OCGA Announce need for Action:
Critical Livestock Issue Currently Stalled in House and Senate

The Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board Proposed Constitution Amendment, which received broad bipartisan support in both the House and Senate last week is currently stalled as lawmakers consider technical differences between the House and Senate versions of the proposed resolutions. In order for this issue to appear on the November ballot, House and Senate leaders must come to agreement on which version of the resolution will move forward for a final vote.

Ohioans deserve the opportunity to vote on this important livestock issue in November.

Please call House Speaker Armond Budish at (614) 466-5441 and Senate President Bill Harris at (614) 466-8086 today to urge them to work out differences between the resolutions and bring the issue up for a final vote before the legislature goes on summer recess.

A phone message and call feedback form are available at Ohio Corn Growers Association Legislative Action Center which is available at http://www.ohiocorn.org on the bottom left hand side. If you’ve not already done so, please also call or e-mail your State Representative and State Senator to urge final passage of this critical livestock care measure (even if you already called or e-mailed the week of June 22nd-26th).

We appreciate the overwhelming support that Ohio General Assembly members gave to HJR2 and SJR6 last week. This was a strong preliminary victory, but we are not done yet.

Ohio Sheep Day Brings Latest Research July 11 in Noble County
Sheep producers will have an invaluable opportunity to learn about the latest research and hands-on management practices at this year’s Ohio Sheep Day, which will be held Saturday, July 11, at the Eastern Agricultural Research Station near Belle Valley, in the rolling hills of Noble County.

The event — sponsored by Ohio State University Extension, the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC), the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association (OSIA), and the Ohio Sheep and Wool Program — will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $5 for OSIA members and $15 for non-members; a lamb luncheon is included with registration. Continue reading.

From the Fields Update
Provided by Troy Putnam, DEKALB/Asgrow Local Field Agronomist

Crops are progressing well in this area with the exception of extreme southern Ohio where we pick up the tight clays. Corn is moving along and many fields can found from V9 through V13-15 for the early planted fields.

Hail damage has been a challenge. We’ve seen 6 separate hail events that caused issues early (May through early June) in soybeans. Several fields had to be patched in or replanted. Corn fields that were hailed on early have recovered fairly well. Recent hail damage in Ross County defoliated V9-V13 corn 50%. K deficiencies are showing up in scattered soybean and corn fields. Very little insect pressure in any crop at this point. Wheat yields have been very good with several reports above 90 bu acre.

As I mentioned, southern Ohio has struggled with heavy rain, wet soils, and delayed planting. Several growers should get the last of their first crop soybeans planted this week.

First Sweet Corn Field Night Set for July 15
Nothing says "summer" than a fresh ear of sweet corn. And for years, researchers with the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center and Ohio State University Extension have helped growers choose the best varieties for the northern half of Ohio and southeast Michigan with the Northern Ohio Sweet Corn Evaluation trials. Now, growers and the general public are invited to OARDC's North Central Agricultural Research Station south of Fremont, where the trials are held, for the first-ever Northern Ohio Sweet Corn Field Night. The field night is Wednesday, July 15, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free. Continue reading.

Conditions Ideal for Serious Tomato/Potato Disease Found in Ohio
Late blight, a potentially devastating disease of tomato and potato, has been found in Ohio and may threaten home gardens and commercial operations alike — particularly as wet, cool weather conditions this week in most of the Buckeye state will create a favorable environment for the spread of the fungal pathogen that causes this disease. Continue reading.

Ohio House, Senate pass livestock care resolutions, but hitch arises
On June 24, by an 84-13 vote, the Ohio House passed its version of a resolution that would allow voters to create a board that would provide oversight of how farm animals are raised in the state.

Thursday, the Senate followed suit with a similar resolution, passing unanimously 32-0. A final resolution, once approved, would put the measure on the November 2009 ballot for popular vote.

On June 22, legislators from both parties and representatives of the state’s agriculture organizations announced the cooperative effort to place a comprehensive animal care amendment on the ballot. Continue reading.

FINAL ACREAGE REPORTING DATES QUICKLY APPROACHING
The Acting State Executive Director for Ohio's Farm Service Agency (FSA), David Drake, reminds producers of the acreage reporting requirements that must be met prior to receiving program benefits. If producers miss the acreage reporting deadline dates, a late filing fee will be charged.

Drake added, "Producers are required to file an FSA-578, Report of Acreage, certification for the farm by the June 30 deadline for small grains and by July 15 for all other crops except small grains." To be considered timely, acreage reports on crops are due in the county office by the earlier of June 30 for small grains and July 15 for all other crops, or 15 calendar days before the onset of harvest or grazing of the specific crop acreage being reported.

It is also very important that producers report crop losses, including those insured under Federal Crop Insurance (FCIC) and Non-insured Assistance Program (NAP) within 15 days of the date damage occurred or 15 days from the date damage is apparent. Losses and or damages to crops must be reported after each disaster occurrence and in a timely manner to insure continued eligibility for benefits.

Producers are encouraged to visit their local FSA county office to file the required FSA-578 certification report before the deadline dates expire. Filing an accurate acreage report for all crops and land uses, including failed acreage and prevented planting acreage, can prevent the loss of benefits for a variety of programs.

ODA dedication ceremony for new Plant Lab

On Wednesday, the Ohio Department of Agriculture dedicated its new, state-of-the-art Plant Laboratory. Bobby Moser, dean of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, gives some comments about the partnership of OSU and the ODA in the new facility to streamline the state’s effort to research, diagnose, detect and control plant pests and diseases. Look for more about this impressive facility in the Mid July issue of the OCJ.

Dale and Director Boggs Interview

LIVESTOCK CARE AMENDMENT INTRODUCED IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY WITH BROAD BIPARTISAN SUPPORT
Issue Planned for November Ballot Creates Care Standards Board to Maintain Food Safety, Protect Locally Raised Food Supply

In a show of bipartisan support, legislators from both parties and representatives of the state’s agriculture organizations today announced a cooperative effort to place a comprehensive animal care amendment on the November 2009 ballot. House Joint Resolution 2, sponsored by Representative Allan Sayre (D-Dover), and Senate Joint Resolution 6, sponsored by Senator Bob Gibbs (R-Lakeville), were introduced on June 18 in both chambers. HJR 2 is co-sponsored by Representative Margaret Ruhl (R-Mt. Vernon), and SJR 6 is co-sponsored by Senator Jason Wilson (D-Columbiana). Continue reading.

Education, Not Regulation Key to Improving Animal Welfare
Education, not regulation, and changing attitudes, not facilities, are the keys to improving animal well-being on the farm.

James Kinder, chair of Ohio State University's Department of Animal Sciences, said that the approach taken by the Humane Society of the United States to push for animal welfare legislation in Ohio is not an effective means of change. Continue reading.

Free July 1 Webinar to Offer ACRE Answers
Does it make sense to enroll your farm in the Average Crop Revenue Election program for 2009? If you have more questions than answers, mark your calendar for a free “Ask the Experts” webinar session, 9-10 a.m. CDT Wednesday, July 1. The session is open to the public and is especially recommended for farmers, landlords and Farm Service Agency personnel looking to get added insight into the new farm safety net program. Continue reading.

ODNR's All Natural Line-Up Fills Recreational Needs during Economic Downturn
ODNR Helps Thrifty Ohioans Get Back to Outdoor Basics
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is seeing a notable recent upswing in the numbers of people enjoying the affordable outdoor opportunities ODNR offers. Ohioans in search of access to high value, low cost recreation during a tough economic climate are increasingly finding what they are looking for in Ohio's parks, beaches and waterways. Continue reading.