HOYTVILLE — History was made Thursday when the annual Field Day held at the Northwest Agricultural
Research Center on Range Line Road was conducted without anyone visiting a field.
“I’ve never seen this happen this way before,” said Alan Sundermeier, OSU Extension agent.
The reason was obvious to everyone who attended as they drove by countless soaked farm fields, many with
ponds of water. And, of course, it was raining throughout the day. The Bowling Green official weather
listed 0.74 inches of rain Thursday
The program which normally tours the research fields was modified and everything was done inside a barn
with the speakers presenting various talks for the farmers, including special ones targeted for this wet
year focusing on prevent planting and cover crops.
Of the more than 100 in attendance, many didn’t seem to mind and appreciated the information provided to
them.
Jed Stinner, USDA ARS Soil Drainage researcher, spoke on the “Effect of conservation practices on ag
phosphorous loss in the tile drained landscapes.” In addition to the potassium losses, he also touched
on phosphorous losses.
“You want to apply as close to planting, and that is much more efficient than the fall application,”
Stinner said. He then, recognizing the irony of his comment, suggested growers increase the organic
matter in their fields and retain the moisture in the soil for best results.
“I’m not sure much if anything will help in such a crappy year as this, but there are eight steps and
guidelines to pay attention to the details,” he said.
“Things this year are different,” Stinner cautioned again. “Learn some lessons this year when we don’t
have the crops.”
Kris Swartz, a Perrysburg Township farmer, hosted Gov. Mike DeWine on Wednesday and updated those who
were not in attendance about the governor’s visit.
“I was really impressed. He is limited in what he can do, but I am convinced he understands our plight
and will do what he can,” Swartz said.
Staff from the Wood Soil and Water Conservation District had a display including information on cover
crops and are inviting all growers and other interested parties to an open session on Wednesday at 6
p.m. for a “Let’s Talk” session at 8699 S. Dixie Hwy., Rudolph, to hear about the prevent plant cover
crop program.
There are also planned updates to the SB 299 Working Lands programs and more on cover crop options with
experienced farmers.
The district has put forth $30,000 toward the program to assist farmers. While nearly all of that money
has been claimed, the Wood County Commissioners are set to pass a resolution on Tuesday which will
provide another matching $30,000.
Commissioner Doris Herringshaw was on hand and said she was absolutely confident it will pass on Tuesday.
John Fulton, of the Ohio State University Extension office, talked about fertilizer placement equipment
outlining the pros and cons of the various equipment and how each applies the fertilizer.
He recommended for the most part that planter-applied is more preferable to broadcast type of
application. He said growers should consider that if they are not already using it.
“Sub surface placement and dry incorporation is a safer application,” he said.
He also cautioned about the importance of calibration of equipment for the product being used.
Elizabeth Hawkins, also of OSU Extension, educated those attending about the eFields Research Reports and
the importance of using the technology those reports provide.
“All this growing amount of data is not helpful if we are not fully learning and managing all the data
offered,” Hawkins said.
She said there are three key components — get the data, visualize it and analyze it.
“We may have to adjust our management practices,” Hawkins added. “I challenge all of you to come to us to
communicate how we can help you to use this information.”
Glen Arnold discussed at length information on how manure management can be compared to chemical
fertilizers and how different manure works differently. He compared the three most prominent manures
locally — cattle, hog and poultry — and also compared them to the commercial fertilizers.
Information also was provided by Sundermeier and Ron Snyder, Wood Soil and Water Conservation District
supervisor. They illustrated how cover crops are beneficial with two demonstrations.
One of the biggest lessons is that cover crops will help with problems in soil compaction.
“It’s a more natural way to handle compaction,” Sundermeier said.
“You just need to get something growing. That allows free flow and promotes earthworms,” Snyder added.
Despite the concerns about compaction, Snyder stressed at this point it is likely better to get something
planted now even if there will be compaction by planting in wet fields.
“You can worry about compaction later after you get beans in.”
He also explained that he is 100% no-till. He explained he had problems the first few years of converting
to no-till.
“Stick with it, it will pay off in the long run,” Snyder said.
Jeff Stachler, Ph.D., ANR extension educator for Auglaize County OSU Extension, spoke about killing the
weeds that are growing in the unplanted fields, and gave some suggestions on glyphosate and Liberty
applications.
“We’ve got to get these weeds killed before they establish seeds. Many of these weeds are too large to
use normal rates,” he said.
He does not recommend mowing them down as that gives more pieces to worry about.
Jack Hagemeyer of Bowling Green said he appreciated the information.
“This was pretty informative, especially the cover crops and prevent plan. That will be useful for our
farm. It will be best to get a cover crop on after our wheat,” he said.
Wayne Schaller, of Henry County, said the program was useful, especially this season.
“I have never seen one like this in the 60 years I’ve been farming.”
Sarah Noggle, an OSU Extension agent from Paulding County, agreed it was very informative.
“Soil health is very important it is important to help control that with cover crops,” Noggle said.
“There is a lot of stress in Northwest Ohio, we are in uncharted territory. It’s an historic time with
lots of unknowns. Farmers need to come together to help each other get through.”
