Acres - June 2012 by Acres of Southwest Ohio

Standard Wilmington News Journal Permit No. 10 Wilmington, Ohio Post Office

of Southwest Ohio Serving The Community Since 1960

Issue 4

June 2012

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Record Crops Expected!

Don’t sign ... on the dotted line!

Agricultural experts are predicting a record year for corn production in the state and possibly throughout the nation.

Farmers warned against signing oil and gas leases with agents for big oil companies

X By GARY BROCK gbrock@recordherald.com The farm couple sits at the dining table and looks over the five-page lease document. It is nearly 5 p.m. A leasing agent sitting across from them tells them that they need to sign it so they can get it recorded the next day with the County Auditor’s office. But the farm couple just isn’t sure. So they place a call. “We call that ‘the 4:40 p.m. call,’” said Dale Arnold, Ohio Farm Bureau Director of Energy Policy. And when that call is made, “That is when the ‘good guys’ come in,” he said. Arnold is one of the “good guys.” As head of the Farm Bureau’s energy issues and policies, he works to help protect farmers from making wrong decisions when gas and oil lease agents come knocking at their

door. “And if they haven’t already,” he warned, “they will soon.” And to stand in the way of a farm family making the wrong decision when an agent says “Just sign on the dotted line,” Arnold travels from county to county meeting with farmers conducting seminars and “awareness raising” meetings to keep the farmers in the loop on both the law and their rights. Arnold says that when he gets calls from land owners concerned about signing a lease, the first thing he tells them is… don’t. In 2012, as never before, the gas and oil resources under the farm land is highly valued. And today, there are new technologies making the extraction of this natural energy under the ground easier - easier at least for the oil ad gas companies. And the oil and gas under the farmer’s land has never been more valuable. That is

where the lease comes in. An oil company cannot step foot on a landowner’s property to do any drilling, extracting, changing of existing wells, reopening a well - anything at all, without a permit from the Ohio Department of natural Resources. This permit isn’t granted until the oil or gas producer has permission from the farmer. That permission is a written lease. Arnold points out that with any lease, there are as many issues and problems to resolve as there are properties. Unfortunately, some Ohio farmers have learned the hard way that not all leases are fair, not all leases take all issues into account, and not all leases provide the money to the farmer that the minerals on his or her property is worth. But once you sign on the dotted line… “When an oil or gas lease agent approaches farmers, we tell them first that there are two types of agents: One who works directly for an oil company, and can give you all the lease information and details you need - and that is about 20 percent of them - or one who work with a number of companies,” Arnold said. Arnold said the land owners will encounter this second type of lease agent about 80 percent of the time.

According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources ... • Currently, there are 47 horizontal wells drilled in Ohio. • ODNR estimates that by the end of 2012, the state will have approximately 250 horizontal wells drilled. • By the end of 2013, approximately 750 horizontal wells will be drilled.

2 We are Growing 6 A Farm Father 10 Ups& Downs

• By the end of 2014, approximately 1,500 horizontal wells will be drilled. • By the end of 2015, approximately 2,250 horizontal wells will be drilled.

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“The lease they will hand you is very speculative,” he said. The best way to tell? Arnold said he asks the farmer how many pages is the lease agreement the agent is asking him to sign? If it is between three and five pages long, then he said the farmer must be very wary. “They are written very generally and have open farm provisions. technology in the oil and gas drilling industry is changing rapidly. You don’t know what kind of drilling method the company will use - either the traditional vertical method or the new horizontal method,” Arnold said. And the difference for the land owner is very

An Oil and Gas Leasing Program conducted by the Guernsey County Farm Bureau at the Mid East Career Center in Senecaville, Ohio

12 Grappling with Grapes

Summer Jobs on the Farm

16 Niche Crops 1B The Corn-

Ethanol Connection

2B I Believe 4B OSU Extension funds county development post

6B Food Marketing Seminar

7B Amish Cook

“All Types of Fence”

SHOLLERS FENCE 2282898

If the weather had not gotten cold again after the 80-degree days that occurred in April, corn would already be starting to sprout, according to agriculture officials. Because the weather has been good lately, many farmers began planting earlier than normal. As of April 29 last year, only one percent of the corn crop had been planted in Ohio, according to the United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service. In comparison, as of April 22 this year, 34 percent of corn has been planted. Then just one week later on April 29, 57 percent of the corn crop had been planted. “Although input prices are high for corn, there is still good money to be made from it,” said Shepard. “Also for some of the larger growers, they were able to prepare their fields last summer for this year’s corn crop.” ■

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

continued on 3A

For All Your Fencing Needs…

This colossal corn crop is based on prices and earlier than normal warm weather, according to the Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association. If projected acres are realized, there will be an approximate 4.1 millionacre increase from 2011 nationally, according to the USDA. “In 2011, there were 91,921,000 acres of corn planted and for 2012, it’s estimated that there will be 95,864,000 acres planted,” said Adam Shepard, the Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator at the local Ohio State University Extension Office. “And any time corn increases, soybeans have to go down a bit. In 2011, there were 74,976,000 acres of soybeans planted compared to the projected 2012 number of 73,902,000.” In Ohio, there are 3.8 million acres of corn expected to be planted, which is a 12 percent increase from 2011.

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June 2012

ACRES of Southwest Ohio

We Are Growing! of Southwest Ohio

By GARY BROCK gbrock@recordherald.com

June 2012

It started as a seed of an idea by Ohio Community Media group publisher Pam Stricker. Last December, all of our newspapers under her leadership met to discuss this idea - a monthly farming and agriculture publication aimed at the farmers and those who serve their needs in our southern Ohio region. It would be called “ACRES.” Pam made it clear that this publication should be relevant, people-oriented and full of “valuable information” that local farmers need to know day in and day out. Not a bunch that allows grass to grow under our feet, our Southwest Ohio group decide to launch our first issue March 1. And I agreed to help this launch by overseeing the first issue to ensure that the content was what we wanted for those receiving

Publisher — Pamela Stricker Editor — Gary Brock Layout — Tina Murdock

Sales Adams County (937) 544-2391 Lee Huffman, Publisher lhuffman@peoplesdefender.com Brown County (937) 378-6161 Steve Triplett, Publisher striplett@newsdemocrat.com Clinton County (937) 382-2574 Sharon Kersey, Ad Director skersey@wnewsj.com Fayette County (740) 335-3611 Sherri Sattler, Ad Director ssattler@recordherald.com Highland County (937) 393-3456 Mickey Parrott, Ad Director mparrot@timesgazette.com Subscriptions Lori Holcomb, Circulation Director (937) 382-2574 lholcomb@wnewsj.com

the publication and advertisers wanting to reach those receiving ACRES. We successfully launched March 1. The reaction was immediate and overwhelmingly positive. It was so positive, in fact, that the size of the ACRES publication grew from 20 pages in March, to 24 pages in April to 28 pages in May! And our company noticed the positive reaction as well. Ohio Community Newspapers’ locations throughout Ohio also had agriculture products of various forms being sent to people in their communities. So with our region’s success of ACRES, our company decided to consolidate our various farm and agriculture products under one name or “brand” - ACRES. So beginning in July, there will be an “Acres” for Southwest Ohio

What we want most is to hear from this community. We want you to tell us what you want to see in “Acres.” We will soon launch a new “Acres” website that will be interactive, giving you readers a chance to share your ideas and request articles about the issues important to you. I also want to hear directly from you. So you can call me at 740-3353611, or email me at gbrock@recordherald.com and tell me what you think of “Acres” and what you want this publication to be in support of your needs and interests. Agriculture is Ohio’s Number One business. It is growing, it is always changing. We want “Acres” to grow along with our agriculture industry. That is our commitment to you.

covering 11 counties, an “ACRES” of Northwestern Ohio covering 10 counties; an “ACRES” North Central Ohio covering nine counties; and an “ACRES” Western Ohio covering three counties. That is more than 40 Ohio counties - almost half the state. And that is not all. In the future we hope to expand even more to cover additional counties. To put all this together, and ensure that all the news stories and features are the kind that readers of the Acres of Southwest Ohio are accustomed to, I have been named “editorin-chief” of all these Acres publications. What excites me most about this opportunity is that “Acres” will be mailed direct to more than 40,000 households in Ohio, and beyond. This gives us a strong voice in the agriculture and farming community.

ASHTABULA

WILLIAMS

LUCAS

FULTON

LAKE OTTAWA

ACRES of Northwest Ohio

Contact ACRES of Southwest Ohio: 761 S. Nelson Ave. | Wilmington, OH 45177 (937) 382-2574

SANDUSKY

PUTNAM

ACRES of North Central Ohio

HURON

MEDINA

MAHONING WYANDOT

CRAWFORD

RICHLAND

ASHLAND

WAYNE

STARK COLUMBIANA

HARDIN

MERCER

MARION

AUGLAIZE LOGAN

CARROLL

HOLMES

MORROW

TUSCARAWAS

KNOX

UNION

COSHOCTON

DELAWARE

JEFFERSON HARRISON

DARKE MIAMI

LICKING

CHAMPAIGN

PREBLE

GUERNSEY MUSKINGUM

FRANKLIN CLARK

ACRES of Western Ohio

TRUMBULL PORTAGE

SUMMIT

HANCOCK

VAN WERT

SHELBY

CUYAHOGA

LORAIN

ERIE

SENECA

PAULDING

ALLEN

ACRES of Southwest Ohio is published monthly by Ohio Community Media, LLC and is available through the Georgetown News-Democrat, Hillsboro Times-Gazette, Ripley Bee, Washington CH RecordHerald, West Union People’s Defender and Wilmington News Journal. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or in part is prohibited. ACRES of Southwest Ohio is available for purchase at each of the newspaper offices for $1/copy or contact us to subscribe. Subscriptions $19.95 per year. Please Buy Locally & Recycle.

GEAUGA

WOOD

HENRY DEFIANCE

BELMONT

MADISON FAIRFIELD

MONTGOMERY

PERRY NOBLE

PICKAWAY

GREENE

MONROE

MORGAN

FAYETTE BUTLER

WARREN

HOCKING

CLINTON

WASHINGTON ATHENS

ROSS VINTON HIGHLAND

HAMILTON CLERMONT

ACRES of Southwest Ohio

PIKE

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MEIGS

JACKSON

ADAMS

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ACRES of Southwest Ohio

June 2012

Gas and Oil Leasing Programs When Dale Arnold meets with Ohio farmers, he discusses key points about oil and gas leases and what they should be cautious about.

Here are Arnold’s “programs” that he conducts, often several at the same meeting: • Oil and Gas Leasing 101: This program highlights details a landowner should consider in negotiating a new lease agreement. Working with land agents, project developers, legal counsel, landowner associations and regulatory personnel are highlighted. Additional information on Ohio geology, drilling technology, pooling provisions, as well as steps establishing environmental baselines to address hydraulic continued from 1A important. While there have been leases and drilling in Ohio for a century, the latest wave of lease offers to farmers has come in the last several years, starting in eastern Ohio. “The southern part of Ohio (such as Fayette County) is now where eastern Ohio was three years ago,” he

fracturing issues are presented. • Older Lease Issues: Do you own property where an older lease signed years ago is now governed a new oil and project today? Discover how implied covenants and current rules/regulations, provide you landowners a number of rights covering oil and gas development. Legal options that could provide steps to terminate oil leases or provide opportunities to work with a developer to modify agreements are presented. • Road Maintenance Agreements:

said. Arnold does leasing briefings every day. “In eastern Ohio, the collective conscience (on leases) has been greater because there has been drilling in this part of the state for a century.” He said education is the key. “There are many things a land owners needs to actively negotiate with the leasing agent,” he said, adding that the Ohio Farm Bureau has attorneys available - a list of them - who specialize in leases for the farmers to

Designed for county, municipal and township public officials, discover more about what should be incorporated into effective road maintenance agreements governing the use of public roads and infrastructure being used/impacted by large scale energy development projects. • Pipeline Easement Issues: A variety of interstate, intrastate and local oil and gas collection networks are being installed throughout Ohio. Learn the basics of creating an effective easement agreement across

choose from. In May, Arnold has traveled to 10 Ohio counties to spread the word about farmers taking care against signing oil and gas leases that could rob them both of land rights and money. He will be holding more as the months go on. Anyone interested in information about their rights and the oil/gas lease issue can call the Ohio Farm Bureau office at 614-249-2400 or at its website, www.ofbf.org. ■

Photo by Michael Forster Rothbart Photography

private property. Issues concerning financial compensation, natural resource conservation, repair/remediation and conditions where eminent domain provisions apply are presented. • Finance Basics: Lease royalties, rental payments and bonus provisions could open farmers

Ag is Cool! Students of all ages can still submit their entries in Creative Expressions Contest REYNOLDSBURG - With just 79 days until the Ohio State Fair, the Ohio Department of Agriculture is encouraging students (K 12) to submit their entries for the 2012 “Agriculture is Cool!” Creative Expressions contest. Ohio children enrolled in school or home schooled during the 2011 2012 academic year have until July 9 to capture their personal interpretation of why Ohio agriculture is cool for their chance to win two tickets to see The Band Perry at the Ohio State Fair. Entries, which can include an original video, photograph, drawing, or painting, will be judged in the following age categories. One winner from each age group and category will be chosen: Grades K 2: Photography, Drawing or Painting Grades 3-5: Video, Photography, Drawing or Painting Grades 6-8: Video, Photography, Drawing or Painting Grades 9-12: Video, Photography, Drawing or Painting

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and rural residents to a variety of complex tax and accounting issues. Learn what steps should be taken prior to lease signing to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. • Community Briefing: A community sponsored program where an OFBF representative is a resource speaker. ■

