I know several area producers made the trip to Louisville, Ky for the annual Machinery Farm Show. This is a huge event for farmers from across the country to attend.
Unfortunately, my Extension schedule has never allowed me the opportunity to attend. I guess that is poor planning on my part. It may just be on my wish list for next year.
In making plans for the coming planting season, I would not be expecting to get into the fields too early this year. The weather recently is like a perpetual yo-yo and sounds like the trend may last a while. Overall, the pattern looks wet from now through spring. Ice, sleet, and snow one week and then warm, windy and rain the next.
According to Jim Noel of the National Weather Service, it looks pretty certain we will see a wetter late winter and spring than 2021 but it does not look as wet as what we experienced in 2019 or 2011.
Noel also noted in his report other possible challenges heading into planting season will be cold ground temperatures, a mild March is a likelihood, but April may be really chilly. This could mean ground temperatures will lag until at least May.
This is something worth watching. If recent trends of a chilly April continue it could mean the last freeze/frost will be later than normal as well.
In his report the nearby weather looks to remain wet with predictions in precipitation being 175%-300% of normal. This will come mostly as rain, but snow is not out of the question.
One other event that is attended by many producers from Ohio is the annual Conservation Tillage & Technology Conference (CTTC). Conference planners suggest registering early for early bird rates.
The annual conference will be in-person March 8-9 at Ohio Northern University in Ada after being virtual this past year. Those attending can connect with other farmers and CCA’s, experience new ideas, and learn ways to increase net income.
Historically over 800 individuals will attend each day of this two-day conference, making it the largest agricultural meeting in northwestern Ohio.
Registration is a flat rate of $100 (after Feb. 25, registration is $150). This registration is available online at https://www.allenswcd.com/cttc/ and includes exclusive access to all presentations online after about March 21 until April 22. Details will be made available for crop consultants to receive CCA credits.
The conference will offer the opportunity to discuss one-on-one with speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, and other participants. As noted above, registration includes exclusive online video-demand access to all presentations for a month, starting around March 21.
A special note to attendees: currently, Ohio Northern University requires that everyone wear a mask while inside a building.
This year’s schedule for Tuesday, March 8 includes concurrent sessions in the areas of Agronomic Crop Management, Nutrient Management, Precision Ag & Technology, Soil Health, Cover Crops, and No-Till. Wednesday, March 9 concurrent sessions will include Agronomic Crop Management, Water Quality and Conservation Practices, Sustainable Ag, Soil Health, Cover Crops, and No-Till.
Approximately 60 speakers and panelists will be sharing information worthy for your listening ears. It is also suggested to spend time visiting with exhibitors and networking with other farmers, crop consultants and others in the agricultural industry.
The meeting and program have been developed by The Ohio State University Extension Specialists along with Agriculture and Natural Resources Educators in local counties with assistance from local Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service.
For more information on this year’s Conservation Tillage & Technology Conference, visit ctc.osu.edu to see the full program.
Tony Nye is the state coordinator for the Ohio State University Extension Small Farm Program and has been an OSU Extension Educator for agriculture and natural resources for over 30 years, currently serving Clinton County and the Miami Valley EERA.
