’s sheep producers and the next generation of our industry.”
Awards/Superlatives:
Ewe look maaavelous!, Director Tia Moretti, Ohio Department of Behavioral Health
Ewe rocked it!, Teri Geiger, Chief of Staff, Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12)
Ewe were baaad to the bone!, Congressman Dave Taylor (OH-02)
Ewe were a natural!, State Representative Angie King (R-Celina)
Ewe kept your Cool!, Anna Staver, Statehouse Reporter, Cleveland.com
Ewe made a great team!, Director Mary Mertz, Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Ewe tried!, State Senator Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster)
Ewe blew us away!, State Representative Johnathan Newman (R- Troy)
Ewe Stood Out from the Flock, State Representative Melanie Miller (R-Ashland)
Ewe were Wooly Awesome, Director Lyndsay Nash, Director of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities
Shear Perfection!, Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, Ohio Department of Health
Flock Star!, Director Kimberly Murnieks, Office of Budget and Management & Assistant
The Buckeye Baa-ttle joins Battle for the Bacon as part of ODA’s efforts to highlight Ohio livestock, youth exhibitors and the importance of agriculture through hands-on experiences at the Ohio State Fair. Battle for the Bacon will take place on Wednesday, August 5 in the O’Neill Swine Barn.
POSTED: 07/29/26 at 8:19 pm. FILED UNDER: Farm
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The Van Wert Ag banquet has been scheduled for Tuesday, August 4, at Life House Church in Van Wert. The Van Wert Soil and Water Conservation District and Farm Bureau are co-hosting this event which replaces the separate annual meetings.
The evening will begin at 5 p.m. with registration and election for one SWCD supervisor to the five-member Board of Supervisors. Dinner will be catered by Lock 16 and will begin at 6 p.m.
Both offices will present awards followed by the “Van Wert Ag Hall of Fame” award. This year’s award is being awarded to Dale Profit.
This year’s speaker is Ty Higgins. Ty is a farm enthusiast who brings a wealth of knowledge.
There will be no charge for the banquet this year, however anyone planning on attending will need to RSVP to the SWCD office by Thursday, July 23. Call 419.238.9591 or email becky at: becky@vanwertswcd.com.
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PAULDING — With farm margins tightening due to increased input prices and lower crop prices, farm management and evaluation of agronomic practices are critical. Ohio State University Extension is your partner to help evaluate practices on the farm and to assist with farm management and succession planning. Agricultural producers in Paulding County and beyond are invited to join Paulding County Extension on Thursday, June 25, for a half-day agronomy and farm management program at the Paulding County Extension Office, 503 Fairground Dr., Paulding.
The event will run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., hosting four timely presentations about nutrient management, soil health, best practices for farm succession planning, and more. Speakers include Ohio State Extension’s own Sarah Noggle, Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Rachel Henry, Water Quality Extension Associate, and Amber Emmons, Water Quality Extension Associate. Noggle has a background in farm stress, farm succession planning, and agronomy. Henry is a Certified Crop Adviser and Certified Professional Agronomist with a background in nutrient management and agronomy. Emmons is a Certified Crop Adviser with a background in weed science and agronomy, and is currently a PhD student in weed science at The Ohio State University.
Registration is required to gauge attendance, though there is no charge to attend this event. Please register online before the event by visiting go.osu.edu/PauldingAgronDay. Questions can be directed to Rachel Henry, henry.1394@osu.edu or Sarah Noggle, noggle.17@osu.edu, or call the Extension office at 419.399.8225.
POSTED: 06/16/26 at 8:31 pm. FILED UNDER: Farm
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The recipients of the 2026 Farm Focus Inc. scholarships are Claire Keysor, Maddie Gerdeman, Delana Rank and Elyssa Renner awarded $1,500 each, and Amanda Burenga and Lilian Mount awarded $500 each.
Keysor is a 2024 home school graduate attending Cedarville University and is majoring in biology pre-vet medicine. She plans to be a large animal veterinarian.
Gerdeman is a 2025 Lincolnview High School graduate attending Oklahoma State University majoring in animal science. She plans to contribute to the beef industry.
Rank will be a 2026 Lincolnview High School graduate planning to attend the University of Findlay majoring in pre-vet/animal science. She plans to be a large animal veterinarian in Van Wert area.
Renner will be a 2026 Lincolnview High School graduate planning to attend Wright State University Lake Campus in Celina. She plans to major in agribusiness and use her skills back in her home community.
Mount is a 2024 Lincolnview High School graduate attending the University of Findlay, majoring in animal science (pre-vet and equine studies). Her career goal is to be a large animal veterinarian.
Burenga is a 2025 Van Wert High graduate attending University of Illinois majoring in agricultural and biological engineering. Her career goal is to work in the agricultural industry.