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All entries will be reviewed by a panel of judges that may include representatives from the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the Office of the Governor, the Ohio Expo Center, and professionals in the areas of video production, photography, drawing, painting and other visual arts. Judging will be based on the student’s visual representation of the “Ag is Cool” theme, if it accurately reflects 21st Century agriculture, creativity and use of Ohio images, and quality of work. Contest winners will be notified no later than July 20, 2012. Award winners will be recognized by the Office of the Governor and other state officials at the Ohio State Fair on July 25, 12 p.m., at the Taste of Ohio. Winners will receive two, one day passes for free admission to the Ohio State Fair and two tickets to see The Band Perry on Aug. 2. For additional information about the contest, a complete copy of the rules and entry forms visit ohioagriculture.gov/agiscool

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Facts on Fracking 4A

June 2012

Farmers look to grass roots group to help them with oil, gas lease issues By MICHAEL CARTER Ohio is witnessing the growth of energy companies entering the state in hopes of garnering its natural resources. Oil companies such as Devin Energy and Chesapeake have become two large players in the quest of Ohio’s sold and liquid gases. For several years smaller companies and private “brokers” have been offering Ohio landowners money to lease their property on promises of large payouts. These “brokers” are earning large profits and causing problems for everyone, according to one Richland County man. “I know of several land owners who have leased land to these people at $5 or $10 an acre only to watch them in turn resell the lease to larger drilling companies at thousands more,” said Robert Bevier, chairman of the B.E.S.T. Land Association in northern Ohio. Bevier is part of a non-profit organization of landowners in Northern Richland County trying to educate landowners on the drilling process as well as their property rights. For year in Ohio, companies have been drilling vertical wells in the hopes of finding oil or liquid gases such as propane and natural gas. “There are over 64,000 vertical wells in Ohio,” Bevier said recently. Vertical drilling is a much simpler way to drill for these products, but it is also less effective than a newer process now entering the state called horizontal drilling. Vertical drilling is simply a vertical hole drilled deep into the shale rock in search of oil and gas pockets. “With vertical drilling your ‘pay zone’ might only be 50 to100 feet,”

Bevier explained. “As you drill down you may come across natural pockets of these materials, but it is not that effective,” he noted. With horizontal drilling, the wells are drilled down several hundred feet vertically before being forced horizontally along the property. “This is a much more expensive way to drill but gives you a much larger pay zone’, according to Bevier. In both types of drilling if natural pockets of oil and gas are not found there is a process called fracking that is used. Fracking uses high-pressure injections of water, sand and chemicals to release the trapped materials from the shale rock. “This process puts cracks into the rock,” said Bevier. The cracks are hairline cracks but more then enough to let the trapped materials escape. The sand is used to keep the cracks from closing up during the extraction process and the chemicals are used to keep the cracks from being closed by possible factors such as rust.” “The horizontal method is just now picking up steam in Ohio,” Bevier pointed out. “There are 15 such wells and 160 more permits now in Ohio,” he continued. The other advantage to the horizontal drilling process is the fact that is can cover more ground with less equipment, he added. Instead of oil or gas rigs at every vertical site, there can be one main site at a horizontal well which covers thousands of feet across hundreds of acres underground. “This process is a lot more landowner friendly,” stated Bevier. “You will have one central pad that houses the drilling equipment with the rest of the well being underground

undetected by anything.” Bevier and his association are trying to give landowners the heads up on the different types of drilling as well as educate them on the potential loss of revenue to the “brokers”. “In the Western part of the state, I know of landowners who leased at $5 an acre only to see the broker get $5,800. “That is not the normal price,” he admitted but noted that the price is possible for a property that might connect larger plots of land together for a larger continuous drilling area. “I would have to say that a few thousand an acres plus royalty on the produce collected is average,” he commented. According to Bevier, an average lease will extend for five years, and the landowner will get a one-time pay out for that lease whether the company drills or not. “Most contracts have a onetime renewal in them for an additional three years if the company does not drill in the first five years,” he stated. The landowner would normally receive a royalty on the product as well. “You can get anywhere from 12 to 20 percent on the royalty,” stated Bevier. “But again I warn you against the ‘broker’, if you are not careful you will end up giving him part of your royalty fee as well.” Bevier became interested in this entire process in 2010. “I had three different ‘brokers’ knock on my door in the same afternoon,” he said. “After the third one I started to take notice.” Anyone who would like more information on this topic or the possibility of leasing your land my contact Bevier and the B.E.S.T. Land Association by calling 419-571-7209. ■

Photo property of Armstrong Crop Insurance.

g n o r t s m r A

ACRES of Southwest Ohio

Gas well snapshot shows high-producing Ohio wells By Andrew Welsh-Huggins COLUMBUS (AP) — Natural gas wells using the drilling method known as hydraulic fracturing are producing at a much higher rate than traditional wells, according to the first look at production figures from nine active wells in the Utica Shale formation in eastern Ohio. Figures reported Monday by Oklahoma City-based Chesapeake Energy Corp. show five wells in eastern Ohio producing 2.6 billion cubic feet of natural gas in 2011. The other four wells produced hundreds of barrels of oil but are not in natural gas production yet, according to Chesapeake. The report, which Chesapeake provided to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, shows one well in Harrison County producing 1.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas, or 2 percent of the state’s entire natural gas production. Put another way, that well has 300 times more in daily production than the average well drilled vertically into the ground, said Rick Simmers, chief of ODNR’s Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management. “The preliminary production for all the wells on the gas side is very high,” Simmers said. Companies including Chesapeake have drilled 38 other wells that have yet to report production. Ohio has issued about 150 permits for Utica Shale wells in Ohio. By contrast, the state has about 49,000 traditional gas wells reporting production of about 73 billion cubic feet in 2011. The figures continue to fuel Chesapeake’s optimism about the formation, spokesman Keith Fuller said in a statement. “The data reported, while promising, is still very limited

and only a small part of the information needed to gauge the potential of the entire formation,” he added. The data reported Monday involves wells drilled using a method dubbed “fracking,” in which thousands of gallons of chemically laced water are blasted into shale deposits, freeing natural gas trapped in the layers of shale. The natural gas reported Monday includes both “dry” gas that can be distributed almost immediately to gas companies for home and business use, and “wet” gas that includes other proponents such as butane and propane that must be stripped out, Simmers said. Eastern Ohio is in the midst of a natural gas boom as developers seek to capture rights to Utica Shale deposits. Last month, BP announced it had leased 84,000 acres of land in the Utica/Point Pleasant shale formation in northeast Ohio for oil and gas production. The Utica Shale lies below the Marcellus Shale, where oil companies in Pennsylvania have drilled thousands of wells in search of natural gas and, more recently, oil. Also last month, Chesapeake announced a $900 million project for gathering, compression and processing of natural gas and natural gas liquids. The project will roll out over five years, with parts of the complex scheduled to begin operations by June 2013. Decisions by Chesapeake and BP to develop in Ohio come despite a proposal by Republican Gov. John Kasich to hike the taxes that oil and gas drillers pay for extracting the state’s natural resources. Ohio’s oil and gas association has criticized Kasich’s plan as a potential turnoff to drilling activity. The governor wants to use the proceeds to fund a modest statewide income-tax reduction beginning in 2016. ■

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ACRES of Southwest Ohio

June 2012

Highland County girl raises money for, awareness about 4-H through â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Yes We Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; campaign and national 4-H video contest

SAVING 4-H By LORA ABERNATHY labernathy@timesgazette.com

Then-Gov. presented itself. Ted Strickland Sponsored by the and his wife, national 4-H Frances, took organization, Sarah notice. Sarah was entered the Join the invited to the Revolution of governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Responsibility video mansion for a contest with a video special meeting titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Saving 4-H.â&#x20AC;? and The grand prize commendation was $5,000 that for her efforts. would benefit the That could winnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s local 4-H have been the end club. of a nice story, but The winner was Sarah was just announced May 4 getting warmed and, though Sarah up. didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t win the grand According to prize, she did come her mother, Shelli in top three. Young, Sarah â&#x20AC;&#x153;4-H contacted planned to Sarah and they want continue donating to do an article on Wearing her Yes We Can T-shirt, Sarah Young tosses a bag of cans she her for their national the proceeds from collected into the bed of a truck. Photo by Lora Abernathy. her sales, but website,â&#x20AC;? said Shelli. additionally wanted a â&#x20AC;&#x153;The best thing more sustainable about Sarah is sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not Can campaign was born. that touted the campaign, program to help continue stopped. She keeps going. Sarah began collecting has raised $16,000 to date. to raise funds for She comes up with aluminum cans, and, along In March of this year, Extension. another idea,â&#x20AC;? said with donations and sales another opportunity to With that, the Yes We Highland County from T-shirts and hoodies raise more dollars

Twelve-year-old Leesburg resident Sarah Young wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t going to let the bad economy stand in her way. When funding for the Highland County OSU Extension Office was cut by the local government and a levy to help fund it failed, Sarah Young decided to donate the proceeds from the sale of her market lamb in 2010 to help keep it afloat. Other 4-Hers followed her lead, and with the help of donations from local businesses, nearly $22,000 was raised. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want the 4-H to go down because I like showing and so do many other kids and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fun, so if it went down, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m pretty sure that none of the other kids would like that,â&#x20AC;? said Sarah.

Nominate a Neighbor of the Year

COLUMBUS - The Ohio Livestock Coalition (OLC), in partnership with the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, is accepting nominations for the Neighbor of the Year Awards, which recognize two rural residents - one livestock farmer and one non-farmer - for their commitment to being environmentally responsible, courteous to others and respectful of private properties. David White, OLC executive director, said the

awards are one way to recognize rural neighbors who set a good example of how to work together to keep Ohio agriculture alive and well in the Buckeye state. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Agriculture is Ohioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s number-one economic contributor, and in order to thrive, livestock farmers and their non-farming neighbors need to work together to help preserve the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agricultural heritage and rural landscape,â&#x20AC;? said White.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Recognizing these efforts through the Neighbor of the Year Awards is one way for us to honor those in our rural areas who exemplify the true meaning of being good neighbors.â&#x20AC;? Nominations for the Neighbor of the Year Awards are due by July 2 and should be submitted to the OLC office. Awards will be presented at the 15th OLC Annual Meeting and Industry Symposium on Sept. 7. Award winners will receive a plaque, and $250

will be donated to each recipientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s local charity of choice. For more information about the awards or to obtain an application, contact Amy Hurst at (614) 246-8262 or ahurst@ofbf.org. For more information about how to be a good rural neighbor or Ohioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s livestock farmers and their roles in providing Ohioans with safe, wholesome, affordable food, visit OLCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website at www.ohiolivestock.org. â&#x2013;

Commissioner Shane Wilkin during a segment in Sarahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s video. Shelli said Sarah will continue selling T-shirts and hoodies, collecting cans and spreading awareness about how important 4-H is. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Coming up with the ideas every year is pretty fun, but weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to keep this Yes We Can thing going on,â&#x20AC;? Sarah said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m proud of her. There could be a zillion other things she could be doing and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s awesome that sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so passionate about this one,â&#x20AC;? Shelli said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My mom tells me to keep going and not stop, because 4-H is fun for the both of us,â&#x20AC;? said Sarah. For more information about Yes We Can, visit www.yeswecan4h.com. To watch Sarahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s video, visit www.youtube.com/thetime sgazette. â&#x2013;

A candidate for the livestock farmer award must:

A candidate for the non-farmer resident award must:

â&#x20AC;˘ Be a livestock (dairy, beef, sheep, swine or poultry) farmer â&#x20AC;˘ Take opportunities to educate neighbors about his/her farming operations and processes â&#x20AC;˘ Be helpful â&#x20AC;˘ Share with neighbors that animals require attention and care 24 hours a day, regardless of weekends and holidays

â&#x20AC;˘ Keep his/her property neat, clean and trim â&#x20AC;˘ Take opportunities to ask a neighboring farmer about agricultural operations and processes â&#x20AC;˘ Keep pets and other domestic animals restricted to his/her property â&#x20AC;˘ Respect property boundaries and not use farmland for off-road vehicles or walking

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ACRES of Southwest Ohio

F A M I LY F A R M

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. Proverbs 4:1

A FARM

FATHER

By CARLETA WEYRICH cweyrich@peoplesdefender.com The relationship between father and child is a barometer of the success of a family farm, especially as it passes from one generation to the next. That relationship becomes more complex as a child ages and becomes more and more involved in the family business. John and Jim Smiley recently shared some insight into their successful farming operation and father-son relationship. Jim’s in his 20s. They are the seventh and eighth generations of Smileys, handed down father to son, to farm a piece of land near the community of Tranquility in Adams County. “I was always around it I didn’t know anything else,” Jim explained the reason why he decided on farming as his occupation. “It always interested me. “I’m sure a lot of people would like the opportunity to go into farming, but don’t have the way to get started. I was allowed to do whatever I wanted to do when I graduated from high school. If I wanted to go to college, I could have, but I wanted to stay here and farm.” “I wanted you to do whatever you wanted to do,” John told him, then said, “I don’t want him

On family farm, dad plays key role as mentor and role model

doing something he doesn’t like to do. There’s nothing worse than having to get up and go to work every day at something you hate doing.” Jim started out leasing tobacco base when he was in high school, and had some cows and raised calves. “The tobacco was a good way for me to make money while I was still in school. It was a lot of work, but the majority of it, except for stripping it, was when I was out of school,” he said. After he graduated, Jim started renting some ground and raising crops. John let him use his equipment from the beginning. Now they both own equipment and share as needed. “We don’t keep track of a whole lot of things,” John said. “If it’s there, we use it, it doesn’t matter if it’s mine or his. I think that’s the way most people do.” “That’s how we get along,” Jim added. “There’s too many people that want to worry about nickel and dime stuff - we don’t get too alarmed about it. Just so we both have enough to pay the bills, that’s all we’re really concerned about.” “I always farmed with my dad,” said John. “When I farmed with him, we would sit down and discuss

