West Virginia lawmakers pass first farm bill for the state
The West Virginia legislature passed the state’s first-ever farm bill April 6. The bill, which will renew annually, sets the stage for easier updates and revisions to state code related to agriculture.
Vernal pools attract amphibians and many different species
The University of Mount Union’s vernal pool in the Huston-Brumbaugh Nature Center attracts frogs, ducks, snakes, newts, fingernail clams and water fleas.
2021 Ohio State Fair will be limited, closed to the public
The Ohio State Fair will return in 2021, after being canceled entirely in 2020. But with pandemic restrictions and other concerns still lingering, it will be limited to mainly livestock competitions and sales, and some youth non-livestock project judging.
Solid Ground Farm is all about learning, connecting with nature
Weston Lombard has spent more than a decade working on turning Solid Ground Farm, a former horse farm, in Millfield, Ohio, into a system that can meet many of his own food needs, and help other people connect with their environment. Native plants that work well with the natural landscape are an important part of that.
Instead of meat in or meat out, meet in the middle
Rebecca Miller says meat in or out days are yet another side effect of the increasing separation between the general public and people who produce food.
Markets, spring weather look promising for farmers
Grain farmers are cautiously optimistic about the outlook for 2021, following a strange 2020. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Prospective Plantings report, released March 31, said corn planted in 2021 is estimated to be about 91.1 million acres, up less than 1% from 2020. Soybean acreage is expected to be about 87.6 million acres, up about 5% from last year.
How to plant a blueberry bush
Learn how to get a cutting from a blueberry bush off to its healthiest start by meeting all of its growing requirements when you plant it.
Lanternfly’s attraction to vertical silhouettes could help trap it
Research is helping develop strategies to monitor and trap the spotted lanternfly, which is confirmed in 34 Pennsylvania counties and several nearby states.
Patterson takes over as Ohio Farm Bureau Federation president
Bill Patterson, of Chesterland, Ohio is the new president of Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. He took over after Frank Burkett resigned to stand for election for the Nationwide board of directors.
2021 Ohio Beef Expo successfully returns
The 33rd Ohio Beef Expo was March 18-21 at the Ohio Expo Center, in Columbus. Get the full recap here.