Supervisors on the Hardin Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Board are public officials responsible to the people of the district and state. They employ and guide staff of the district on workload priorities, manage district funds and are a source of feedback from the public on its needs for soil and water assistance.

At one of the early Master Gardener meetings this spring, we were discussing what topic and speaker we might offer for our annual Evening Garden Affair. The Evening Garden Affair is a free program we provide together along with the Men’s Garden Club every year.

COLUMBUS — An Ohio farmer could lose more than half of his or her annual net income if the threatened 25 percent tariff is imposed on U.S. soybeans and corn in China, a study from The Ohio State University has found. Researchers with the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) have projected a 59 percent loss in annual net farm income based on historical trends in yields on corn and soybeans and projections for price drops in both commodities.

There are many types of laws and regulations that farmers need to know about to make sure they are not putting their livelihood at risk. There are laws regarding animals, protecting the environment, farm leasing, farmland protection, food safety, line fences, nuisance, oil and gas, premises liability, property, roadway and equipment, taxes, water, and zoning that govern how farmers operate their businesses.

For the time period of May 1-May 31, 2018 Extension rainfall reporters recorded an average of 3.40 inches of rain in Hardin County. Last year, the average rainfall for the same time period was 7.21 inches. Rainfall for May was 0.99 inches less than the ten-year average rainfall for the month.

Farmers have been busy planting the past three weeks with a few moderate rains to break things up. This year planting was delayed by a couple weeks due to cool and wet conditions.

For the time period of April 15-30, Extension rainfall reporters recorded an average of 1.56 inches of rain in Hardin County. Last year, the average rainfall for the same time period was 3.16 inches.

Hardin County Master Gardeners are sponsoring four free educational programs at the Friendship Garden, 960 W. Kohler St., Kenton this spring and summer. On May 19 at 9 a.m., the subject will be about planting vegetable gardens.

The High Flyers 4-H club met Tuesday, May 8 at Epworth United Methodist Church. A safety report was given by Carter Cannode about always making sure to wear a seat belt while traveling in a car.

The slow start to 2018 planting continues, but we would expect progress to accelerate this week as rainfall amounts lessen and air temperatures increase. We are at the calendar date where ground conditions, rather than concerns about soil temperature, will dictate planting.