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June 2012

things, and we would make decisions. After he passed away, I ran everything myself. “When Jim got a little older, I was so used to doing everything by myself, that I had to stop and think about this. I wanted him involved in the decision making. After you do that for so long by yourself, it’s hard to think of someone else making the decisions. That’s something I tried - to talk this stuff out and make decisions together.” “Like Dad said on the decision making, Dad’s made me do a lot of the decision making because he’s always told me he’s not always going to be around. On certain things, he makes me go ahead and make up my own mind. He doesn’t always help me - he does if I ask him - but he wants me to make up my own mind, and that’s what helps you to succeed. If he didn’t, and anything ever happens and he’s not around, if I’m not somewhat familiar with doing some of the decision making, I’d be completely lost.” The Smileys raise beef cattle, hay, wheat, corn and soybeans. Their last tobacco crop was in 2004 due to the tobacco buyout program. “We were very happy about that,” Jim said. “That was the only crop we had to hire any help for. Now we’re able to do everything ourselves. We do have to have things fixed by someone else sometimes.” John and Jim each keep their own farm financial records. They each farm land on their own and farm some in halves. “It kind of gets to be a

smoothly. so many things John has getting less and less is kids stand back - you just mess sometimes, trying to “You know, something told him over the years interested in farming,” wouldn’t. You would make sure things like the we try to do is have a little about farming, that he said Jim, who drives a think, well they’re old fertilizer gets billed right,” fun every day,” John said. couldn’t single out just a school bus on the side. enough, they should said Jim. “That’s just the way we do. few, but that’s how he “It’s kind of scary, really. know.” As far as the work load We’re always cuttin’ up, knows how to farm. Except for my nieces and “If you grow up with is concerned, they each and I think that makes our “I’m glad he stayed nephews on the school that stuff, I think it comes know their part in the day go better and a lot less here, glad he wanted to,” bus, I don’t have another a lot easier,” John added. operation. stressful.” said John. “It’s kind of kid on the bus that has “Running equipment, “We have certain John told a story about nice that another any interest or any knowrunning tractors, running things that we do. Dad a magazine reporter who generation’s going to take how in anything on the anything - I’ve seen plants all of the corn, and came to interview them farm. Out of 74 kids, that’s over the farm.” I do all of the spraying and people climb on a tractor and take pictures on three The ninth Smiley not very good.” that’s never been on a try to spread all the different days. generation is also coming “When I was a kid tractor a day in their life, fertilizer. We both jump “I don’t think he ran up, including Jim’s infant growing up, a lot of the be 30 years old or so, and back and forth on drilling into any two people quite son, John, who will no kids maybe didn’t grow up boy, they’re just as beans. Dad runs the like us. The first day he doubt make his own on a farm, but a lot of dangerous as can be. You combine shelling corn, kind of looked at us, the decision to move on or to them, their grandparents and I haul the corn. When take a kid that’s been out second day he kind of did,” John said. “Now a lot stay and farm. we get into running beans, there, he may be 12 years laughed, and the third day Not that it’s all about of these kids don’t have old, but he can handle we both run beans. when he was leaving, he any ties back to the farm.” business. There’s also a that tractor really good “When I was younger, said, ‘You know I’m going In addition to just being sense of humor involved because he’s grown up about 12, pulling in with to miss you guys, I’ve had in keeping the Smiley around the farm from an around them. the tractor and wagons - I a lot of fun with you.’” ■ operation running early age, Jim said there’s “Something that’s could do that. I guess that’s what we got used to doing, and still do it that way today.” The Smileys talked about recent efforts to change the law to prevent children from working on farms as early as Jim did. “These kids won’t be worth anything if they’re not taught some responsibility,” Jim said. “They say a lot of kids have accidents on the farm, but if you don’t start them when they’re little like that, there would be a whole lot more accidents if you wait until somebody’s 18 to 20 years old, and then stick them out here on a piece of equipment, because they wouldn’t understand how any of it worked,” John said. “When you’re little you’re told to stand back and stand back,” Jim joined in. “Well, when you are standing back, you’re still watching. But when you have somebody that’s 18 to 20 years old, you’re not Jim and John Smiley take a few minutes to relax on the porch at the Smiley family homestead. as likely to tell them to

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June 2012

ACRES of Southwest Ohio

Spring Helpline Questions

by Faye Mahaffey OSUE Brown County Master Gardener Volunteer

“Why doesn’t my Hydrangea bloom? “Why doesn’t my Hydrangea bloom?” asked a puzzled gardener taking advantage of Helpline Tuesdays at the Brown County OSU Extension office a few weeks ago. I quickly explained that I would have to do some research before answering her question, but continued to ask questions about the bloomless Hydrangea. Where is it planted? What type of sun and wind exposure? Has it been pruned? Has the soil been amended? All this information is entered on a Helpline sheet along with the caller’s name, phone number, address and e-mail address. We ended our conversation talking about the mysterious spring that we are experiencing and how it has affected trees and shrubs in the landscape. After some research I found that there are several reasons why hydrangeas don’t bloom. Check this list for possible adjustments to make and see if your plants recover to full bloom.

1. It gets too little sunlight. It is planted where winter 2. temperatures kill the flower buds (plants can still look healthy).

the wrong variety for the region. 3. It’s Some kinds of hydrangeas are less cold-hardy than others.

pruned at the wrong time. 4. ItIf was you prune in late summer, fall,

or winter you’re probably pruning away the flower buds. Prune bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) right after blooming; prune smooth (H. arborescens) and panicle hydrangeas (H. paniculata) in early spring.

you are lucky enough to have blooms on your hydrangeas, have you ever considered drying the flowers? Some gardeners love the way dried hydrangea blooms look in arrangements. Hydrangeas are easy to air-dry-they do this work for you! Cut hydrangea flowers at any stage from green to brown, depending on what color you want in your arrangements. Most people have the best luck cutting flowers that have been allowed to dry a bit on the plant. Remove all foliage from the cut stems. Hang the stems upside down individually in a warm, dry, airy spot until they are completely dry. Wrap the flower heads in tissue paper for protection before drying if you prefer. You can get double duty from your hydrangea flowers by enjoying them as cut flowers in a vase, then allowing them to air-dry by adding no more water to the vase once the initial fill is gone. If these techniques seem like too much bother, simply allow the flowers to dry on the plant, then pick them when you are ready to make your arrangement. When visitors walk into our basement at home,

they are greeted by dried flowers hanging from the ceiling. I enjoy drying peppers, garlic, and a variety of perennial blooms during the growing season. The potting shed seemed like a great place to dry flowers, but I found myself dodging plants as I tried to work. My Grandmother used to hang herbs from the beams in the old barn on the farm. I have fond memories of the mixture of scents that greeted you as you pulled the barn door open. Have you started planting your tender annuals yet? Have you compiled your list of plants needed for your containers? After coming home with too few plants one year, I have the total of containers on the porch and deck written down in a small notebook that I carry with me. Why? You all know that we are headed into the serious purchasing time for any gardener! You can never rule out a spontaneous trip to a new garden center, so you need to be prepared with the number of plants you need to “invite” to come home with you.

My “Rabbit Garden” is growing nicely - no critter damage yet! The cabbages are worm free, the lettuce is ready to cut tomorrow, the spinach will be ready next week, the radishes have been thinned, and green onions are ready to be pulled. I can hardly wait to start planting the main part of the garden! Tomatoes, green beans, peppers, cucumbers, and a few other surprises will be in the ground as soon as weather permits. Don’t forget about e-mailing your gardening questions to Mike Hannah at mhannah2@msn.com. Be sure to include your phone number when you send your e-mail. Master Gardeners will then contact you with suggestions and important information. After the big rains this week, I am headed out to pull Garlic Mustard and Honeysuckle while the pulling is “easy”. Trying to stay ahead of the weeds this year is going to be tough! ■

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ACRES of Southwest Ohio

June 2012

Fayette COUNTY AGRICULTURE SNAPSHOP

PI E E FAYETT NTON AND HIGHL

2007 CENSUS OF

Look for ulture more Agric in snapshots ns future editio! of Acres

County Profile

State Quantity Rank

MARKET VALUE OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS SOLD ($1,000) Total value of agricultural products sold Value of crops including nursery and greenhouse Value of livestock, poultry, and their products

% 2007 2002 change Number of Farms ..............................................585......................480 ..........+22 Land in Farms...................................218,250 acres .....203,212 acres ............+7 Average Size of Farm ..............................373 acres ............423 acres...........-12 Market Value of Products Sold ...........$83,982,000 .......$46,331,000 .........+81 Crop Sales $79,343,000 (94 percent) Livestock Sales $4,639,000 (6 percent) Average Per Farm..................................$143,559 ..............$96,524 .........+49 Government Payments..........................$4,295,000 .........$2,938,000 .........+46 Average Per Farm Receiving Payments........$10,477...............$11,703...........-10

Quantity

Farms by value of sales: Less than $1,000 ....................................................................147 $1,000 to $2,499 ......................................................................40 $2,500 to $4,999 ......................................................................36 $5,000 to $9,999 ......................................................................48 $10,000 to $19,999 ..................................................................31 $20,000 to $24,999 ..................................................................15 $25,000 to $39,999 ..................................................................22 $40,000 to $49,999 ..................................................................21 $50,000 to $99,999 ..................................................................46 $100,000 to $249,999 ..............................................................81 $250,000 to $499,999 ..............................................................43 $500,000 or more......................................................................55 Total farm production expenses ($1,000) .............................61,073 Average per farm ($)..........................................................104,399 Net cash farm income of operation ($1,000) ........................30,906 Average per farm ($)............................................................52,831

Operator Characteristics

Ranked items among the 88 state counties and 3,079 U.S. counties, 2007 Item

AGRICULTURE

Economic Characteristics

Fayette County – Ohio

Quantity

Principal operators by primary occupation: Farming................................................................................................313 Other ....................................................................................................272 Principal operators by sex: Male .....................................................................................................521 Female....................................................................................................64 Average age of principal operator (years)............................................56.8

Universe

U.S. Rank

Universe

83,982 79,343 4,639

38 20 75

88 88 88

1,058 523 2,472

3,076 3,072 3,069

VALUE OF SALES BY COMMODITY GROUP ($1,000) Grains, oilseeds, dry beans, and dry peas 77,388 Tobacco Cotton and cottonseed Vegetables, melons, potatoes, and sweet potatoes 30 Fruits, tree nuts, and berries (D) Nursery, greenhouse, floriculture, and sod (D) Cut Christmas trees and short rotation woody crops Other crops and hay (D) Poultry and eggs 23 Cattle and calves 2,204 Milk and other dairy products from cows 925 Hogs and pigs 564 Sheep, goats, and their products (D) Horses, ponies, mules, burros, and donkeys (D) Aquaculture Other animals and other animal products 15

14 84 84 (D) (D) 81 67 71 58 (D) (D) 74

88 12 88 88 87 84 88 88 88 86 88 88 88 53 88

348 2,292 (D) (D) (D) 2,079 2,243 1,383 1,014 (D) (D) 1,903

2,933 437 626 2,796 2,659 2,703 1,710 3,054 3,020 3,054 2,493 2,922 2,998 3,024 1,498 2,875

94,836 85,097 6,267

16 8 40

87 88 87

205 351 891

2,039 2,634 2,481

5,820 927

60 52

88 86

2,176 1,034

3,060 2,263

4,396 2,385 2,030 (D) 819

73 57 16 6 60

88 88 88 48 88

2,524 1,019 487 (D) 1,640

3,060 2,958 2,891 1,386 3,066

TOP CROP ITEMS (acres) Soybeans for beans Corn for grain Wheat for grain, all Forage - land used for all hay and haylage, grass silage, and greenchop Corn for silage TOP LIVESTOCK INVENTORY ITEMS (number) Cattle and calves Hogs and pigs Sheep and lambs Quail Horses and ponies

LET’S PLANT! Flowers & V egetables!

Filled Planters

All operators by race: American Indian or Alaska Native ............................................................Asian ........................................................................................................2 Black or African American.........................................................................Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander .................................................White....................................................................................................817 More than one race ..................................................................................1

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All operators of Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino Origin.................................3

w IItt H w o o Heerree r r G G e e !! W W

Land in Farms by Type of Land

i Un

Other uses 9.45%

qu o eH h n omegrown Gree

Farms

Farms by Size 160 150 140 130 120 110 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

us es

Cropland 90.55%

Bulk Seed Flowering Trees & Shrubs Fruit Trees & Berries Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun. 1-5 p.m.

