U.S. dairy trends: Preparing farms for the journey to 2030
As the U.S. and Ohio dairy industries shift toward fewer but larger herds by 2030, producers must prepare for the journey ahead. Key focus areas including farm profitability, animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and technology adoption will keep farms resilient.
Rethinking fall small grain planting dates in northeast Ohio
Delayed corn harvests in northeast Ohio have many farmers wondering if it is too late to plant fall small grains. Recent Ohio State University Extension trials tested various planting dates for rye, triticale, and barley to determine the best window for maximum spring forage yields.
Is education still Worth It? Exploring pathways to success
Is college or technical school still worth the investment? From internships to trade certifications, education builds more than just job skills. Learn how exploring diverse learning pathways and gaining hands-on experience leads to long-term agricultural and career success.
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.
