news_agricultural

Campus parking spaces will transform into public spaces Thursday (April 20) when Wilmington College observes its 12th-annual Earth Day/Ag Day with “Pop Up Parks” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., near the Center for the Sciences and Agriculture, at College and Elm streets.

Warmer weather means things are greening up, but if you look close, some things are also starting to die. This is a great time to talk about weeds because there are times we think we may have issues but maybe not. A couple weeks ago, I saw fields and gardens that were covered in a pinkish/purple flowered plant and some folks get concerned. This plant is actually purple deadnettle and is considered a weed but not all weeds are the same. This one is actually a winter annual plant, which means it germinated last fall, has already set seeds and is now dying. There are several weeds like this. I often get questions on how to control weeds but identifying the plant and understanding the biology is very important. In this case when I get questions on how to control this plant, I tell them now to plan for the future. The plant is now dying, the time to control was last fall for winter annual plants.

WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE – In Fayette County, when someone says “agriculture” they immediately think of corn, soybeans, and livestock. However, Ohio agriculture includes so many more types of products. One of the oldest, but rapidly expanding sections of agriculture in Ohio is the Ohio Wine and Grape Industry. The chances of seeing vineyards starting to pop up in Fayette County are probably slim in the near future but for someone to start a winery in Fayette County that would not be so far-fetched. From an economic impact study conducted by John Dunham and Associates in November of 2022, the Wine and Grape industry has a $6.6 billion impact on Ohio’s economy.

SPRINGFIELD — The numbers are in and confirm that the 65th edition of the Wilmington College Aggies’ annual Judging Contest was a record-breaker in attracting 1,608 participants from Ohio and three neighboring states on March 1. Numbers eclipsed last year’s 1,600 competitors.

It is now March, but the official start of spring is still a few days away. If you have been outside, it seems like spring is here. If you haven’t noticed the greening up of plants and forages, take a look. I am amazed how much the grass has grown. Recently, I noticed some grass already six inches tall in a pasture field. Lawns are even looking green and weeds are starting to grow. Around the home, many things are trying to bloom such as the Daffodils. I even noticed that the Turkey Vultures (buzzards) are back.

Blanchester-Great Oaks FFA had three members compete in the District 9 Public Speaking contest on Feb. 16 at Ross High School.

The 65th edition of the Wilmington College Aggies’ annual Judging Contest promises to continue the tradition of offering a top-quality judging experience for high school students engaged in 4-H, vocational agriculture and Future Farmers of America.

WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE – In professions such as lawyers, teachers, firefighters, nurses, doctors, paramedics, farmers, and agri-business professionals, all are required to have some form of license. When a license or certificate is required by a profession, there are always continuing education credits required of the individual before that license or certificate can be renewed.

DELAWARE – Clinton County resident John Settlemyre has been elected president of the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association board, which works to advocate, promote and enhance opportunities for Ohio grain farmers. Settlemyre represents growers in District 9, which includes 19 counties. He grows corn and soybeans on his family-owned operation in Clarksville.