1-9

10-49

50-179

180-499

500-999

1,000+

TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF OUR GREENHOUSES @

Acres/Farm

Information from www.agcensus.usda

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June 2012

ACRES of Southwest Ohio

About Alpacas

The

Ups & Down

■ Height is typically 36” at withers and under 5’ overall. ■ Average Weight is 120200 pounds (1/3 to 1/2 the size of a llama). ■ Average life span is 15-25 years. ■ Breeding Maturity for females is 14-24 months, for males, 2-3 years. ■ Reproductive lifespan of females is 12-14 years; herdsires, 10-12 years. ■ Average Gestation is 335345 days. ■ 95% of births are normal, unassisted single births. ■ Babies are usually walking/running/nursing within an hour. ■ Embryo transfer and artificial insemination are extremely difficult with alpacas ■ There are two kinds of alpaca, Suri and the more numerous Huacaya. Huacaya fiber is short, dense, crimpy and gives a woolly appearance. Suri fiber is silky and resembles pencil-like locks. ■ Alpacas have three stomachs. ■ They can be pastured at 5-10 animals per acre. ■ Alpacas need at least a three-sided, open shelter where they can escape inclement weather. ■ In warm weather Alpacas need shade and airflow. ■ They need fresh water daily; not a lot, but they resist drinking stale or dirty water. ■ Alpacas are such social creatures, keeping one alone is so stressful it’s considered cruel.

of Alpacas By Pat Lawrence

lpacas are social, curious, gentle creatures, much smaller than llamas, with tidy habits, sweet faces and distinct personalities. The animals are considered traditional livestock for business and accounting purposes but their appeal puts them on a different footing with people who raise them. Ohio has more alpaca farms than any other state mostly because it was a quarantine site when the animals were first imported to the US from Chile in 1984, but a veritable catalog of positive attributes along with an enthusiastic fan base has boosted their popularity. Hardy and adaptable, alpacas eat modestly, deposit their odorless, pelleted waste in communal areas and give birth between 8am and 3pm. With no upper front teeth, they can’t bite and their padded feet don’t tear up turf. As livestock, alpacas are one of the easiest, most inexpensive animals to maintain. Brad and Kim Delaney of KB Alpacas have been raising alpacas for six years. Like many Ohio alpaca farmers, both have other jobs and raise alpacas for additional income. They consider their alpaca business a

lifestyle decision as well as a long term investment for their future. Brad says, “Initially we were looking for a business venture, then we fell in love with the animals. We visited farms, took classes, attended seminars and partnered with an experienced breeder to learn the business. We started with three bred females and relocated to Wilmington from Putnam County when we needed more land. Now we have ten acres with 40-50 alpacas on site. They all have names and they know their names. They communicate by body movements- and humming. Taking care of them only requires about two hours a day, but it’s also a lifestyle with a peaceful, serene atmosphere. There’s just something about alpacas that’s restful.” Kim does most of the animal husbandry, including twice a day feeding, grooming and nail trimming. She says, “They like to be close, just not too close. They don’t really like to be held or petted but they watch everything you do intently.” As a financial investment, raising alpacas was originally modeled as a breeding industry, like thoroughbred horses. When the American alpaca industry

A huacaya alpaca with a cria.

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ACRES of Southwest Ohio

June 2012 pasture. At one time we had 400 alpacas. Now we have about 80, all micro-chipped and registered by DNA. We know them by name, but you have to make the decision that they are livestock, not pets. We also co-own and partner with other breeders. It’s a very friendly group.” Heatherbrook, in Franklin, Ohio, specializes in colored, show-quality alpacas. According to Vicky, “There are 22 colors of alpaca fleece; generally, the finer the fleece, the softer it is and the higher price it brings. Show animals are judged on confirmation and fleece quality.” The Brooks generously share what they know, in person and on their website. They recommend visiting a number of alpaca farms before making any decisions. Vicky says, “Some breeders may just want to sell you an animal but most genuinely love and believe in what they’re doing. They want you to be successful. Visit many; learn, compare and formulate a business plan before you purchase. And, never underestimate the responsibilities of caring for these beautiful creatures.” Kaye and Richard Sanderson run the Diamond Rose Ranch, between Xenia and Wilmington. Kaye is retired though Richard still has a full time job. They dedicate 15 acres to their 36 alpacas but also grow corn and soybeans. Kaye says, “We wanted to live in the country and needed something to help pay for expenses. Alpacas were financially feasible and easy to manage. The tax write-offs are good, especially at the beginning, but we also make money from stud fees and selling females. We’re a show farm so breeding the best quality bloodlines has always been our model. We sold eleven animals last year, and we’ve sold four to England. For me, raising alpacas is living a dream. I knit, crochet and

make unique evening bags from our alpaca fiber but I’m also a writer and can still write every day.” Diamond Rose serves as a regional collection site for fiber. Kaye says, “More and more farms are fiber farms, rather than show farms. We collect about 500 pounds in a year and send it to the national co-op. Going to regional collections has saved costs for everyone.” Alpaca fiber is durable yet soft like cashmere, lighter and warmer than wool and naturally resistant to staining and moisture. Still, processing fiber economically remains the biggest hurdle for American alpaca farmers since there’s no large US mill that commercially processes alpaca fiber. Many look to the Alpaca Fiber Cooperative of North America for assistance. About 1800 alpaca owners, mostly small farmers, pay $250 for one share of stock to become a member. According to Melinda Nelson of member services, “AFCNA pools the annual shearing of alpaca fiber and benefits from processing larger volumes of fiber and market products made from alpacas, on a national level. Some people send one fleece, some a couple hundred pounds. The fiber is collected at regional locations, sent to Decatur, Tennessee, sorted, graded - there are seven grades - and recorded by owner. Then it usually goes to Texas to be washed, is sent to Pennsylvania to be spun into yarn and end products, and often, comes back to Tennessee to be turned into socks.” If the co-op shows a profict, AFCNA members receive dividends based on their contributions, but the more immediate, more lucrative benefit is credit toward alpaca products that can be resold by members at home. Melinda says, “Actually many members make more profit from

reselling alpaca products, like socks, our top selling product, than by selling their fiber directly.” The co-op doesn’t purchase fiber from shareholders and net proceeds depend on market variables. Melinda says, “Early members were discouraged by their lack of return, but we’ve seen a small profit the last four years. Still, finished alpaca goods are often imported because we just don’t have enough alpacas to sustain a fabric market.” Even with around 160,000 registered alpacas in North America, all the fleece collected in a year in the US is only about 50 tons, just three days work for a commercial mill. Peru, one of the alpaca’s native countries, collects 4,000 tons annually. The low number provides little motivation for large American mills to accommodate the product. Greater numbers of alpacas, greater demand for alpaca fleece and a greater amount of the fleece are requisite for serious industry growth. Though most dedicated owners realize a modest income, few in the business, from Colorado to our more economically stressed local region, consider raising alpacas the path to wealth. Even if it might ultimately be so, as Brad Delaney says, “We’re not there yet. Profits are most likely achieved through multiple initiatives involving quality product, aggressive marketing, national industry growth, agricultural tax credits and the successful implementation of a solid business plan.” Alpaca ranchers don’t get rich quickly or without diligent marketing efforts. Still, most wait with surprising serenity for the industry to catch up to their dreams. Perhaps it’s the humming. ■

Helpful Websites www.alpacainfo.com With over 4000 members, the Alpaca Owners & Breeders Association promotes public awareness and appreciation of the alpaca’s unique qualities, educates the membership on care and breeding of the Alpaca and promotes the growth of the Alpaca industry. www.alpacaregistry.co m The Alpaca Registry, Inc. is a non-profit corporation that owns the database of genealogy, blood and DNA records and registered owners of North American alpacas. www.afcna.com The Alpaca Fiber Cooperative of North America is an agricultural cooperative formed and wholly owned by North American alpaca fiber producers to develop and maximize the value of American produced alpaca fiber. www.alpacanation.com A website devoted to all aspects of the alpaca industry meant to encourage growth and sustainability by bringing breeders, owners, and suppliers to a centralized marketplace.

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get 3-5 pounds of high quality fleece from each animal plus 2-3 pounds of second and third quality fleece.” Current prices paid for high-quality fleece range from $2-$5 an ounce. That’s often sufficient to cover feed and maintenance expense for the producing animal, basically paying its room and board. Brad says, “It costs us about a dollar a day to raise an alpaca and we look for about $300 per animal in fleece Brad Delaney product. We originally hoped breeding was first launched, breeding and selling animals would females sold for up to provide enough income, but $200,000 but the wildly it takes a lot more to be a optimistic prices of the 1980’s profit center. You must focus and 1990’s have evaporated. on the fleece and sell quality In the current market, animals but also, board for females of good lineage other people and market your typically sell for $5000products at your own farm $20,000; equivalent quality store, which we haven’t built males for $1000-$8,000. yet. Relocation, fencing and However, alpacas are bought new structures have been our and sold everyday for a few biggest priority, but we plan hundred dollars or less. to process our own fleece Owners sell for many reasons eventually. Our goal isn’t to other than profit, like have more alpacas but to keeping their herd at a make our situation more manageable size, upgrading profitable.” Kim agrees, “We stock or retiring from the bought when the market was business. high, and paid a premium Newcomers who are price, $20,000, for some of charmed by alpacas are our animals, but we bought equally charmed by their the best. You need long term potential tax benefits. The goals. You can’t expect a animals depreciate over five profit within two years when years, giving investors an it takes a year to make one immediate investment return baby. Good marketing and in tax savings while the herd quality product take time to grows. Most farm and related develop.” She admits getting expenses, including show attached to the alpacas is an costs and advertising, are issue. Brad says, “That’s why deductible. Alpacas are Kim usually isn’t there when 100% insurable and farm we sell or transport them!” loans are available to Vicky and David Brooks purchase or upgrade alpaca of Heatherbrook Farms were livestock. the Delaney’s mentors. The Most breeders, like Brad couple retired in 2003 and and Kim, see the industry wanted an interesting way to inextricably tied to the sale utilize their land. Vicky says, of alpaca fiber. They market “We bought three alpacas their fleece in multiple ways, initially, but within a year we including membership in purchased a hundred regional and national co-ops. pregnant females, added a Kim says, “We breed for very second barn, another twenty fine, very dense fleece and acres, more fencing, more

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June 2012

ACRES of Southwest Ohio

Grappling with Grapes Growing grapes can be a difficult business By BRYAN PECK bpeck@newsdemocrat.com

Many farms in southern Ohio have a long history of growing tobacco, but in recent years a new crop has sprung up in the area. With the decline of the tobacco industry, several farmers have decided to try their hands at growing grapes and producing wines, but according to Ron Barrett with Kinkead Ridge Winery in Ripley, making the switch to a perennial crop can be anything but easy. Barrett, along with his wife, Nancy Bentley, have been operating Kinkead Ridge Winery for over a decade. The initial vineyard was planted in 1999 and a second section was added in 2001. In the following years, the two have won numerous awards for wines produced in Brown County, and were included in an international wine reference book, Opus Vino, in 2010. Location is the first step to producing high quality grapes. Barrett said he and Bentley searched for a long time before deciding to move to Brown County. “The most important thing to start with is site

selection,” Barrett said. “Site selection involves soil, you need to have soil that is very well drained, keep in mind of frost, and you need to be growing the right varieties. A lot of European varieties we grow are very susceptible to winter damage and they don’t tolerate water logging as well as American varieties.” Barrett said he has been approached by numerous tobacco producers who have considered switching to grape and wine production. Barrett said he always has to stress the importance of a good, high quality site, or else the new winery will more than likely be unable to compete. “I get asked all the time by people, ‘should I be growing grapes? I have an area that is growing great tobacco and everything else.’ I would say nine times out of 10, it’s not suitable for grapes. A lot of them go away discouraged,” Barrett said. “You just have to have an excellent site in order to grow a premium product.” “You have to find a good site, and they exist in Ohio,” Barrett said. “The downside is that you have to look for it and you may

During a Kinkaid Ridge barrel tasting event, Ron Barrett draws wine from a barrel for Courtney Gilbert. not have it. We have some fantastic soils here.” Tending to grapes is also be a very different exercise for farmers who are used to growing wheat, corn and tobacco. Barrett said there is not a large planting phase each year, as many of the grape vines do survive through winter. Still, he said there are a few plants that die each year and need to be replaced. Preparations for planting in a new area can begin up to a year before the vine is actually planted. Barrett said work needs to be done on each

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Additionally, Barrett said American varieties are much more resistant to Phylloxera, a root louse that will devastate most European crops. The hybrids are also susceptible to the root damage, which is why Barrett said many varieties are grafted with insect and disease resistance to help them succeed. “You typically grow or buy material that was grafted to be disease resistant,” Barrett said. “For us it’s more insect resistant than disease resistant. There’s an insect called Phylloxera that is a root louse that’s native here.” Each year, Barrett said Kinkead Ridge loses a few plants, which he replaces. Some varieties are not worth the trouble to grow in this area, however. “There’s always some attrition, and if you have a difficult winter you lose more,” Barrett said. “Some varieties are much less winter resistant, and as a result you have a lot of difficulty justifying the

effort no matter how good the wine is.” Barrett said Kinkead Ridge has given up on growing Sauvignon Blanc grapes over the years, as that variety has a very hard time surviving the cold winters in Ohio. Merlot has also been removed. “You’re not going to see much Merlot or Sauvignon Blanc growing here, that’s for sure,” Barrett said. “I pulled Merlot, I knew it was trouble. We just had 15 vines of that. The Sauvignon Blanc we’re replacing with Chardonnay. I can’t bring myself to pull those vines out until they’re dead.” In southern Ohio, Barrett said you can expect to see three basic varieties of grape vines that are grown in southern Ohio regularly: Cabernet wines including Sauvignon and Blanc, Riesling and Chardonnay. Those three varieties can be difficult to keep alive during the winter, but are well worth the efforts, Bentley said.

Jill Weaver, receives a glass of wine from Gretchen Yaust at Kinkaid Ridge’s barrel tasting event. Also pictured are Courtney Gilbert, second from left and Megan Schultz, right.