Farm Focus Inc. was founded in 1974 to promote agriculture in Van Wert County and the surrounding area. It is their continued mission to assist Van Wert County students through a scholarship program that will enable them to pursue a degree in an agricultural related field.
Submitted information
REYNOLDSBURG — From farm to plate, the Ohio Department of Agriculture is offering financial support to businesses and producers through the USDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG) Request for Proposals officially opened on April 1.
Specialty crops are fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture). A full list can be found on the USDA’s Specialty Crop website. Grant awards will range from a minimum of $25,000 up to a maximum of $150,000. Last year, Ohio organizations were awarded more than $710,000.
Through USDA’s guidelines, the following entities are eligible to apply: food and agricultural non-profit organizations, cooperatives, associations or commodity groups, universities, and research institutions that represent specific specialty crop sectors. Projects benefiting only one single private individual, company, or organization are not eligible to apply.
To apply, grant proposals must be emailed to SCBG@agri.ohio.gov by 5 p.m. Friday, May 1.
Detailed guidelines, including project requirements and eligibility can be found here.
POSTED: 04/02/26 at 8:26 am. FILED UNDER: Farm
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Farm Focus Inc. was founded in 1974 to promote agriculture in Van Wert County and the surrounding area. It is their continued mission to assist Van Wert County students through a scholarship program that will enable them to pursue a degree in an agricultural related field.
Farm Focus Inc. is offering a minimum of two scholarships of $1,000 or more and may offer more scholarships at various amounts to Van Wert County resident high school seniors interested in majoring in an agricultural related program at a university or college. Full time students already enrolled in an undergraduate program in agriculture are also eligible to apply, and successful applicants from previous years can reapply again this year.
The applicant must be a Van Wert County resident. Minimum grade point is 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Scholarship funds will be submitted directly to the educational institution by Farm Focus Inc. upon receipt of proof of enrollment or a copy of a tuition invoice.
Scholarship applications have been sent to nine area high schools where Van Wert County students may be enrolled, so please contact your high school guidance counselor, or agricultural education/FFA Instructor for your scholarship application. The application is available at the OSU Van Wert County Extension office at 1055 South Washington St., Van Wert, or email FarmFocusScholarship@gmail.com. The scholarship application is in a PDF file and MS Word formats and can be emailed or put on a jump drive. Questions should be emailed.
All completed applications must be emailed, mailed and postmarked or delivered in person no later than March 27, to the OSU Van Wert County Extension Office. The preference is to email the application.
VW independent staff/submitted information
INDIANAPOLIS (IN) – The United States Department of Agriculture has designated 28 Indiana counties as natural disaster areas due to drought and as a result, five Ohio counties – Darke, Defiance, Mercer, Paulding and Van Wert counties – are eligible as contiguous counties.
The natural disaster designation allows the USDA Farm Service Agency to extend emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Those loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation, or to refinance certain debts. The FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.
The loan application deadline is August 31.
The Lincolnview FFA chapter had four of its members elected as officers to the Van Wert County Jr. Fair board. Shown above (left to right) are Lincolnview’s Jr. Fair board officers, Braylee Welker, secretary; Delana Rank, vice-president; Elyssa Renner, president; Gracie Schaadt, Vantage Career Center, and Alexis Hoaglin, treasurer. The Lincolnview chapter also has 22 active members on board. The members who attended participated in fun team-building activities and contributed ideas to the topics brought to the table. Photo submitted
By Emily Lichtle/Crestview FFA reporter
CONVOY — Crestview FFA is proud to announce that Dakota Thornell has advanced to the State Job Interview Contest, where she will compete in Division 5 on Friday, December 5, at the Ohio State Fairgrounds in Columbus.
Dakota has had an impressive season, earning second place at sub-districts, first place at districts, and first place in state prelims, securing her place among the top competitors in Ohio. Dakota explained that she was inspired to compete thanks to the encouragement of Mrs. Ericka Gibson, and she prepared through a practice interview with Principal, Ms. Mimi Myers. Thornell thaned Kerry Koontz for her CEO paper from the summer to help prepare her.
One of the most challenging obstacles Thornell faced during this journey was navigating the technology for state prelims. The most rewarding experience has been meeting other FFA members in the same CDE and learning from their advice and perspectives. She shared that she is both surprised and excited to advance to the state level and hopes to make Crestview proud. She also emphasized how valuable this competition is for building real-life job skills that will benefit her far beyond FFA.
Thornell thanked the community for their support, her FFA members for helping her prepare and celebrate her accomplishments, Mrs. Ericka Gibson for believing in her, and the FFA members she has met along the way who have helped her grow. Crestview FFA congratulates Dakota on her outstanding dedication and wishes her the best of luck as she competes at State.
