C.O.R.N. Newsletter: 2026-02
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Certified Crop Adviser Exam Online Study Course
This online course will help those aspiring to become Certified Crop Advisers prepare for the program's required exams. The self-paced course covers fundamental crop production concepts included in the local and International Certified Crop Adviser exam.
Registration for the course is open now through April 1, 2026. Enrollees have 24/7 access to course content through June 30. The registration fee is $155. To register and make the secure online payment, use https://go.osu.edu/ccaonline.
Key concepts in the program's four competency areas of nutrient management, soil & water management, pest management, and crop management are covered. The course includes video instruction, example quizzes, and resource materials. The highlighted resource materials include free items such as factsheets and guides and for-sale publications available for more in-depth study.
Course instructors are seasoned Certified Crop Advisers with OSU Extension. Amanda Douridas, Madison County Ag/NR Extension Educator; Stephanie Karhoff, Field Specialist Agronomic Systems; Lee Beers, Trumbull County Ag/NR Extension Educator; and Greg LaBarge, Field Specialist Agronomic Systems serve as instructors.
Find general information about the CCA program at https://www.certifiedcropadviser.org/. You can find Ohio CCA program information at https://www.oaba.net/aws/OABA/pt/sp/cca.
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Get Ready for February Frost Seeding
Frost seeding is a relatively inexpensive practice that can introduce more legumes, and thus more nitrogen fixation, into many pastures. Below are some answers to frequent questions related to frost seeding.
When should I frost seed?
February is the optimal time for frost seeding in most of Ohio. The goal is to distribute seed while there are a series of freeze-thaw cycles, since that is what increases seed-soil contact for emergence.
Which species and varieties are good for frost seeding?
Clovers are the most common species for frost seeding, and most frost seeding research to establish seeding rate and timing recommendations was performed using clover species. Birdsfoot trefoil is another legume option, and annual ryegrass, orchardgrass, and some other grasses can also be established this way. But, plant establishment from frost seeding is usually higher for clovers than other species.
Can I frost seed multiple species at the same time?
Yes, but be careful to adjust seeding rates proportionally based on your desired species mix.
What seeding rate should I aim for?
Seeding rates vary by species, with white (ladino) clover needing lower seeding rates than other species. A good starting place is 3-4 lb/acre for red clover, 1-3 lb/acre for white (ladino) clover, or 2-4 lb/acre for birdsfoot trefoil.
Where should I not consider frost seeding?
Avoid frost seeding in places where bare dirt was not visible before snow fall; thick stands with tall biomass over winter will prevent seeds from reaching the soil. Areas with dryer, sandy soils may be less suitable for frost seeding since they will have less soil movement with freeze-thaw cycles, which limits seed-soil contact.
What should I do after frost seeding?
If you are planning to graze or feed livestock out on pasture, avoid doing so on newly frost seeded pasture. Young seedlings that are just germinated are particularly sensitive to grazing pressure and compaction due to hoof traffic. Another practice to avoid is making a broadcast herbicide application following the frost seeding. Most herbicide applications are non-selective, so it is best to manage weeds prior to frost seeding or spot spraying to avoid damaging desired forages.
Interested in learning more? Check out this article about frost seeding from our colleagues at the University of Kentucky. Consider reviewing variety trial data from MSU or data from PSU when making seed decisions.
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Working in Cold Temps
Weather forecasts with low temperatures in single digits and wind chills well below zero should be indicators to think about our outside work routines. It is interesting to note that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) documents that there are more deaths in the United States due to cold weather exposure (hypothermia) than hot weather exposure (hyperthermia) each year. The CDC has also tracked an average of 1,300 deaths per year in the US due to excessive cold or hypothermia.
Many jobs are affected little by the change in temperature outside, but others do not have that luxury. Occupations such as agriculture (and others) work outside a great deal no matter what the conditions. Helpful reminders are often beneficial to keep safe while accomplishing these tasks.