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“They’re typically winter tender and problematic in our climate, but they’re doable on an excellent site,” Barrett said. “It takes a lot of care to grow them, but the benefit is that the wine is superior and as a grower, the price you get for the grapes is roughly double so you get more value from the vineyard.” Barrett warned that growing grapes is a very labor intensive crop and is very high maintenance. Barrett said the winery can keep potential growers busy year round. “If you’re going to do it, it’s a lot of physical labor Ron Barrett and wife, Nancy Bentley have been and hard work,” Barrett operating Kinkaid Ridge Winery for over a decade. said. “It needs the commitment of someone several pieces of who loves perennial crops. between Sept. 20 to Nov. 1. The last variety Barrett specialized equipment It’s very different from harvests is Petit Verdot, a you’ll need that are raising wheat and red grape that he has important to grape tobacco.” as late as Nov. 3. harvested growing.” “It’s hard to describe to Finding grapes that will “Just make sure you are someone who doesn’t reliably ripen all the way willing to make the grow grapes, but there’s a four out of five years is the investment in time and rhythm to the work in the to success, Barrett key Barrett said. money,” vineyard, just like there’s a said. He advised anyone “There’s no crop insurance rhythm for growing wheat looking to start in the for grapes.” and a rhythm for growing vineyard business to do Kinkead Ridge recently tobacco,” Barrett said. online and to research a white wine release, held “The work schedule is attend as many wine and will hold a red wine very different. In July, if grower gatherings as release on Sept. 1 and 3. you’re growing wheat you possible to see if it is right For more information might take a vacation, but the property for the winery, call about July is a real problem for ■ available. (937) 392-1178. grapes. Not only do you “Do your have a burst of weeds but homework and vines are entering an make incredible growth phase absolutely and several diseases can sure you have strike. Not to mention the site and the you’ll be working in 90 money to degree weather in air so invest,” Barrett thick you can cut it with a “There said. knife.” are Harvest for grapes can be much later than most crops as well. Barrett said he typically begins harvest when the grapes are the ripest, which can vary between varieties. The process usually lasts

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ACRES of Southwest Ohio prospective lot to remove debris, rocks, trees that will block light, and do extensive weed control in the year leading up to the planting. The best lots are on a south to southeast slope, Barrett said. “It’s a perennial crop,” Barrett said. “Grape vines are typically planted when the soil warms up in the spring, and the year previous it’s important to practice good weed control and to get the site ready for planting.” Once the site is ready, its time to pick a variety of grape to grow. Barrett said there are three basic types of grapes that can be planted: European varieties that have difficulty surviving in winters in the American Midwest but will produce a high quality wine, American varieties like Concord and Niagara wines that are very hardy and can grow about anywhere but produce a quality lower than the European strains, and hybrids that sit in the middle of the scale.

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June 2012

ACRES of Southwest Ohio

DIGGING THE DIRT

By Dave Dugan

Scout Crops for Slugs On Friday, May 11 a report came through the C.O.R.N. newsletter about several reports of slug damage to Ohio crops. The news release discusses the issues with damage to corn and soybeans. In a nutshell, corn can survive much better than soybeans. With that said, scouting is advised. The following is the information that is available at http://corn.osu.edu that was written by OSU Extension Entomologist, Ron Hammond. We are receiving numerous reports right now about slugs causing significant feeding injury requiring treatment with baits. These reports are 2-4 weeks early compared with most years as a result of the warmer winter and March. Slugs have hatched out earlier than normal and have reached a size that causes noticeable feeding injury much sooner. We had addressed this possibility in C.O.R.N. Issue 8, April 10, when we wrote: “Warmer weather and soil temperatures will be causing slugs to hatch earlier and will result in slugs beginning their heavier feeding earlier. If planting times are normal, slugs will be a bigger and larger threat than normal. If planting early, perhaps the slug feeding will be more similar to normal conditions. If planting is late,

slugs will be relatively larger and capable of even heavier feeding.” Corn and soybean present two different concerns. With corn’s growing point being below the soil for a few weeks, most of the feeding above ground will be to growing leaves that will be replaced, and not on the growing tip that would kill the plant. Because of continued growth of corn that will probably occur, there is some leeway in terms of the time required to make the treatment if needed. But keep in mind that the corn is still relatively much smaller than when feeding normally would be occurring, and thus, presenting a much more serious situation. However, the growing point of soybeans is between the cotelydons as they emerge from the soil. Thus, the slug is easily able to reach and feed on both the cotelydons along with that growing point, making it much easier for slugs to kill the soybean plant as it emerges from the soil. This fact makes immediate treatment of soybeans perhaps more critical if no leaves have yet emerged and expanded. For growers who have experienced slug issues in the past, it is critical that fields be scouted NOW. If plants

Tobacco Update

Pythium root rot The weather this spring has given producers something to think about when it comes to any crop. The tobacco plants are no different. Producers need to be aware of issues that the recent weather may have presented. The insect and disease pressure

is likely higher than most of the season to this point. Slugs have been a problem in some places. Good weed control around the outside of the bed and/or greenhouse will help reduce this problem. Baits may also be needed if slugs are present.

The use of baits around the outside of the bed will normally provide adequate control. Cutworms may also be a problem. I have seen damage from cutworms in some beds recently. Orthene is about the only option for this problem. Disease wise, there are a number of things that you could be dealing with. Pythium root rot affects the roots and is often first seen by a tray or two that has stunted and yellowing plants. First thought might be that the plants need fertilize. Might be true, but it might be in the water and just not available for the plants due to damaged roots. Pull the trays from the bed that are stunted. Check the roots out. If they are white and extending out of the tray, it is probably not a root problem.

However if the roots are brown and tend to stick the bottom of tray when the tray is turned onto its side, you may have found the problem. Dead roots are not functional, so you may need to use a fungicide in the water. Terramaster can be used as a preventative or to cure a problem. Mix the fungicide in a bucket and apply it directly to the water, then mix the water throughout the bed. The amount used depends on if you are attempting to prevent or cure. Follow the label which calls for 1 ounce per hundred gallons of water as a preventative or 1.4 ounces as a cure. The easiest way to calculate this is to use a syringe. One fluid ounce is just a little more than 29 and a half cc or ml (cubic centimeters or milliliters). To calculate the amount of water in the bed you can count the number of trays and measure the depth of the

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have emerged and have leaves, look for the telltale signs of leaf feeding. But for soybeans not yet or just now emerging, or yet to be planted, care should be taken to determine if slugs are present and lying in wait. This latter situation could require a bait application just prior to emergence. Use your own past experiences with soybean stand reductions caused by slugs to determine whether an early treatment should be made this year. The two available baits are those containing metaldehyde (Deadline MPs and others), and those with iron phosphate (Sluggo). See our slug fact sheet for more information: http://ohioline.osu.edu/ent-fact/pdf/0020.pdf. ■ water in a few places to come up with an average. Take the number of trays multiplied by the average depth of the water in inches and multiply that by 1.64. So, 40 trays in 4 inches of water would be (40 x 4 x 1.64) and would end up being around 262 gallons of water. Don’t forget you are going to need to add some water to circulate the product. You could time your water flow into a 5 gallon bucket to get an estimate then get an idea of how much time you have to circulate the water with new water. Sound a little too exact? Think about 1 ounce in 100 gallons when there are 128 ounces per gallon, so it is best if you try to get close. This measurement is

also useful for applying fertilizer. Under or over fertilizing can be a problem that can allow some diseases to get a start. If you under do it on fertilizer, that can be an opening for target spot, while too much can cause stem rot issues. Often trying to hold plants or conditions like we have had recently can lead to some target spot. Worse yet, trying to push plants with too much nitrogen can be very regrettable. For target spot we can use Quadris one time. The rate for Quadris in the float system is 4 cc per 4 or 5 gallons of water or you can use the rate of 1 cc per gallon. Five gallons should provide good leaf coverage for about 400 trays. ■

Dates to Remember Estate Planning Workshop June 28, July 26, August 9 and September 13 at Southern State Community College in Fincastle. The classes will begin at 6:00 p.m. each night and be completed around 9:00 p.m. The registration material will be available at the Adams, Brown and Highland County Extension offices this week.

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June 2012

15A

SUMMER JOBS on the farm

Will there be a bountiful crop of work for kids?

By TONY NYE nye.1@osu.edu The Department of Labor is announced in late April they would withdraw the proposed rule dealing with children under the age of 16 who work in agricultural vocations. The U.S. Department of Labor at that time, issued the following statement regarding the withdrawal of a proposed rule dealing with children who work in agricultural vocations: “The Obama administration is firmly committed to promoting family farmers and respecting the rural way of life, especially the role that parents and other family members play in passing those traditions down through the generations. The Obama administration is also deeply committed to listening and responding to what Americans across the country have to say about proposed rules and regulations.” So what does that mean for Ohio teens looking for summer employment? According to Dee Jepsen, state agricultural safety leader, Ohio State University Extension, Department of Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering, Ohio farmers will continue to hire teens younger than 16 years old, now that Department of

Labor has rescinded their stricter proposal to ban all contact with tractors and powerdriven machinery. The current legislation is part of the Fair Labor Standards Act and falls under the Wage and Hour Division within the Department of Labor. This law was written nearly 45 years ago when it was determined certain tasks were dangerous for children under 16 years of age. Working with tractors greater than 20 horsepower and farm machinery were considered hazardous situations. However, there was an educational exemption put into place that would - and still does - allow students to be trained about these dangers, and then permitted to be hired. This program is commonly called the Tractor and Machinery Certification program. This is a 24-hour training class that ends with a written exam and a tractor skill test. The current book that satisfies the educational training can be obtained through any OSU Extension county office. It is cataloged in the 4-H Family Guide, titled the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program. While this booklet will offer the educational piece for teens to self-study, the students will still need to complete the accompanying testing

before certificates can be issued. According to the current legislation, the training programs can be offered through Extension and secondary school agricultural programs. While Ohio typically certifies 150 to 300 students each year, trainings are typically not available in every county of our state. With the recent attention to this legislation, there has been an increase in awareness about the trainings. Farm managers may have become relaxed in requiring their student hires to have the certification. However, there has always been laws in this area, and will continue to be there until changes are made. Therefore, it may be to the best interest of the farm to be sure the students younger than 16 have training before they operate tractors greater than 20 HP and farm machinery. Not having the training course does not exclude students from doing entrylevel work; it merely keeps them from working in those environments that were deemed “hazardous” by the Secretary of Labor. A complete list of those tasks include: • Operating a tractor of over 20 PTO horsepower, or connecting or

disconnecting an implement of any or its parts to or from such a tractor. • Operating or assisting to operate (including starting, stopping, adjusting, feeding, or any other activity involving physical contact associated with the operation) of the following machines: Corn picker, cotton picker, grain combine, hay mower, forage harvester, hay baler, potato digger, mobile pea viner, feed grinder, crop dryer, forage blower, auger conveyor, or the unloading mechanism of a non- gravity type self-unloading wagon or trailer, power posthole digger, power post driver, or nonwalking type rotary tiller. • Operating or assisting to operate (including starting, stopping, adjusting, feeding, or any other activity involving physical contact associated with the operation of) any of the following machines: Trencher or earth moving equipment, fork lift, or powerdriven circular, band, or chain saw. • Working on a farm in a yard, pen, or stall occupied by a: Bull, boar, or stud horse

maintained for breeding purposes; or sow with suckling pigs, or cow with newborn calf (with umbilical cord present). • Felling, bucking, skidding, loading, or unloading timber with butt diameter of more than six inches. • Working from a ladder or scaffold (painting, repairing, or building structures, pruning trees, picking fruit, etc.) at a height of over 20 feet. • Driving a bus, truck or automobile when transporting passengers, or riding on a tractor as a passenger or helper. • Working inside: A fruit, forage, or grain storage designed to retain an oxygen deficient or toxic atmosphere; an upright silo within two weeks after silage has been added or when a top unloading devise is in operating position; a manure pit; or a horizontal silo when operating a tractor for packing purposes. • Handling or applying (including cleaning or decontaminating equipment, disposal or return of empty containers, or serving as a flagman for aircraft applying) agricultural chemicals

classified under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (as amended by Federal Environmental Pesticide Control Act of 1972) as Toxicity Category II, identified by the word “Warning” on the label. • Handling or using a blasting agent, including but not limited to, dynamite, black powder, sensitized ammonium nitrate, blasting caps, and primer cord. • Transporting, transferring, or applying anhydrous ammonia. For additional information about the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Hazardous Occupations for children working in Agriculture, read the factsheet “Know the Rules When Employing Minors on Your Farm” at ohioline.osu.edu/anrfact/pdf/0026.pdf It should be noted that these rules and training programs are not required when the students are working for their parents’ farms. ■ Tony Nye is the OSU Extension Educator, Clinton County Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Fayette County Ag Society

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Second Race: July 16th, 2012 (fair race) Registration at 4 p.m. • Race at 6 p.m.

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ACRES of Southwest Ohio

Are

Niche Crops the new taste of Ohio?

