C.O.R.N. Newsletter: 2023-42
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Weather Update: A Mild End to 2023
Summary
Fall (September – November) 2023 ranks as the 13th driest fall on record for Ohio (1895-2023). This same dry pattern, along with warmer than average temperatures have continued through the first half of December (Figure 1). Temperatures through December 18th are running 1-3°F above average across southern Ohio and 3-6°F above average across our northern counties.
Generally speaking, most of the state has only seen 0.3-1.5” so far in December, with 2-2.5” across southeast Ohio. This is about 50-75% of normal across the bulk of the state, with pockets of 25-50% of normal in northwest, west central, and far southern Ohio. As of Thursday December 14, 2023, 41% of the state was described as at least abnromally dry with about 1% of the state in moderate drought conditions according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. For more information, check out the State Climate Office and sign up for our monthly and quarterly climate summaries.
Figure 1: (left) Departure from 1991-2020 normal temperatures and (right) percent of normal precipitation for Dec 1 – 18, 2023. Figure courtesy of the Midwestern Regional Climate Center.
Forecast
We are kicking the week off with northwesterly flow, snow squalls, and falling temperatures, as a cold front sweeps across Ohio. Tuesday will be drier except for snow showers downwind of Lake Erie, and it will be cold with highs mainly in the 30s and lows in the 20s. A slow warming trend will begin on Wednesday with highs in the upper 30s to low 40s, and we will add about 2-3 degrees onto our highs thoughout the week. Much of southern Ohio will reach the low to mid 50s over the Christmas weekend into Christmas day. There could be a few rain showers around on Friday and again on Christmas Day. The current forecast shows less than 0.10” of liquid-equivalent precipitation is expected this week across the state, with slightly greater totals with the heavier snow showers in northeast Ohio (Figure 2).
Figure 2). Precipitation forecast from the Weather Prediction Center for 7pm Monday December 18 – 7pm Monday December 25, 2023.
The Climate Prediction Center’s 8-14 Day Outlook and the 16-Day Rainfall Outlook from NOAA/NWS/Ohio River Forecast Center indicate strong probably that temperatures will remain above average with near average precipitation for the period December 26, 2023 – January 1, 2024 (Figure 3). The average high-temperature range is 36-41°F, the average low-temperature range is 23-26°F, and the average weekly total precipitation is 0.60-0.80 inch.
Figure 3) Climate Prediction Center 8-14 Day Outlook valid for December 26, 2023 – January 1, 2024, for left) temperatures and right) precipitation. Colors represent the probability of below, normal, or above normal conditions.
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Upcoming Ohio Certified Crop Adviser Pre-Exam Preparation Class
Are you interested in becoming a Certified Crop Adviser (CCA), but are intimidated by the exams? You should consider attending the Ohio CCA Pre-Exam Preparation Class offered by Ohio State University Extension. The session will be January 10-11, 2024, at the Shelby County Ag Building, 810-820 Fair Rd, Sidney, Ohio 45365.
This class will provide an overview of the CCA program, and help you prepare for the test by covering basic principles in the four competency areas – nutrient management, soil and water management, pest management, and crop management. Even if you are not considering the CCA program, this class is a great basic agronomy course that any farmer, ag retailer, or anyone working with field crops will find valuable. A detailed agenda for each day’s topics is below.
The cost for this two-day class is $250/person which includes the publications listed below, lunch both days, and other program materials. Don’t wait to register as class size is limited to 25, and online registration closes on December 20, 2023.
Publications included with registration:
- Ohio Agronomy Guide
- Ohio, Indiana & Illinois Weed Control Guide
- The Ohio Corn, Soybean, Wheat and Forages Field Guide
- 2020 Tri-State Fertilizer Recommendations
Secure online registration via credit card, debit card, or check is available on the Ohio AgriBusiness Association website: https://go.osu.edu/cca2024
The Local and International Exams are proctored online tests. You must pass both exams to obtain Certified Crop Adviser status. Tests are offered four times a year with registration opening December 13, 2023, for the next exam. You can learn more about the exam dates and sign up for reminders at https://www.certifiedcropadviser.org/exams.
For more information about the CCA program, visit https://www.certifiedcropadviser.org/about-program
Course contact:
Lee Beers, CCA
Ohio State University Extension
330-638-6783
Wednesday, January 10
Registration 8:30-9:00 Class 9:00-5:00
Morning
Morning
Crop Management
- Crop Production
- Photosynthesis
- Crop Physiology
- Variety Selection
Soil & Water Management
- Soil Properties
- Soil Water
- Surface and Ground Water
- Soil & Wind Erosion
Thursday, January 11
Registration 8:00-8:30 Class 8:30-5:00
Afternoon
Afternoon
Nutrient Management
- Soil pH and Liming
- Primary Nutrients
- Secondary Nutrients
- Micronutrients
- CEC
Pest Management
- Weeds
- Insects
- Diseases
- Fertilizer & Pesticide Math
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Cover Crops Roundtable ‘Round the Region
Paulding County Extension is expanding its Cover Crops Roundtable Series to include 2 new locations, hosted by the OSU Extension Water Quality Team. This series acts as a platform for farmer-to-farmer interaction, with OSU Extension serving as the discussion moderator. The goal of the series is to allow peer learning through networking, problem-solving, and idea sharing regarding the benefits and challenges of growing cover crops on the farm. The Roundtables will be held on Tuesdays in Paulding, Wednesdays in Bowling Green, and Thursdays in Wapakoneta from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. This series offers three standalone topics, so producers can choose to attend one, two, or all three of the events. The series is open to producers anywhere in Northwest Ohio and beyond.