Everyone responds to cold weather and temperature extremes in general very differently. It is what we are “used to” and what we can “tolerate”. What Alaskans think of as cold in January may be quite different than what we perceive as cold in the lower 48. Specific contributing factors may also affect a person’s susceptibility to cold temperatures such as getting wet, exhaustion, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, diabetes, and general poor physical condition.
General good practices for working in cold weather include:
- Planning routine maintenance on outdoor equipment for warmer seasons.
- Let others know where you will be working and when you will return.
- Dressing in layers so clothing may be added or taken off in specific instances.
- Keeping dry. Keep extra dry clothes, gloves, and shoes/boots nearby.
- Protecting ears, face, hands, feet, and head. Extremities away from the body core have less blood flow and are more difficult to keep warm.
- Taking breaks in warm locations.
- Staying hydrated. Not often thought of as an issue in cold weather, but just as important.
In some cases, cold-related illness and injuries will occur. It is important to know the symptoms so you can watch yourself and others for signs.
Hypothermia:
- Body loses heat faster than it can be produced.
- Symptoms are shivering, fatigue, confusion, disorientation.
- Can be mild to severe depending on symptoms.
Frostbite:
- Actual freezing of tissue.
- Symptoms are numbness, stinging, or pain and top layer of skin feeling hard and rubbery.
- Wear appropriate clothing and seek medical attention if symptoms remain after 30 minutes.
Trench foot:
- Feet lose heat due to cold or wetness too long and tissue becomes damaged.
- Symptoms include swelling and pain in the feet. Differs from frostbite in that the skin does not actually freeze.
- Keep feet warm and dry.
Cold weather injuries are preventable. Take the time to make the necessary plans for yourself and your workers to stay warm and dry and safely get the job done.
Wayne Dellinger, ANR Educator Union County, can be reached at 937-644-8117 ex. 3024 or dellinger.6@osu.edu. This column is provided by the OSU Extension Agricultural Safety and Health Team. https://agsafety.osu.edu/.
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Join Us for the February Edition of the Certified Livestock Manager Webinar Series!
The February Edition of the CLM webinar will explain the impacts insects can have on farming operations and share a variety of strategies to combat them. Insect identification will be covered in detail so producers can better understand the enemy. Producers will gain a basic understanding of how to design and implement an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program on their operation to help reduce insect populations and increase production values.
The speaker for this webinar is Kenley Zuga, a Regional Sales Manager with Central Life Sciences, who works with livestock producers across the Midwest to help educate on Integrated Pest Management programs and feed-through fly control options.
This webinar series serves as a regular opportunity for CLMs to earn 1.0 credit hours for continuing education. 1.0 credit hours for Certified Crop Advisers (CCAs) are offered as well. Previous webinar recordings can be viewed at the OSU Agronomy YouTube channel. Recordings do not offer CCA or CLM continuing education credits.
Join us live on Monday, February 2nd, 2026, from 10-11:00AM for this event. To register for this webinar or the entire series, visit go.osu.edu/CLM26. For more information, email waterqualityassociates@osu.edu.
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Water Quality Wednesday Webinar: Lake Erie HAB’s Summary for 2025
Join the OSU Extension Water Quality Team for their annual winter webinar series focusing on the intersection of agriculture and water quality. The January webinar of the 2026 series will be on January 28th from 10:00am-11:30am and include guest speakers Dr. Hans Paerl from University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Dr. Justin Chaffin from Ohio State University’s Stone Laboratory and Sara Guiher from Ohio Sea Grant Extension. Dr. Paerl will give examples from around the world that show the importance of nitrogen, Dr. Chaffin will give examples specific to Lake Erie and Sara will provide a summary of the 2025 bloom season and provide updates on efforts to better understand HABs in Lake Erie. The live webinar will offer 1.5 CEUs for Certified Crop Advisers (CCAs). The recorded webinar will be posted to the OSU Agronomy Team YouTube channel, under the Water Quality playlist.
For more information or to register, visit go.osu.edu/WQW26.
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.