Farmers get help when growing ‘special’ crops

By MARIBETH URALRITH maribeth2@hotmail.com

ebster’s defines “niche” as a specialized market or place, employment, status, or activity for which a person or thing is best fitted. Other names for the “niche” crops include specialty crops or diversity farming. In the agribusiness “niche” can mean a lifesaver in tough economic times. Ohio like many other states is now facing some of the toughest economic times since the great depression. The domino effect of a languid economy has created significant obstacles in Ohio’s economy that farmers may find hard to overcome. In Southern Ohio new agriculture production such as the “niche” crops, is one way

to help new old and new farming ventures achieve profitability and sustainability. On-Farm diversification opportunities abound for Southern Ohio farmers with “new crop alternatives” such as strawberries, black raspberries, asparagus, pawpaw, certified organic products, honey, apples, blueberries and much more. The concept of “niche” farming is not a new concept to farming. For years there has been a demand for specialty crops. However, once the “niche” becomes mass produced, it is no longer considered a “niche” but a crop of mass production. Many farmers are turning to “niche” farming including Ohio farmers. Ohio’s temperature and unique topography enables farmers in the agribusiness to grow and raise over 200 divers agriculture products and crops ranging from the traditional crops of corn, soybeans, wheat, and livestock such as cattle and hogs to the less traditional “niche” crops or specialty crops such as wine, Christmas trees, aquatic fish, barley for horse feed, greenenergy initiatives, and relatively newcomer niche like the pawpaw. With “niche” crops becoming an important commodity in Ohio, the Ohio Department of Agriculture in March of this year made available $642,019 to promote the growing “niche” crops such as fruits, vegetables, flowers and nuts. Agriculture and specialty crops are destined to play an important role in the lives of

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ACRES of Southwest Ohio Ohio farmers. In a report A New Beginning for Farmland Preservation in Ohio by Robert J. Boggs who at the time was the Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture wrote in February of 2009 that “Although Ohio has had some success in preserving traditional farmland acres, such as corn and soybean fields, the advent of new agricultural trends gives us a whole new arena to explore. By focusing on microclimates, smaller farms that serve niche markets, and more unique types of agriculture that go far beyond traditional row crops…..Ohio today plays a strong role in feeding hungry people and supporting local food systems…. and also helps set the stage that will provide agricultural growth, economic success, and food and energy security for every Ohioan today and for years to come.” Finding a niche is one of the ways small farmers learn to thrive and survive. Producing a specialty crop such as a unique fruit or vegetable crop or heirlooms or exotic types preferred by local ethic groups-can help farmers in a unusual way market products to

specific consumers such as for medical uses and nutritional diversity. One local “niche” farmer, Dale Stokes, is on the forefront in niche farming for medical uses with cancer research and his black raspberry crop. Stokes Berry Farm with over 40 acres of black raspberries is owned by Dale and Jane Stokes along with son Mark and Mark’s wife Stephanie. The Stokes fruit farm was first established in 1962 with the planting of two acres of black raspberries and later in 1975 strawberries. In the early 1960’s Dale Stokes was a high school teacher in Wilmington and wanted to make a few extra dollars and decided to begin planting black raspberries mainly because of his knowledge of black raspberries being cultured in Europe for medicinal properties and the international market was huge. He observed that local growers were mainly cultivating the popular red raspberry and there was a definite lack of the black raspberries; knowing this he felt his future opportunities would be with the black. As time went by he decided to add strawberries to his fruit

farm as well as other fruits but made the black raspberry the focus fruit of his farm. Later in 1986, Stokes began reading of the work of Dr. Gary Stoner who was doing important cancer research with the medical properties of the black raspberry. Stokes decided to contact Stoner at Ohio State University offering his help with Stoner’s research. Because of the cancer research that the Stokes Berry Farm is now involved with, this offers up a unique feature to the farm. Stokes Berry Farm is actively involved with a plant breeding program. Stokes and Harry Swartz, Ph.D., of the University of Maryland, have the most advanced raspberry breeding evaluation and micropropagation program in the nation. Plants are being specially bred and propagated to produce a specific berry for superior flavor for jam and other cooked berry products as well in helping in the unique specialty market of medical uses. Another local “niche” farmer is Jon Branstrator. Branstrator comes to the agribusiness with very unique qualifications as a specialty crop farmer. For approximately ten years, he spent his winters in

Costa Rica and his summers in Ohio. While living in Costa Rica, he worked in agriculture, mostly for seed producers. He was exposed to harsh working conditions with unpredictable tropical weather, insects, land degradation, and civil war. His traveling and agricultural experiences played a major role in 1995 when he returned home to his family’s farmland. The land degradation that he was exposed in Central America inspired him to become more environmentally conscious. Jon transitioned his farm from a grain monoculture operation to that of a mixed fruit and vegetable farm - focusing on primarily strawberries and asparagus, he decided to use methods such as crop rotation that help maintain a healthy ecosystem. With all of his knowledge and experiences in agriculture, Jon has applied his skills to making a one of a kind specialty market and niche farm that would not compete with his neighbors for production but offer the community a diverse supply of agricultural fruits and vegetables as well as

special events on the farm that would not only help with the economy but also by pull the community together. The discriminating consumers who are making the “niche” markets profitable for farmers are looking for foods and products different from today’s industrial food system and they are willing to pay for it. These consumers are a growing population of people who what to buy organic, natural and local foods that they feel simulate integrity from famers with integrity. Once niche farmers have learned to produce high quality foods, they are in the position to reach higher-volume markets. A large number of restaurants, supermarkets, schools hospitals, as well research facilities are searching for high quality, locally grown foods. Most want foods that are natural, pesticide-free, ecological, hormone-free and antibiotic-free which is different from today’s industrial foods. They prefer foods grown locally by people they trust. Many small farms across the United States are seeing a high demand of such products find it hard to keep up with the

June 2012 17A producing adequate amounts of produce cultivating a “niche” crop that separates the farmer from their competition makes that “niche” stand out and draws customers to their products. The downside to “niche” farming mainly is doing the research to see where the farmers fits into their niche, elevated start up costs and not seeing a profit until the crop matures and begins producing, and most importantly the difficulty in finding their “niche” market for that crop and getting it to that market. Good marketing for the “niche” crop is essential for future success. Ohio’s agricultural is Ohio’s number one business. What is the taste of tomorrow for Ohio? It seems that “niche” farming is one of the main avenues that Ohio consumers are currently traveling down as well as in other states. With low commodity process squeezing the life out of many small farms, many farmers are turning to organic and other alternative crops to survive the lethal grip of economic difficulty. Niche farming is one alternative that may breathe life back into Ohio farming. ■

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Strawberries just got better! By TRACY TURNER Ohio Strate Cooperative Extension Service PIKETON - Fresh Ohio strawberries harvested in early May? How about the locally grown, sweet fruit well into fall? Thanks to a new production method called plasticulture, Ohio consumers now have access to locally grown strawberries as early as the first week of May and as late as October, according to the results of an ongoing Ohio State University Extension

research trial conducted by Brad Bergefurd, an OSU Extension horticulture specialist. The method, in which strawberries are planted in early fall on a raised bed of soil covered with black plastic, results in farmers getting the berries to market at least a month earlier than the traditional matted row production that has been used by Ohio farmers, Bergefurd said. The new method, in which the strawberries are planted in September and grow over the winter using plastic to keep the soil warm and suppress weed growth, not only

results in larger, sweeter berries but it also allows farmers to capture a larger share of the local strawberry market because the berries can be harvested and sold over a period of four to five months, he said. That compares to the four- to five-week harvest period for Ohio strawberries using the traditional matted row production method, Bergefurd said. “Farmers from Lake Erie to the banks of the Ohio River are harvesting strawberries now,” he said. “We made it through the frost and freezes last month, and the fruit quality is fantastic.” The OSU Extension plasticulture trial includes about a half an acre of strawberry plants at the OSU South Centers and about 100 acres total on at least 25 farms statewide this season. The trial

includes evaluating new strawberry varieties, with breeding coming from Florida, California, and North and South Carolina, Bergefurd said. The method includes using row covers during the winter to protect the plants, which aren’t as winter hardy, from frost and freeze. The trial, which is in its 11th season and has begun harvesting this week, is now producing the higherquality, more commercially appealing berries, Bergefurd said. The trial will also, for the first time, produce summer-bearing fruit to allow the strawberry harvesting season to extend up until October, depending on the weather, he said. “This is the first year that we are looking at these new summer-bearing varieties,” Bergefurd said. “We looked at them six years ago, and they didn’t have the commercial quality attributes and were smaller in size. “But this year, with these new summer-bearing varieties, we’re hoping for strawberries with better commercial attributes,

larger fruit size, higher sugar contents and better disease resistance.” But there are drawbacks to the plasticulture method, he cautioned. While plasticulture cuts down on the amount of water, fertilizer and pesticides needed, the initial input costs for farmers using this method are significantly increased, requiring an investment of at least $10,000 to $15,000 per acre, with some of that cost associated with irrigation and more management needed to grow the fields, Bergefurd said. The fields harvest from early May to October. That compares to traditional matted row production, which averages about $4,000 per acre in production costs and harvests in June, he said. But plasticulture strawberries have the potential to yield 20,000 to 25,000 pounds of strawberries per acre, compared to 10,000 to 15,000 pounds of strawberries per acre using the matted row method. And when you consider

that retail strawberries fetch $2.50 to $3.50 per pound, the profit potential is “pretty good,” Bergefurd said. “There’s a market just waiting to purchase the product,” he said. “Most (Ohioans) aren’t used to local strawberries until June, but there are plenty of customers that want to eat locally grown strawberries beginning in May and throughout the summer.” Strawberries available in stores now are shipped in from Florida and California. “But when you compare an Ohio strawberry to those, there is no comparison because Ohio growers can leave the berries ripening on the plant longer because the berries are sold locally,” Bergefurd said. “Just about every Ohio farmer that grows them for retail always sells out, so there is a strong market for the locally grown fruit. “With the research results we’ve published, we’ve proven plasticulture has got potential and should be looked at by Ohio growers.” ■

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of Southwest Ohio Issue 4

June 2012

THE CORN-ETHANOL C O N N E C T I O N

In Ohio, the two depend on each other for growth, profits and the environment

Valero Renewables-Bloomingburg is located near Bloomingburg, Ohio, about 40 miles southwest of Columbus. The bio-refinery began ethanol production in March 2008. By GARY HUFFENBERGER ghuffenberger@wnewsj.com The Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association’s Interim Executive Director Tadd Nicholson called the ethanol industry “a vital market for Ohio’s grain producers” at the 17th annual National Ethanol Conference earlier this year in Orlando, Fla. Some people may be surprised a National Ethanol Conference has been taking place since 1996 and might wonder what that suggests about the efficacy or comprehensiveness of the nation’s energy policy during those years. Nevertheless, the biofuels industry in 2012 is manifesting itself as a viable option for crop producers, specifically corn growers in the case of ethanol. Tony Nye, the agriculture and natural resources educator for OSU Extension in Clinton County, said he thinks ethanol production is one of the reasons the region’s agricultural economy has been comparatively good

compared to the overall area economy. “I think ethanol provides just another market avenue for our (feed corn) product than if we had to rely strictly on livestock or export. It provides us another opportunity and another end-place,” Nye said. Corn for ethanol production “certainly strengthens or stabilizes the market” because there is a need for ethanol, he said, adding that if the support for ethanol wasn’t there, it wouldn’t have the market impact. There was a time when it wasn’t especially profitable to operate an ethanol plant, but that is changing, said Nye. A helpful factor for ethanol producers, Nye said, is the production process’ byproduct or coproduct DDG - Dry Distiller Grains - that can be used in a lot of different livestock species’ diets. “The dairy industry is using it Big Time,” he said, “and the beef industry pretty well.” The DDG co-product is a byproduct with “great

export potential” for ethanol companies, Nye said. In short, according to Nye, ethanol production has been good. “We have a very strong (corn) market as a result of not only the U.S. demand for food and livestock, but the export market has been good. It (ethanol production) certainly lends itself to stabilizing the market, so right now corn is profitable as it can be plus or minus the input costs,” the Extension agent said. Each farmer, of course, has different input costs. And a corn grower’s profitability also depends on “how aggressive or good they are at marketing their grain,” said Nye. Another positive sign experienced by corn growers the past two or three years, Nye said, were the “tremendous yields.” Corn growers demonstrated that Mother Nature, while formidable, is not an invincible foe. “Like last year: All the rain we had last year and we still had very good yields,” he remarked.

In Clinton County at least, producers have taken wheat acres and switched them over to corn production. Soybeans remain huge, however. “We still have producers who raise a lot of beans, in part because there is a little less input and cost per acre,” said the ag educator. A few producers have gone into corn production or increased their existing operations partly because of a weed issue, he said. Nye characterized this as a “management decision” by the producer, in contrast with saying ethanol was the driving force behind all moves toward corn production. The bottom line is that corn has become a profitable commodity for the farmer, said Nye. The Extension educator cited some statistics related to corn’s growing popularity among Clinton County farmers who work the ground. In 2003, there were 62,000 acres of corn harvested in the county. In 2010, that had increased to 67,000 acres of corn. While there was a 5,000

increase in acres planted and harvested with corn, the drop in soybean acreage in Clinton County amounted to about 3,000 acres - from 102,000 acres in beans harvested in 2003, to 99,000 acres in beans harvested in 2010. As a summarizing type comment, Nye said there is good stability in the ethanol market and “good support from the political side.” The overall outlook for the corn and ethanol connection “looks to be good,” opined Nye, noting the need for livestock feed remains intact. An ethanol plant is located near Bloomingburg, Ohio, in Fayette County. Valero RenewablesBloomingburg Plant Manager Travis DeFries said one thing to keep in mind about that plant is “we don’t do the actual marketing or procuring of the corn.” A Cargill facility on an adjacent site does those things instead. So, farmers deal with Cargill when it comes to product pricing. About 60 people are employed full-time at the

Valero Renewables ethanol plant near Bloomingburg, said DeFries. The bio-refinery sits on approximately 65 acres and started ethanol production in March 2008, according to its website. The Bloomingburg plant annually processes nearly 43 million bushels of corn into 120 million gallons of denatured ethanol and 370,000 tons of distillers grains co-products, according to the website. “The entire kernel of corn is converted to ethanol or distillers grains. Ethanol is an environmentally friendly, high-octane renewable fuel produced by fermenting converted corn starch with yeast. It is used as a blending agent with gasoline. Distillers grains are the coproduct left after the ethanol is removed from fermented corn mash, and are sold as a valuable livestock feed,” the website reads. Valero Renewables acquired the Bloomingburg plant in January 2010 from VeraSun Energy Corp.

