Hardin County is holding a Precision Ag Field Day on Wednesday, Aug. 23, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Kellogg Farms on Township Road 50, Forest. Some of the topics to be discussed include an update on the Blanchard River Demonstration Farms and their goals for water quality and nutrient management; the use of precision equipment and data management, including how the information can be used to make accurate soil sampling and fertilizer recommendations, even for smaller operations; how drone technology is collecting imagery to help grain producers make crop health management decisions; and cost share opportunities and local programs that farmers can use to improve nutrient management problems and address conservation issues. There will also be vendors displaying their precision ag equipment and services at this event with field demonstrations of the equipment in the afternoon.
Fertilizer applicator certification credit will be available to farmers and commercial applicators who participate in the entire field day. Certified Crop Adviser credits are also planned. Yes, this Hardin Precision Ag Field Day is free to attend, but registration is required by Aug. 16 in order to plan for meals and other event arrangements. You can call the Hardin County Extension office at 419-674-2297 or go to http://go.osu.edu/hardinprecisionagday to register.
And, having mentioned Fertilizer Applicator Certification Training: Sept. 30 is the deadline for getting the training free. After that date, there will be a charge for the training itself and there may be a test that needs to be taken. To that end, we have some trainings available for those of you who apply commercial fertilizer to your crops – even side-dressing corn – who haven’t yet gotten your certification.
On Monday, Aug. 28, Jeff and I have teamed up to host two trainings at the Palazzo in Botkins. (Truth be told, Jeff has handled all the arrangements, but I’ll be there to help teach the classes!) Anyway those classes will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. and again from 6:15 to 9:15 p.m. There will be a light supper between the two. You can contact me at 937-498-7239 or [email protected] by Aug. 23 to register.
If that doesn’t work into your schedule, there are also a couple other options: Aug. 17, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bauer Stoves in Urbana; Sept. 7, 6 to 9 p.m. at the Elizabeth Township Community Center in Troy. Other locations within the state can be identified at http://nutrienteducation.osu.edu.
The Friends of Stone Laboratory, in cooperation with Ohio Sea Grant and the Courthouse Players theater group, will present “The Andersonville Trial” at the South Bass Island Lighthouse at 6 p.m. on Aug. 19. The event is held outdoors and will run rain or shine. Tents, chairs, and restrooms will be available on site.
The play, written by Saul Levitt, depicts the 1865 trial of Captain Henry Wirz, the only person tried for war crimes after the Civil War. He commanded the Andersonville Prison, where nearly 14,000 Union soldiers died of starvation and disease. Tickets are $25 per person, with all proceeds supporting the Jay Cooke Home Restoration Fund. Cooke Castle was constructed on Gibraltar Island in 1864 and 1865 by Civil War financier Jay Cooke as a summer residence. You can purchase tickets in advance at ohioseagrant.osu.edu/p/30x3b.
Well, another week of fair under my belt! Yes, the grandkids give me a good excuse to go to Wapak after a day of other stuff! Annaliese and I did ride the Ferris Wheel Wednesday evening; what a great view! Genevieve knows almost as many people as I do, so we’re always stopping to visit! I even got Stanley there a few times! What fun!
