Information for selecting forages for reseeding hay fields and pastures
This is the time of year to evaluate your hay and pasture fields to determine if they need to be reseeded. First and foremost, you need to make sure the pH and fertility is adequate for the forages you want to plant. If it is not, the new seeding could germinate then die or never produce to its potential.
Practicing the art of apology
"Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me."
Cute rhyme, but full of lies. Words do hurt. Deeply. I'll go as far as to say that words can hurt, and scar, long after physical wounds have healed.
2012 outlook: What can we expect in farmland values and rent prices?
No revelation! Cropland values in Ohio have increased in 2011. An OSU Extension survey conducted in December 2010 estimated the increase in value of Ohio cropland in 2011 would be 5.3-6.0 percent. This was prior to sharp run ups in commodity prices.
Achieving the two important qualities in beef: marbling and tenderness
Marketers try to sell what they have, even if it's not the most complete product on the market. The phrase "guaranteed tender" may sound like it's all that matters, the one true path to great meat. But that's not all there is.
FSA program assists with farm real estate transfers
The Farm Service Agency has a new Land Contract Guarantee loan program to assist with the transfers of farm real estate. This has been a pilot program in six states for the past three years.
A piece of land and the ones you love
In the past couple of weeks, I have had the good fortune to sit and chat with some good people about how farm life and the land itself molds us in to who we are.
Geotextile fabric great for heavy-use
As beneficial as soil is, even we conservationists have a hard time extolling its virtues when spring rains turn farms to mud and the cows are standing in it up to their knees.
Wildlife/outdoors groups to avoid, and to support
Twelve names to remember when it comes to those who would rather all hunting, trapping and for that matter, sound wildlife management strategies, be stopped, include the Humane Society of the United States and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
Time for reminiscing and relaxing
Now is the time to pop corn, drink hot cocoa (or beverage of your choice), play favorite music, read a good book -- and fall asleep -- at least that's what happens here.
A dog’s life brightens our own life
Yesterday was one of those gray, dreary days that make us long for sunshine and blue skies. Winter's crop, so far, has been fresh mud on top of old mud.