A matter of seconds First responders train to save lives in silo accidents

By TRACY TURNER OSU Extension COLUMBUS - A group of Ohio State University students in conjunction with Ohio State University Extension are working to design Ohio’s first Grain Rescue Simulator trailer, which will be used to train first responders, grain industry employees and farm families about the hazards of flowing grain. The grain rescue

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simulator is being created to meet training needs identified by first responders who are called to an agricultural scene where grain is stored, said Dee Jepsen, OSU Extension state safety leader. Grain bin rescues can be classified as confined-space rescues, requiring technical training in various capacities. Rescue personnel have requested specific training in these

unconventional rescue situations, where they have limited experience and limited knowledge of the agricultural conditions that exist, she said. “This mobile training unit will be a scaled replica grain system, complete with a grain leg and moving conveyors, on a 40-foot flatbed trailer,” Jepsen said. “The project shows a combined dedication of continued on page 3B

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ACRES of Southwest Ohio

Ohio FFA celebrates meaning of

“I Believe” By CHRIS KICK Farm and Dairy ckick@farmanddairy.com COLUMBUS - It was a day of celebration, recognition and character building when

members of the Ohio FFA gathered May 3 at the Expo Center in Columbus for the 84th state FFA convention. The officer team was introduced amidst a flash mob dance and music and

bass so loud it was difficult to speak and be heard unless you shouted. But after the dancing had settled, things got serious as FFA staff and guests took to the stage. Ohio FFA

Kevin Simpson and Nick Stroud, Blanchester FFA members, have earned the State FFA Degree at this year convention. (contributed photo)

Adviser Ike Kershaw reminded everyone of the many successful FFA members over the years President Jimmy Carter, Tim McGraw, the president of Kroger foods and many,

many more. “(They) can point to their years as an FFA member and indicate that that’s what helped them get to where they need to be,” he said. “I guarantee you

that you’ve set the stage and you (as members) will be better prepared for when you leave school and whatever the future has to present to you.”

Awards: Ohio FFA recognizes its best By CHRIS KICK Farm and Dairy ckick@farmanddairy.com COLUMBUS - The 84th state FFA convention saw hundreds of FFA members and guests honored for their hard work and success in the program. Here is a highlight of some of the winners: Washington Leadership Conference scholarship recipients: Erica White, Ashland; Shelby White, Ashland; Thomas Shaw, Greenville; Lauren Williams, Miami East; Lindsey Walls, Parkway; Claire Fry, Pettisville; Austin Kensler, Urbana; and Sam Subler, Versailles Writing contest, sponsored by Farm and Dairy: Second runner up, Chad Bialecki from Anthony Wayne FFA; First runner up, Andrew Teet, of Anthony Wayne; and state winner was Carmen Meyer from Marion Local FFA.

Public speaking Extemporaneous, Craig Berning from Anna FFA; Beginning prepared, Grace Dannemiller of Liberty Union FFA; Prepared speaking, Jordan Stacy, Greenon FFA; Creed speaking, Rachel Welch of Cory Rawson. Gold medal Chapters Bowling Green, Carrollton, Eastern Brown, Fairview, Wauseon, West Holmes. Star degrees Star American in Agriscience is Crystal Van Pelt from the Wauseon FFA; Star American in Agricultural Placement is Lindsey Koppin from Anna FFA; and Ohio’s Star American Farmer is Myer Runyan from the Urbana FFA. State FFA Star State FFA Star in Agribusiness is Phillip VanScoy from Ridgemont FFA. State Star in Agricultural Placement is

Aaron Clark from West Holmes FFA chapter. State FFA Star Farmer is Brock Goodman from the Cardington FFA. Proficiencies Erik Fehlan, accounting; Maddison Buschur, agricultural communications; Melissa Shears, ag mechanics design and fabrication; Jeremy Robbins, ag mechanics repair and maintenance entrepreneurship; Cole Barry, ag mechanics repair and maintenance placement; Rebecca Faverty, ag processing; Austin Wippel, ag sales entrepreneurship; Kelly Fager, ag sales placement; Samantha Vermule, ag services; Sarah Cox, agriscience Researchintegrated systems; Jordan Mullett, beef production entrepreneurship; Molly Greenawalt, beef production placement; Kira Andre, dairy production entrepreneurship; Ashley

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Aaron Bernath, grain production placement; Zac Siefker, home and/or community development; Nick Brumfield, landscape management; Amanda Koch, nursery operations; Eric Dahlinghaus, organic ag; Travis Campbell, outdoor recreation; Casey Swonger, poultry production; Adam High, sheep production; Leanna Bachman, small animal

Ohio’s top 10 chapters Anna, Fayetteville, Felicity Franklin, Hardin Northern, Lynchburg Clay, Marysville, Miami East-MVCTC, Otsego, Ridgemont, Versailles. Honorary membership Edward Beeler, farmer & Talawanda FFA supporter; Mark Butler, principal, Benjamin Logan High School; Jamie Chenevey, agricultural education teacher, West Holmes; Scott Elwer, agricultural education teacher, Delphos; Carol Endslow, treasurer, Loudonville FFA Alumni; Leonard Felty, Plymouth FFA supporter; Colleen Gott Wright & Fred Gott, Wellington FFA Alumni supporters; Dr. William “Bill” Haynes, doctor of veterinary medicine.

The late Richard Rhoads, owner/operator, Rhoads Family Farm, accepting on his behalf was his wife, Linda Rhoads; Brent Rudolph, manager, Jack’s Aquarium; John Schartman, Sr. marketing manager, Pioneer Hi-Bred; David Snyder, retired teacher of agriculture, Ashland High School; Mike Sparks, instructional supervisor, Greene County Career Center; Devon Stanley, Benchmark Landscaping; Diane Zyski, sales manager, Dekalb Territory. Talent show On opening day, Jacob Gilmore of River Valley FFA entertained the crowd with his rendition of Country Music singer Josh Turner’s Your Man. Karli Lump of Riverside FFA sang Boondocks by Little Big Town.

Robert Jorden, Farmer and Warren FFA Alumni president; Michael Leach,

For the farmers not big enough to drive a 4020. Test drive these at The Old Home Place.

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Jacob Luderman, fiber and/or oil crop production; Austin Wagner, forage production; Taylor Hopkins, forest management and products; Cassandra Saylor, fruit production; Jordan Fledderjohann, goat production; James Hozalski, grain production entrepreneurship.

Garrit Sproull, swine production entrepreneurship; Nick Rutschilling, swine production placement; Chris Kutz, turf grass management; Lauren Williams, vegetable production; Brenda Saldivar, veterinary medicine; and Ethan Bingham, wildlife production and management.

sales representative, Bobcat Enterprises; William Massey, retired agricultural education teacher; Ron Matter, superintendent, Penta Career Center, accepting on his behalf was Les Disher; Donna Meller, Pettisville FFA Alumni member; Tom & Joni Pulse, Lynchburg Clay FFA supporters; Rick Raach, superintendent, Ridgewood Local School District; Dr. Todd Rappold, superintedent, Miami East Local School District.

299 for 39 Months

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Jakob Wilson, diversified crop production placement; Jennifer Morgan, diversified horticulture; Saul Triana, diversified livestock production; Phillip VanScoy, emerging agricultural technology; Justin Pursel, environmental science and natural resources management; Elizabeth Hayes, equine science entrepreneurship; Leah Haines, equine science placement.

production & care; Michael Snider, specialty animal production; Brock Rohrs, specialty crop production.

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ACRES of Southwest Ohio

REAL ESTATE AUCTION Total of 191.243 acres – 154 acres tillable 5,957 feet of road frontage – 3 Grain Bins, 18,500 bushels Creeks – Buyers will receive the 2012 Soybean Crop PARCEL 1: 43.07 acres with a nice one-story frame home PARCEL 2: 37.198 acres vacant land PARCEL 3: 110.9 acres with barn

FARM SELLS ABSOLUTE FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012 – 6:00 P.M Located 8 miles northwest of Hillsboro, Ohio; 6 miles southwest of New Vienna, Ohio. From Hillsboro take SR 73 North to Panhandle Rd., go west on Panhandle to Dade Rd., go south to auction site. From New Vienna take SR 73 South to Mad River Rd., go south to Panhandle, turn right and go west on Panhandle Rd., to Dade Rd., go south to auction site. PARCEL 1: 43.076 acres with 33 acres of tillable cropland, road frontage on Dade Rd. is 954 ft., Highland County water is available. The buyer will receive 33 acres of growing soybeans. This parcel has all of the buildings on it and grain bins of 8,000 & 6,000 bushels have fan, heat, stir-all, and bin sweep. Grain bin of 4,500 bushels has fan, air-dry, and bin sweep. This ranch style home has 3,500 sq. ft. of living area. This home was built in 2007 and is in like-new condition. The private location adds to its beauty and unique setting. PARCEL 2: 37.198 acres with 34 acres of tillable cropland. The buyer will receive 34+ acres of growing soybeans. Highland County Water is available. PARCEL 3: 110.969 acres with 87 acres of tillable cropland, the road frontage is 1,950 ft. on Panhandle Rd., 1,420 ft. on Wolfe Rd. Highland County Water is available. Parcel also has a 60 x 36 pole barn. The buyer will receive 87 acres of growing soybeans. REAL ESTATE TERMS: 10% of the total purchase price will be required the day of the auction. The balance is due on delivery of the deed on or about July 16, 2012 with possession to be given day of closing. For additional information, contact Rick Williams, Broker & Auctioneer at (937) 393-9447. Auction and Real Estate Companies represent the seller. Real estate taxes & 2012 FSA bases will be available on inspection dates and day of auction.

incidents they may encounter, in addition to providing farming families with steps they can take before the emergency personnel arrive.” The building of more on-farm storage systems increases the risk for grain engulfments. Jepsen said that the rescue demonstrations serve two purposes: to demonstrate the hazards of grain engulfment and to educate emergency personnel on the unique equipment needed during grain rescue runs. “There is a continual need for rural medics and fire departments to understand the complexity of an agricultural incident. They are dealing with equipment and environmental conditions they normally wouldn’t see in a rescue situation,” said Jepsen. “Knowing how to shut off the equipment or isolate an entrapped victim is important to preventing further injury or even death.” Five students in the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering are enrolled in a senior capstone project to design this training unit. Beyond designing the specialized trailer, they are also working with sponsors who have already contributed over 60 percent of the $95,000 project. The students recently received a donation of $10,000 from the Heritage Cooperative and the Land O’Lakes Foundation. This is in addition to other donations received from Deerfield Farms Service Inc., Unverferth Mfg. Co. Inc., Custom Agri Systems Inc., Sims Construction and Load Out Technologies, Jepsen said. She said additional donations for the project are needed and welcome. The project is scheduled for completion this month and will be in operation at Farm Science Review, Sept. 18-20 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London, Madison County.

Ethanol Saves Ohio Motorists $1.09/Gallon Study reveals ethanol’s impact to economy DELAWARE — Ohio corn growers have contributed to the cost savings of state motorists —Ethanol reduced gas prices $1.09 per gallon in 2011, * according to a study published by the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development, proving that corn-derived ethanol plays a significant role in keeping retail gasoline prices less costly for consumers. The study also reveals that ethanol reduced the average American household’s gasoline bill by more than $1,200 in 2011. ** This equates to nearly $140 billion in total savings as American-produced ethanol now comprises nearly 10 percent of our nation’s gasoline supply.

Ethanol Advantages • Ethanol is much cheaper than gasoline • Ethanol displaced nearly 500 million barrels of imported crude oil • Ethanol provides gasoline marketers with a cost-effective source of domestic energy • Ethanol production and use decreases emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) from motor vehicles • Ethanol is renewable and helps to establish a sustainable-energy future • Ethanol supports tens of thousands of jobs that can’t be outsourced

Ohio is home to more than 26,000 grain farmers, six ethanol plants and an annual ethanol production capacity of 478 million gallons. Ethanol is a renewable, domestically grown and produced product that saves consumers billions of dollars each year and supports the economy by providing much-needed jobs for thousands of Americans. About Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association The Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association (OCWGA) advocates on behalf of tens of thousands of corn and wheat growers throughout the state. OCWGA works in our state and national capitals to best represent the public-policy interests of Ohio’s grain farmers and focuses on domestic and international issues that affect the success of Ohio’s corn and wheat markets. For more information, visit ohiocornandwheat.org *Hayes, Dermot J., Du, Xiaodong (May 2012) The Impact of Ethanol Production on U.S. and Regional Gasoline Markets

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INSPECTION DATES: Sundays, June 3 & 10 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. & Wednesdays, June 6 & 13 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Auctioneers will be at Parcel 1 location to discuss any questions regarding the farm or the auction process.

TRACTORS – COMBINE – FARM EQUIPMENT AUTO – LUMBER – HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

Sells Saturday, June 16, 2012 – 10:00 a.m. TRACTORS: 2007 JD 7520 MFWD, 440 hrs., with 18.4 R 42 duals, like new; 2003 JD 6603 MFWD, 1180 hrs., with canopy with Quicke 770 loader (Both tractors were bought new). BACKHOE: JD 410 C, 5814 hrs. with 12” & 24” buckets, rebuilt cylinders & boom riggers, good. FARM EQUIPMENT: 2011 JD 1780 planter, 6-11 row splitter, corn & bean meters, liquid 300 gal. plant food system, like new— only been over 400 acres; Landoll 15 ft. “Till-Q11” center fold land finisher; Demco sprayer 1000 gal. tank, 65 ft. booms, ground driven, like new; JD 637, 15 ft. disc, new; NI Round baler 4 x 4 bale, nice; Gehl 2170 10 ft. swather; NH 10 ft. tedder; 2008 JD M x 8 3 pt. rotary cutter; Bush hog 5 ft. rotary cutter with 5 ft. wing; 14 ft. chisel plow, 8 ft. 3 pt. blade; Fertilize spreader, 4 ton, was rebuilt; Denver Gardner screwtype air compressor, 150 CFM portable; Grain wagons & augers; 5 Killbros 350 with extensions, 10 ton gears; J & M gravity wagon 6 ton with new seed auger and trap, good; Mayrath 8 x 35, used one season; Mayrath 10 x 60 with swing hopper; Mayrath 8 x 37 auger, new; Hutchinson 4” x 16 ‘, no motor. COMBINE: 1994 Gleaner R42, 1735 hrs., 2040 engine hrs., 23.1-26, new rear tires, very good; Gleaner 6-30 corn head; 2 – Gleaner 500, 15 ft. grain tables, 1 good and 1 missing some parts. TRAILERS: 2011 Griffin 12 ft. hydro dump with ramps; 18ft. flatbed with ramps, tandem axle & tool box. AUTO: 2005 Chevy Aveo, 4 dr., air, auto, 103,00 miles, runs good. Other items include lumber, riding mower, building supplies, and household items. For complete listing of terms, items, photos, and maps please visit our website www.rickwilliamsauctionco.com. Real Estate and Personal Property auction will be conducted on Parcel 1 located at 9446 Dade Road, Lynchburg, Ohio 45142. PERSONAL PROPERTY TERMS: Cash or check with proper ID. Lunch Available.

