Have you got all your stockings filled with care? Have you been good or bad? I guess the real question have you even gone Christmas shopping yet? Do you have your tree decorated and lit up yet?
I can say yes to most of those questions. That good or bad thing is probably up in the air depending on who you speak to.
I know this, the weather forecast for the Christmas holiday looks to be outstanding. That means a peaceful holiday celebration because all the kids can go outside and make all the noise they want and I can take my long winters nap in peace and quiet.
Looking at the time of year we are now in, it is hard that the year is coming to a close. In extension we will have lots of upcoming programs for you to consider and we have lots of information available you can stop by and pick up.
Some of the items we have would include Ohio State University Corn and Soybean variety trial results as well we have the Southwest Ohio Corn Grower variety trials for corn and soybeans available.
One of the crowd favorites is the IRS Ohio Farmer Tax guide. This is a great reference all should have and to refer to whether you do your own taxes or hire it done. Tax laws are always changing and this is guide can help you answer your own tax questions as well help you communicate and ask questions of your tax preparer.
When it comes to programs there are several planned for Clinton County and the surrounding area.
The first is the “New and Small Farm College” to be held at the Southern State Community College, Brown County Campus, 351 Brooks-Malott Road, Mt. Orab.
Are you interested in learning how to make the most of a few acres? If so, this eight-week course is just for you! Filled with practical knowledge on a variety of topics — you won’t be disappointed!
This program will meet weekly Wednesday evenings beginning Jan. 20 and conclude March 16. Registration information is available at the Clinton County Extension office. Cost is $150 for the first family member and $100 for each additional family member.
A great program targeting soybean producers will be an intensive soybean management workshop scheduled for Feb. 9 here at the Clinton County Extension Community room. This will be one of three locations in Ohio hosting this hands-on, soybean workshop for Ohio Crop Producers that will help you become a more profitable soybean producer. Topics will include:
Soybean Management – row width, seeding rate, Yield components;
Soybean Insect Management- late season pests, seed treatment;
Soybean Fertility- Updating the Tri-State Fertility Recommendations;
Soybean Disease Management-Seed Treatments, Soybean Cyst Nematode;
Registration information is coming soon so mark your calendars for February 9; only 30 producers will be able to participate in this workshop.
A another program will be the Advanced Estate Planning for Farmers, Feb. 17, at the Clinton County Extension Community Room at 1111 S. Nelson Ave. in Wilmington from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. You can register for this program by calling 937-382-0901.
This program will address these farm estate questions:
• How to expand your farm estate for your heirs without estate tax inclusion
• How to transfer your elderly parents’ farm without nursing home recovery
• How to set up a grain hauling operation to minimize legal liability and risk
• How to establish a Family Farm Operating Agreement with siblings and children
• How to design retirement plan options for family farms: SEP/IRA, 401K, Defined Benefit Plan, etc.
Finally, mark your calendars for the annual Pesticide Recertification programs. If your license expires in 2016 you will need to participate in this program. Registration information will be coming soon. This program will be held as well at the Clinton County Extension Office Community room on Thursday, Feb. 18 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Watch for more details or call our office at 937-382-0901 for more information.
Finally this week, On behalf of my family to yours, may you have a blessed and safe holiday and don’t forget to remember the reason for the season!
Tony Nye is the state coordinator for Small Farm Programs and an OSU Extension educator, agriculture and natural resources, for Clinton County and the Miami Valley EERA.
