Episode 103 – Ag Law Update

We touch base with Peggy Kirk Hall to see what the legislature has been up to. Topics include tax benefits for landowners renting to new farmers, farmland preservation cases, the statutory lease termination bill and more.

For more frequent ag law updates, subscribe to the Ag Law Blog. You can also search past topics and explore other resources.

Episode 102 – Drone Spraying 101

Many farmers are curious about drone spraying. The idea of reducing trips across the field, applying to later growth stages or targeted applications are just a few advantages it may bring to a farm operations. Dr. John Fulton and Alan Leininger join us to discuss what it takes to operate a spray drone. We get into advantages, what regulations are in place and what to consider in hiring a spray drone company.

Alan’s list of Unmanned Aerial Systems resources is available here: https://henry.osu.edu/program-areas/agriculture-and-natural-resources/precision-agriculture-technology.

Episode 101 – Tar Spot and Other Corn Diseases

Tar spot has been found in Western Indiana. After an unprecedented outbreak in NW Ohio last year, many farmers are wondering what to expect this year, and what can be done to protect their crop. Dr. Pierce Paul, Plant Pathologist for Corn and Small Grains at OSU, shares what we know about tar spot and recommendations for control.

We also discuss the more common diseases Gray Leaf Spot and Northern Corn Leaf Blight. Listen in for suggestions on keeping corn clean this season.

For updates on corn and wheat disease management, subscribe to the C.O.R.N. Newsletter.

Episode 100 – A look back and forward

We can’t hardly believe we’ve made it to our 100th episode. When we started this podcast, we were not sure where it would lead but we have certainly enjoyed learning about the myriad of topics we covered along with all of our listeners. We thank you immensely for tuning into each new episode.  

Thinking back to 2018 when we released our first episode, so much has happened with widespread prevent plant in 2019, the pandemic in 2020 and the impacts of that continuing to hit us 2 years later.

A few of our favorite guests join us for this episode to reflect on the last 4 years and predict where we are going.

Episode 99 – Automation in Agriculture

Just a few short years ago, driverless tractors made their debut at farm shows and in a few fields around the country. Technology continues to progress making unmanned fleets across farms closer to reality each year. Dr. Scott Shearer, chair of the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering at OSU, shares his thoughts on where the future of agricultural equipment is going, why it’s heading that direction and what needs to happen to make it a reality.

Episode 98 – 2022 Growing Season Weather Outlook

We are a couple of months closer to the grain making part of the growing season than when we heard from Dr. Aaron Wilson last (Episode 93). He provides an update on what weather we are likely to expect this growing season. The west is still facing down a historic drought. What does that mean for us here in the Eastern Corn Belt?

Visit climate.osu.edu throughout the year for weather updates, stats and other weather resources for Ohioans. The U.S. Drought Monitor can be found at: https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/.

Episode 97 – Dealing with Farm Stress

Stress from an agriculturally related field is intense, especially when Mother Nature plays such a large role. It can feel overwhelming and out of control. We have learned a lot about stress and mental health over the past few years and we continue to work towards breaking down barriers and the stigma associated with getting help.

Bridget Britton, Behavioral Health Field Specialist in Agriculture and Natural Resources for OSU Extension, shares information on what too much stress looks like and tips on how to destress. We also talk about what is underway to provide more help and resources to agricultural communities.

For more information, visit: go.osu.edu/farmstress

Trigger: suicide is briefly mentioned in this episode.

Episode 96 – Do you need sulfur?

Many farmers across Ohio are adding sulfur to their nutrient bill. Research results here in Ohio haven’t revealed a strong need but deficiency symptoms and yield bumps with application do occur on occasion. So how should you approach sulfur on your farm? Elizabeth and Amanda dive into the research and share some pointers to help farmers decide the best approach for each situation.

Additional Resources:
Research presentations: Go.osu.edu/PrecisionU
eFields Trials: go.osu.edu/eFields
Sulfur availability tool: Sam.asc.ohio-state.edu
Podcast episode 21 with Dr. Robert Mullen

Episode 95 – BMPs of Weed Control

Dr. Mark Loux updates us on herbicide availability before getting into some specific BMPs for our most difficult weeds: Marestail, Waterhemp, Giant and Common Ragweed and a few others that have made a stronghold in some fields.

The webinar on metabolic resistance, and many others, can be found here: https://iwilltakeaction.com/news/inside-weed-management-webinar-series

The weed control guide and other resources can be found at: https://u.osu.edu/osuweeds/

Episode 94 – Meet Osler!

Dr. Osler Ortez joined Extension in January as the new state specialist in corn and emerging crops. He is replacing Peter Thomison who retired. Learn about Osler’s background and what crop his family grows back home. He has a lot of great ideas for on-farm research and is eager to work with growers across the state. You can reach him in the following ways:

Department website: https://hcs.osu.edu/our-people/osler-ortez

Email: ortez.5@osu.edu 

Phone: (330) 263-9725

Office: 214 Williams Hall, Wooster, Ohio 

Twitter: @oortez94

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/osler-ortez-900442129/