The North American Manure Expo will be held at the Farm Science Review Site in London, Ohio, on Aug. 3-4. Yes, manure is an excellent source of nutrients for the crops we grow in Ohio and is probably one of the oldest forms of recycling we have. This event offers an in-depth, hands-on opportunity to learn about the latest technology and research that are making manure application even more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Expo attendees will be able to participate in tours, field demonstrations, and about 40 educational sessions on 13 main topics. Some of those topics will be new technologies, new water quality protection efforts, and new handling and application methods for solid and liquid manures. In addition, a trade show with over 90 vendors will be onsite.

Admission to the expo is free and open to the public, but preregistration is suggested. There’s a $20 fee for the tours, and preregistration is required to attend them. Online preregistration for the expo and tours is available at go.osu.edu/2016ManureExpoReg. For more information, go to manureexpo.org.

Got questions about what’s wrong with your trees? There is a Tree Diagnostic Workshop being held on Friday, Aug. 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the OSU Mansfield Campus. This Ohio Woodland Stewards Program spends the day diagnosing some common and not so common tree problems. A variety of OSU Extension specialists will share what tree problems need immediate attention and what is just cosmetic and won’t compromise the health of the tree. You will ask questions and get answers and find out what resources are available to help you with the process.

Cost for the program is $35, which includes lunch and materials. The deadline to register is July 29. More information and registration is available at http://woodlandstewards.osu.edu/events/tree-diagnostic-workshop-1

Farmers! If you have left-over pesticides that you need to get rid of, here’s your chance! ODA will be accepting unwanted pesticides in Troy (Miami County Fairgrounds) on Wednesday, Aug. 24, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. If that date doesn’t work, the next-closest location is the Hardin County Fairgrounds in Kenton on Monday, Aug. 22, also 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Only farm chemicals will be accepted. Paint, antifreeze, solvents, and household or non-farm pesticides will not be accepted. To pre-register/for more information, contact ODA at 614-728-6987.

Want to know how much dust you’re really exposed to while unloading and cleaning out your grain bins?? The OSU Farm Safety program is looking for farmers to participate in a grain dust study. The aim of this research will help identify safety and health practices used on Ohio farms to help solve (or at least reduce) exposures to hazards.

Dust samples are needed for corn, soybeans, and wheat. All Ohio farmers who own, manage, or use on-farm grain bin structures are eligible to have samples taken at their location. Results will be shared back to the farm operator so they know how their samples compare to other samples taken in the state.

Participants will be asked to wear an air sampling pump while unloading grain and cleaning out their grain bins. There should be limited disruption to the overall production schedule of the farm, or interruption from the daily work. No personal identifying information that could be traced back to you will be collected. If you are interested in participating, before your bins are emptied, please contact Dee Jepsen, 614-292-6008 or [email protected].

Sorry for no report last week. A broken wrist (hard to type!) and Mom’s being in the hospital for a week kinda messed everything up! Maybe we’ll be (almost) back to normal soon! See ya at the fair! (Maybe a bit cooler?!)