Paulding Dates: January 9th, February 6th, March 5th
Bowling Green Dates: January 10th, February 7th, March 6th
Wapakoneta Dates: January 11th, February 8th, March 7th
Time: 6:30PM – 8:00PM
Cost: Free
Topics:
- January: Benefits of Cover Crops
- February: Mechanical Termination, Timing, and Considerations
- March: Chemical Termination, Timing, and Considerations
Locations:
Paulding County Extension Office; 503 Fairground Dr., Paulding OH
Wood County Extension Office; 639 S. Dunbridge Rd., Bowling Green, OH
Auglaize County Extension Office; 208 S. Blackhoof St., Wapakoneta, OH
To register, email Rachel Cochran at cochran.474@osu.edu or call 567-344-5016
Access flyer here.
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2024 Central Ohio Agronomy School
2024 Central Ohio Agronomy School
“The Nuts & Bolts About Corn & Soybean Production”
The 2024 Central Ohio Agronomy School will be held on Monday evenings, beginning on Monday January 15 through February 5, from 6:30 –9:00 p.m. at the Ramser 4-H Activity Center 700 Perimeter Dr. Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050 (on the fairgrounds). This four-week program will provide the attendees with the most comprehensive, up-to-date crop production and agricultural technology information available today. This school is designed with everyone in mind; part-time or full-time producer, beginner or CCA agronomist. Within each subject area we will teach the basic concepts and progress to the most advanced agronomic principles.
Topics include:
January 15 - Cloud Data Management
Dr. John Fulton, OSU Food, Agriculture & Biological Engineering
Automation in Ohio Agriculture
Dr. Scott Shearer Chair, OSU Food, Agriculture & Biological Engineering
January 22 - 2024 Agriculture Outlook - What might the future hold
Sr. Research Associate University of Missouri Extension
“Hot” Agricultural Law Topics
Robert Moore, Attorney OSU Ag & Law Program
January 29 - Weather Trends Affecting Ohio Ag
Dr. Aaron Wilson, State Climatologist, Ag Weather & Climate Field Specialist
OSU Extension
Corn Disease Update
Dr. Pierce Paul, Chair, OSU Plant Pathology
February 5 - Herbicide Resistant Weeds in Ohio - Should we be concerned?
Dr. Alyssa Essman, OSU Extension Weed Science
Tax Challenges Affecting Ohio Farms
Barry Ward, Director, OSU Extension Income Tax School, Program Leader, Production Business Management
This school will provide:
8 continuing education credits (CEU’s) for Certified Crop Advisors,
C.M. 1, I.P.M. 2, S.W. 1, P.D. 2, Precision Ag 2
6 hours of Commercial Pesticide & Fertilizer Credits
Core, 2A, 2C, 2D, 9, 10c, and 15 (fertilizer).
6 hours of Private Pesticide & Fertilizer Credits
Core, Cat 1, Cat 2, Cat 6, Cat7, and Cat 15 (fertilizer).
Registration costs vary due to CUE credits and pesticide applicator credits.
For more information contact the OSU Extension Office in Knox County (740-397-0401). The following link will provide more information for this program
https://u.osu.edu/knoxcountyag/2023/12/15/2024-central-ohio-agronomy-school/
This program is sponsored by B&B Farm Service, Central Ohio Farmers CO-OP, Clark Seeds, Cubbage Electric, Farmcredit, Seed Consultants, and The Ohio State University Extension.
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Northwest Ohio Corn-Soybean Day
The Ohio State University (OSU) Extension Office in Fulton County is excited to invite you to the 18th annual Corn-Soybean Day, scheduled for January 19th, 2024. The event will kick-off at 8:00am from Founder’s Hall in Archbold. This regional agronomy meeting is a key event for producers, agronomists, and industry professionals seeking the latest row crop insights and research.
Speakers include Mr. Glen Arnold, Dr. Stephanie Karhoff, Mr. Alan Leininger, Mr. Kendall Lovejoy, Dr. Osler Ortez, and Mr. Kyle Verhoff from OSU Extension and Dr. Christina DiFonzo from Michigan State University. A wide range of topics will be covered, offering valuable perspectives on the latest trends, innovations, and best practices in production agriculture. Additionally, over 30 businesses and industry leaders will be on-site for networking and engagement.
The cost to attend the event is $40, through January 5th. Late registrations will be accepted until the day of the event, space permitting. Registration includes coffee and doughnuts, lunch, and speaker materials for the day. On top of that, participants will be offered Ohio Private and Commercial Fertilizer and Pesticide credits. Additionally, Michigan Pesticide and CCA credits will be available to attendees who stay throughout the duration of the event.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity for networking and development as we reflect and prepare for another growing season. Find more information and register today at https://go.osu.edu/cornsoy24. For further information, media or sponsorship inquiries, or registration, please contact the Fulton County Extension Office at (419) 337-9210.
Access flyer here.
Crop Observation and Recommendation Network
C.O.R.N. Newsletter is a summary of crop observations, related information, and appropriate recommendations for Ohio crop producers and industry. C.O.R.N. Newsletter is produced by the Ohio State University Extension Agronomy Team, state specialists at The Ohio State University and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC). C.O.R.N. Newsletter questions are directed to Extension and OARDC state specialists and associates at Ohio State.
Contributors
Disclaimer
The information presented here, along with any trade names used, is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement is made by Ohio State University Extension is implied. Although every attempt is made to produce information that is complete, timely, and accurate, the pesticide user bears responsibility of consulting the pesticide label and adhering to those directions.
CFAES provides research and related educational programs to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis. For an accessible format of this publication, visit cfaes.osu.edu/accessibility.