Seven Ridgemont students will present their FFA projects to the national convention later this year after winning state honors at the Ohio FFA Convention last week in Columbus. Madisen Jolliff won first place in Agricultural Communications. State winner in the FFA Science Fair in the Environmental Team Division were Jaden Hensel and Josiah Strahm.

A strategic plan for the Hardin County Agricultural Society will be developed, it was announced at the group’s meeting on Wednesday night. Brad Murphy, chairman for the Executive Committee and Matt Jennings discussed a preliminary strategic plan for the organization.

As prospects for a timely start to spring planting diminish, growers need to reassess their planting strategies and consider adjustments. Since delayed planting reduces the yield potential of corn, the foremost attention should be given to management practices that will expedite crop establishment. The following are some suggestions and guidelines to consider in dealing with a late planting season.

Producers in Hardin County have another tool in the nutrient management toolbox to help protect Lake Erie water quality thanks to the Ohio Legislature. The Ohio Working Lands Small Grains program provides an incentive for producers to establish small grains in a crop rotation that can be used for manure application following harvest.

As a part of Hardin County for 70 years, Hardin SWCD wants to remind you that each of us has a connection to natural resources. The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) is celebrating the 64th year of Stewardship week April 28 – May 5. The 2019 Stewardship Week is themed, “Life in the Soil: Dig Deeper”.

COLUMBUS – Michael Bailey of Marysville has been named vice president, strategic partnerships for Ohio Farm Bureau. In this newly created position, he will develop and manage key relationships and partnerships within the farm and food sector and with businesses, educators, public officials and others.

Planting season is always crunch time for farmers. They know that research says that early planted corn and soybeans has the best chance for large yields. However, field conditions may only allow planting for a few days because of wet weather. As a result, farmers put in long hours to get the crop planted on these few days suitable for planting.

Between planting in the fall and Feekes 4 growth stage (beginning of erect growth) in the spring, winter wheat is vulnerable to environmental stress such as freezing temperatures with limited snow cover, saturated soils, and freeze-thaw cycles that cause soil heaving. All of which may lead to substantial stand reduction, and consequently, low grain yield.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the Hardin Soil and Water Conservation District, is providing funding for new assistance programs for farmers to help protect water quality in the western basin of Lake Erie.

As Hardin County farmers get ready to plant this year’s corn and soybeans, crop yields from the 2018 growing season have been released from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service. Although these crop production numbers are based on estimates, they are used for crop insurance and government reporting purposes.