Building future farm leaders through intentional mentoring
Drawing lessons from Homer's Odyssey, Ohio State Extension's David Marrison explores the importance of intentional farm mentorship. Discover how combining traditional guidance with reverse mentoring prepares the next generation to lead family farm operations successfully.
Is your crop management actually strategy paying off?
Tight profit margins make evaluating input costs crucial. OSU Extension educator Lee Beers explains how tissue testing, the MRTN calculator, and fungicide ROI tools can help farmers determine if their fertilizer and crop protection strategies are actually paying off.
Cattle handling: The VITAL framework for better stockmanship
Effective cattle handling requires both physical skill and emotional awareness. Ohio State University Extension dairy specialist Jason Hartschuh details the VITAL framework—covering values, knowledge, execution, situational awareness, and learning—to help farmers build safer, low-stress livestock handling habits.
Say ‘cheese!’ — it’s good for you
With U.S. cheese consumption up 30% over the last two decades, this dairy staple offers essential protein and calcium. OSU Extension specialist Maurice Eastridge breaks down the health facts on saturated fat and sodium, plus how cheese demand directly impacts milk prices for farmers.
Managing the challenges and opportunities of dairy beef cross calves
Dairy-beef cross calves bring a big financial premium, but they require different management than standard Holstein calves. Ohio State Extension's Jason Hartschuh breaks down the latest research on beef genetic selection, managing early-life shipping stress, and optimized milk feeding programs.
New World Screwworm: A continuing problem on farms
The New World screwworm has been detected in the U.S. for the first time in over 50 years. While the pest thrives in warm climates, livestock transport makes Ohio herds vulnerable during summer. Ohio State University experts explain how to identify NWS, treat wounds, and protect your animals.
Evaluating your heat stress mitigation plan should include your nutrition program
Did your dairy cows suffer during the recent heat wave? Beyond fans and soakers, nutritional strategies—including yeast products, minerals, niacin and adjusting feed delivery times—can help alleviate heat stress, sustain milk production and reduce herd inflammation, according to Ohio State Extension's Jason Hartschuh.
How to transition your farm to the next generation
How do you transition your farm to the next generation? OSU Extension's David Marrison explains why the first steps should focus on defining your legacy and organizing your assets. Learn about the free FARMS spreadsheet and an upcoming workshop to help secure your family farm's future.
Tips for hiring better farm labor
Finding reliable farm help takes more than just looking for "someone with a pulse." Ohio State University Extension's Lee Beers shares essential tips for creating clear job descriptions, targeted recruiting, and professional management to attract and retain great employees.
Celebrate dairy farmers all month long
In celebration of June Dairy Month, Dwight Roseler reflects on the 250-year history of American agriculture. From a humorous "city boy" definition of a cow to the deeply moving words of Frank Mann’s Farmers Creed, discover why we owe so much gratitude to our hardworking dairy farmers.
