Our articles for this month include Ohio's Beginning Farmer Income Tax Credits, Johnsongrass; Feed or Weed, mineral supplementation, liver flukes, and failed crops.
As always, happy farming!
Shelby Tedrow
Ohio's Beginning Farmer Income Tax Credits
The idea to use income tax incentives to help Ohio’s beginning farmers gain access to agricultural assets has floated around the Ohio General Assembly for several years. That idea became a reality when Ohio’s Beginning Farmer Bill, House Bill 95, became effective on July 18, 2022. A bi-partisan effort by Rep. Susan Manchester (R-Waynesfield) and Rep. Mary Lightbody (D-Columbus), the law is now in the hands of the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA), who is charged with implementing its provisions. ODA expects the new program to be available in 2023.
I bet that many of you like me have noticed johnsongrass showing up in pasture and hay fields a lot more over the past few years and especially this year. Let me start by giving some history on johnsongrass.
What is the real cost of mineral supplementation?
For some management practices calculating the return on investment is straightforward. Unfortunately, determining the cost vs. benefit of mineral supplementation is not always clear.
Five misconceptions about liver flukes — debunked
Parasites in cattle are nothing to mess with. The liver fluke is no exception. Previously an issue only producers in the wet regions of the Gulf and Pacific coasts had to deal with, these dynamic pests have become a worsening problem for producers across the country.
Take care when feeding failed crops
Individual producers and hay customers should research the chemicals applied to crops before converting a field to feed or forage.