AUCTIONEERS: Rick Williams, Mike Ames, Chip Yochum, Brad Williams

Barney & Carol Yeager Trust 9446 Dade Road, Lynchburg, Ohio 45142 937-364-2553 2284239

As a local Developer and Design/Build Contractor, Wooden It Be Nice Ltd. Offers a wide range of services to meet all your building needs.

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Ohio State students and faculty working cooperatively with grain industry partners to provide training solutions for Ohio fire departments and emergency medical technicians.” The trailer will be donated to the state of Ohio to be used by the Ohio Fire Academy and OSU Extension to increase the training capacity in the area of agricultural rescue, she said. The need for such training is significant, considering the potential risks when working with grain on the farm. In fact, of the 1.7 million fulltime workers that were employed in production

agriculture in the U.S. in 2009, 440 farmworkers died from a work-related injury for a fatality rate of 24.7 deaths per 100,000 workers, according to most recent data available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Farm-related fatalities from grain engulfment are steadily increasing each year, Jepsen said. “Such fatalities occur for a variety of reasons with the two most common being suffocation by engulfment and entanglement with moving parts,” she said. “The mobile training unit will allow demonstrations that are designed to help bridge the knowledge gap between emergency personnel and farming

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2282957

continued from page 1B

June 2012

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR THE GREAT SELECTION, GREAT HELP AND INSTALLATION STOP IN AT TISSOT’S IN HILLSBORO.

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June 2012

ACRES of Southwest Ohio

By GARY BROCK gbrock@recordherald.com

OSU Extension funds county development post

Fayette County Economic Development Director Godwin Apaliyah is one of the few, and possibly the only, county economic director in the state who works directly for the Ohio State University Extension. It may have been the only way the county could fund such a position. Apaliyah started his job with Fayette County April 23, and in addition to the title “Economic Development Director” he is also the “Community Development Educator” for the county. It is this second title that allowed him to be funded by the OSU Extension service, an office normally dealing with only agriculture issues. Appraisals Before Apaliyah took • Firearms • Collections by Appt. • Coins

Fayette County official one of few funded through agriculture office

We Buy & Sell • Firearms • U.S Gold & Silvercoins • Pre-owned Jewelry

the job, former Economic Development Director Rob Hedrick was funded by the City of Washington Court House and Fayette County Commission. But OSU Fayette County Extension Home Economist Pat Brinkman said state funding to cities and counties were cut for 2012, and Washington Court House did not see any way to continue funding the position. It was at that time that county commissioners began looking for another funding source. Brinkman said the timing worked out perfect for the OSU Extension to provide funding because state Extension Service money was available. She said that statewide, there had been a number of retirements, so funds were available for positions such as “Community Development Educator” for the Extension office. The change in funding also means a change in who the county’s economic development director reports to. Apaliyah said that he works for Dr. Steve Wright, West Regional Director for OSU Extension, and Dr. Greg Davis, OSU Extension Community Development Assistant Director. “I also am reporting to the county commissioners,” Apaliyah said. Brinkman said that to her knowledge, Noble, Van Wert and Wyandot Counties were the only other counties in Ohio

where a county economic development director was employed through the agriculture-oriented state Extension office. “And I believe at least two of those people have since become (extension) agents with their counties,” she said. Since starting in his new position, or positions, Apaliyah has been introduced to the community through an open house hosted by the Fayette County Extension office, met with county commissioners, and met with city officials, “to get a sense of direction and community development,” he said. A native of the west African nation of Ghana, Apaliyah moved to Ohio in December 2002 and began his Master’s Degree program at Ohio State University the next month. Over the last decade Apaliyah attained both a Master’s and a Ph. D in Sociology. For a short time he was a college professor at Columbus State University, but when the opportunity came up for him to enter the world of economic development he jumped at the chance. “This is my heart. This is what I really want to do,” he said. “I can’t wait to talk to people in the community and work to resolve the important issues in the county.” Apaliyah has already been on the job for three weeks and is quickly learning the ropes. “I’m still trying to get to

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know the community. I’m trying to visit all the cities and villages in the county,” he said. “I want to get to know the people and have them get to know me.” He is currently commuting from his home in Columbus, but he, along with his wife of 16 years and their two children, plan to move to Fayette County on June 1. “I want to participate in the community activities,” he said. “Do a little to help improve the social and economic world of people in Fayette County.” Apaliyah hopes to eventually hold public forums so people can talk about the issues they face locally. He also hopes to meet with several business leaders and civic groups to find out what can be done to bring more jobs to Fayette County and ensure that the ones that are already here stay. “I need everyone’s support to achieve my goals in the county,” he said. Apaliyah said that he plans to draw on all of Fayette County’s assets - its businesses, its places and its people - to held it succeed. “I want to identify sources within the community and take a collective action to exploit those resources for our prosperity,” he said. “We can collectively mobilize for our own benefit. Community development can start from within.”

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Liner deadline 3rd Thurdsay of each month: Display Deadlines: Aug. Edition: July 31 Mar. Edition: March 6 Sept. Edition: Sept.5 Apr. Edition: April 3 Oct. Edition: Oct 2 May Edition: May 1 Nov. Edition: Oct. 23 Jun. Edition: June 5 Dec. Edition: Dec. 4 Jul. Edition: July 3

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June 2012

ACRES of Southwest Ohio

From Washington to Washington Court House U.S. Secretary of Agriculture visited Fayette County in 1922

Food Marketing Seminar Coming CANFIELD — Food producers looking to sell through different marketing channels are invited to attend a MarketReady training program on June 12 in Canfield. The daylong workshop, held at the Mill Creek MetroParks Farm, 7574 Columbiana-Canfield Road, will teach participants what is required to sell to grocers, restaurants and other wholesale buyers, as well as to consumers, said Julie Fox, direct marketing specialist with Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. The workshop will run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The cost is $75 per person and $25 for each additional person from the same business. Registration includes materials, lunch and morning refreshments. “MarketReady workshops and resources guide producers through

the decisions needed for entering various direct marketing channels,” Fox said. “Participants leave knowing what is required for packaging, pricing, delivering, regulations, insurance and marketing of their products for each type of buyer.” The MarketReady program was initially developed by the University of Kentucky and piloted in cooperation with OSU Extension and the Ohio Direct Marketing Team. More information on the program can be found at go.osu.edu/MarketReady. To register for the training program, contact Julie Moose at 740-289-2071, ext. 223, or e-mail moose.14@osu.edu. The deadline to register is June 8. OSU Extension and OARDC are the outreach and research arms, respectively, of Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. ■

Henry Cantwell Wallace By JOHN LELAND wmsquier@yahoo.com Fayette County’s long agricultural heritage has often brought many notables to the county. On Wednesday, Oct. 18, 1922, Henry Cantwell Wallace, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, visited Fayette County and addressed a large gathering of farmers at the fairgrounds. Wallace served in the cabinet of President Warren G. Harding, along with Attorney General Harry M. Daugherty, a native of Washington C. H. Wallace came to Fayette County for “Agriculture Community Day,” an event sponsored by the Fayette County Farm Bureau and the Farm Bureaus of seven neighboring counties. The festivities featured a big parade, an all-day picnic at the fairgrounds, and an address by Wallace himself. The county’s schools were dismissed so that teachers and students could watch the parade,

attend the picnic, and hear the Secretary of Agriculture speak. The person credited with arranging the visit was L. H. Goddard, a former secretary of the Fayette County Farm Bureau. Goddard owned several hundred acres in Paint Township. In 1922 he headed the extension service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Wallace traveled by train to Columbus after which he was driven to Washington C. H. by leaders of the Ohio Farm Bureau. His train was late and he arrived in Washington C. H. around noon, only a few minutes before the parade began. “Agricultural Progress” was the theme of the parade which included nearly 50 floats sponsored by Fayette County’s townships, Granges, and schools and the Farm Bureaus of the eight participating counties. Three dozen trucks and automobiles decked out with streamers, pennants, and signs followed the floats. The parade formed on North Main and Market streets. and moved east to North Street. After turning west on Court Street., it proceeded to the fairgrounds where it disbanded. The home of Harry Daugherty’s mother, Jane Daugherty, was on West

Court Street where the Dairy Queen is presently located. Secretary Wallace viewed the parade from Mrs. Daugherty’s front porch. Among those on the porch with Wallace and Jane Daugherty were O. E. Bradfute, president of the Ohio Farm Bureau; W. O. Beatty, head of the Fayette County Farm Bureau; and Mal Daugherty, the Attorney General’s brother and president of the city’s Commercial Bank. After the parade Henry Wallace and those with him were taken to the new First Christian Church which had been dedicated the previous April. There ladies of the church served lunch to 150 guests. Harvey’s orchestra played music. Frank C. Parrett, a leader of Fayette County’s Republican Party and a former member of the Ohio legislature, introduced the dignitaries and asked each of them to say a few words. Ohio’s Secretary of Agriculture, L. J. Tabor, joined Wallace and his entourage as the meal was in progress. Most of those who attended the luncheon went to the fairgrounds where hundreds of men, women, and children had been picnicking. Contests of tug-of-war, horse shoe pitching, and softball were still underway when

Wallace arrived. The weather was chilly. Some of the picnickers sat in their automobiles and trucks. Groups of farmers could be seen standing around chatting. Much waving and clapping greeted the Secretary as his car passed through the grounds en route to the grandstand where scores of farm families awaited him. Speaking from the grandstand, Wallace admitted that farm prices had been too low in 1922—in many cases below the cost of production. Much remained to be done, but he was confident that farmers were better off in 1922 than in 1921. He concluded on an optimistic note by saying, “We have hit bottom and are on the upward path.” Secretary of Agriculture Henry C. Wallace was happy to get away from the political demands of Washington D.C. for a few hours. He liked Fayette County: it reminded him of the land he owned near his home in Orient, Iowa. Henry Cantwell Wallace was the father of Henry Agard Wallace who served under President Franklin D. Roosevelt as Secretary of Agriculture (1933-1940) and then as Vice President of the United States (1941-1945). ■

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Amish Cook around 7 months old now. All the babies in church never lack attention. It seems they grow so fast. Recently Joe’s sister Loretta and Henry were blessed with another daughter, Marava Joy. We are looking forward to getting acquainted with our new niece. Uncle Joe and Aunt Betty paid us a short visit one afternoon last week.

The Amish Cook By Lovina Eicher Another rainy Monday which will put laundry off until tomorrow. The rain will do a lot of good for the garden, though. We planted radishes, lettuce, peas, onions, and corn last week. Our potatoes are up that Joe planted awhile back. I hope we can get the rest of the garden planted this week once it dries up. I need to go get some more seed and vegetable plants. We are still enjoying asparagus, rhubarb, and green winter onions. Our asparagus didn’t do as well this year. A friend gave us starts for winter onions a few years ago. They are doing very well. Every year on or around my birthday he would bring me a batch of onions because he knew I liked them. Church services will be held here at our home

in six weeks. We will be doing a lot of cleaning in the weeks ahead. Weddings are still in full swing. Daughters Elizabeth and Susan had two to attend this week. Usually the youth who aren’t family or don’t have a part in the wedding don’t attend the service but are invited for a 7 p.m. supper and singing at most of the weddings in the community. There are a quite a few more May weddings coming up. We also have some new babies in our church district. They are so sweet and innocent and such a blessing from God. It was exciting to hear the news about another set of twin boys born to a family in our church. They were named Jesse and Jared. Another set, Lyndon and Lanette are

Plans were to have supper at my brother Albert’s in a nearby community. Our thoughts and prayers are with sister Liz, Levi, and family and also Levi’s extended family. Levi’s 62-year-old mother passed away suddenly on Saturday. It was a shock to the family and everyone. God has not promised us how long our stay on earth is. May

we all be prepared for Him when our time does come. I know from experience what this family will go through not having their parents anymore. Levi’s Dad died suddenly in 2006. Joe and I would like to go to the visitation one evening which will be at sister Liz and Levi’s home. The funeral will also be there. My youngest sister, Susan, will be 36 this week on the 10th. So happy birthday wishes to her. Jacob and Emma’s son Benjamin will be 10 on May 12. He is very excited

about this birthday because now in church he can sit with the big boys instead of with his Dad. Usually when the boys and girls turn 10 they can sit with the older children instead of with their parents. Son Joseph will be 10 in July and he is looking forward to that. I guess it makes them feel older when they don’t have to sit beside their parents. And it also makes us parents feel older and not so happy about seeing them get older. Time does not stand still so let us make the best of our time. God’s blessings to all.

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