5 stories farmers read this week: March 26, 2016

Here’s a recap of our most popular online posts this week:

1. Welcoming Reese home

On May 26, 2014, Reese Burdette and her grandmother were severely burned in a house fire. While her grandmother spent two months in intensive care, Reese spent 662 days at John Hopkins Children’s Hospital where she recovered from burns, severe lung damage, the loss of her leg and four cardiac arrests, including one that sent her into a medically induced coma. She arrived home March 18 and was greeted by her cow and new heifer calf.

2. Ashtabula County dairymen are among top in state’s rank

Three Ashtabula County dairy farms were recognized as the best in production in Ohio at the Ashtabula County Dairy Banquet held March 19. Five farms were recognized for having top cows in the county, and Katie Stokes was crowned the 2016 Ashtabula County Dairy Princess.

3. Eastern tent caterpillar egg hatch begins; horse owners should be wary

Horse owners should be on the lookout for Eastern tent caterpillars. A hatch of the insect species was reported in Scott County, Kentucky, March 17, so owners should monitor fence lines and move pregnant mares away from wild cherry and related trees, where the caterpillars are typically located.

Horses may inadvertently eat the caterpillars. Then, the caterpillar hair embeds in the lining of the horse’s alimentary tract and then gain access to other places, like the fetus and placenta. In pregnant mares, the consumption of Eastern tent caterpillars can result in late-term foal losses, early- and late-term fetal losses and weak foals.

4. Ohio Beef Expo highlights the industry’s best

The 29th Ohio Beef Expo held March 18-20, drawing crowds for the trade show, breed auctions, the junior show and the youth Beef Quality Assurance training.

Several supporters of the Expo were presented with “Friends of the Expo” awards: Lou Ellen Harr, M.H. Eby and Bill Sexton.

5. Trench composting: Feed the soil with farm waste

If you have an abundance of manure, animal bedding and plant material to dispose of, online columnist Ivory Harlow says that trench composting can be used to provide rich organic matter for your fields and gardens. Trench composting can be accomplished over three seasons.

Harlow explains that a balanced ratio of carbon to nitrogen components and a mixture of compost materials makes for good humus. She includes directions for digging a trench for composting.