Farm and Dairy’s week in review: 11/29

Here are this week’s top stories from Farm and Dairy:

1. House approves new rules for applying manure in Ohio

The Ohio House of Representatives recently passed House Bill 490, which sets new rules for how farmers can apply manure as well as transfers the Agricultural Pollution Abatement Program to the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

Many farmers are supportive of the proposed bill, which benefits Lake Erie and asks for practices that farmers are able to adapt to. Above all, the bill’s intention is to protect water and preserve agriculture.

2. Another harsh winter? Modern forecasting, winter folklore and farmers almanacs shed light on this season’s weather

“Bird n’ bees nesting high in the trees tell a harsh winter is on the way…” Even if you don’t take folklore seriously, or pick up a farmers almanac each year, there’s something to be said about the uncanny weather predictions that both sources offer.

This past winter’s polar vortex took many meteorologists by surprise, but farmers almanacs were spot on when it came to predicting the colder-than-average temperatures and icy conditions. As for the upcoming winter weather, only time will tell if predictions are correct.

3. Cost of Thanksgiving dinner rises, still under $50

Even though the average turkey day dinner for 10 cost more than last year, the adjusted inflation price was slightly lower than last year’s total price.

A $49.41 price tag was put on this year’s Thanksgiving dinner, up 37-cents from 2013. A 16-pound turkey actually cost less this year than last, thanks to American farmers who work to improve the way that grow food.

4. Shipping delays pile on more harvesting woes

Even though rail traffic has increased 4.5 percent through October 2014, shipping delays have affected farmers across the nation. The backlog affects what grain elevators can purchase and sell in the future. Now that winter is setting in, some farmers see no end in sight to the railroad delays.

Aside from rail delays, barge delays were unavoidable as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers shut down a three-mile stretch of the Mississippi River near Memphis, Tenn. for construction in November, adding to more delays for Ohio farmers.

5. Hunter safety tips for beginners and experts

For the seasoned hunter, gun and bow safety seems like a no-brainer and new hunters may think there isn’t much to the sport, but, Ohio’s hunting laws affect every hunter, novice or expert.

Simple actions like letting someone know where you will be hunting and abstaining from alcohol and drugs before and during hunting could avert a disastrous situation.