The OSU Extension offices in Northeast Ohio are pleased to be offering the “2016 Northeast Ohio Agronomy School” on Tuesday, February 23, 2016 from 9:30 to 3:00 p.m. at the Williamsfield Community Center in Williamsfield, Ohio. Join OSU Extension as we host our annual Agronomy School for crop farmers in Northeast Ohio. With profit margins decreasing it will be vital for crop producers to get the biggest bang from the dollars they invest in land rental, seed and fertilizer, technology, chemicals, and crop protection.
During the program, Les Ober, OSU Extension ANR Program Specialist from Geauga County will help producers learn more about spray additives and how improper measurements may be costing your operation valuable dollars. In today’s world of modern agricultural technology pesticides are chemical wonders in a small bag or bottle. Each one has the potential to do the job but getting the most out of each product depends on what you add and how you handle the chemical. When you add an adjuvant what does that mysterious other ingredient really do? Have you ever considered the level of concentration and the precision of measurement that it takes to meet the labeled requirements?
Dianne Shoemaker, OSU Extension Field Specialist for Dairy Production Economics, will review how the Finpack BENCHmark reports can help producers take a good look at the profitability of their crop enterprises. With corn and soybean prices dropping over the past year and low margins predicted for the 2016 cropping year, it is crucial that crop farmers examine their financial numbers closely.
Dr. Mark Loux, OSU Extension Weed Specialist will then share what is new in weed control for agronomic crops. Learn about the new corn and soybean premixes and the status of the Enlist and Xtend herbicide programs. Mark will share management details for controlling weed resistance weeds as Marestail has exploded in Northeast Ohio and Palmer Amaranth was discovered in Mahoning County in 2015. Learn more about overlapping residual and strategies to use to keep other weeds from becoming resistant in your crop fields.
Dr. Andy Michel, OSU Extension Entomologist, will share tips for dealing with insects in your field crops. Producers will learn more about soybean aphids, stinkbugs, and Western Bean Cutworm. Learn the thresholds for each of these bugs and the control measures for each. Andy will provide insight on future control measures such as RNAi. Dr. Kelley Tilmon, OSU Extension’s new field crop entomologist will also be on hand to discuss her multi-state research on soybean seed treatments.
Lee Beers, OSU Extension Educator for Trumbull County, will share how farmers can use the new Ohio Nutrient Management Record Keeper (ONMRK) mobile app to comply with the new recordkeeping requirements created by Senate Bill 1 and Senate Bill 150. This APP was developed by Knox County Farm Bureau and Knox County Soil and Water Conservation District.
And to wrap up the day, David Marrison, OSU Extension Educator, will provide updates on the proposed changes to the private and commercial pesticide re-certification process, new Worker Protection Standards, and on the newly formed Northeast Ohio Phosphorus Task force.
As always, a hearty farmer lunch prepared by Lahti Catering means you will not go away hungry! This lunch is sponsored by W.I. Miller & Sons of Farmdale, Ohio. Each of our program sponsors will provide a short industry update during lunch. Pre-registration is required by Monday, February 15, 2016. Registration fee is $10.00/per person. Registration includes morning refreshments, lunch, speaker travel expenses, and program handouts. Make checks payable to OSU Extension, and mail to Ashtabula County Extension office, 39 Wall Street, Jefferson, OH 44047. CCA and Private & Commercial Pesticide Credits have been applied for. Weed control guides will be on sale for $15 at the workshop. A registration flyer can be found at: http://go.osu.edu/ne-events If you have any questions please call 440-576-9008.