October 28, 2024, Press Release from the Hardin County OSU Extension: Hardin County – Inductees for the 2024 Hardin County Agriculture Hall of Fame have been selected by the Hall of Fame committee. The 2024 inductees will include Charles A. Dietz, Sr. (posthumously), Jack McBride, Ken (posthumously) and Betty McCullough and John “Joe” Saltzman (posthumously). The awards banquet will take place on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 6:30 PM at St. John’s Evangelical Church, 211 East Carrol Street, Kenton. The purpose of the county Agriculture Hall of Fame is to recognize outstanding agricultural contributions by Hardin County people and to honor those who have brought distinction to themselves and the agricultural industry. The public is invited to honor these inductees and their families, and to recognize their many accomplishments. Tickets for the Hardin County Agriculture Hall of Fame Banquet must be purchased in advance by November 15. Tickets are $15 and can be reserved by calling the Ohio State University Extension office in Hardin County at 419-674-2297 or can be purchased from the committee members: Kerry Oberlitner, Genny Haun, Bob Wood, Zach McCullough, Doug Griffith, Gary Harpster, John Knedler, Bob McBride or Nic Baumer.

The Treasurer of the State of Ohio Robert Sprague announced a new revamped version of Ag-link, a program that aims to give farmers, agri-businesses, and co-ops reduced interest rates on new or existing operating loans. Those who are considered organized for profit, have headquarters and fifty-one percent of operations in Ohio, have a loan exclusively for agricultural purposes, and agree to all financial regulations, are eligible for the program.

While late spring planting caused a later start to harvest, Mother Nature has proved unusually cooperative for field work with very dry weather. We spoke to a farmer in Harrod who says this year is set to rank in the top five of what they've produced, and the little rain we've had this fall hasn't caused any delays. Of course, if it's not weathered, it's something else and says a fungal disease has been found in some of the harvested corn.

Each year before soybean harvest, county Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educators conduct a county weed survey. The purpose of this survey is to determine the type and number of weeds that are infesting farm fields. Another reason is to develop an understanding of which weeds are becoming resistant to herbicides used by farmers. Once these determinations are made, weed scientists at The Ohio State University develop weed control programs which are then shared with local county Extension Educators to make recommendations for local farmers.

The decision came down today during the Ohio Power Siting Board meeting, where they voted in favor of denying a certificate of environmental capability for Lightsourcebp's Birch Solar Project. Residents in Allen and Auglaize County over the past two years have voiced their concern over the project, and a Shawnee Township trustee says that the people's voice was heard by the board.

The latest USDA crop report shows almost one-third of the soybeans and 15% of corn have been harvested across Ohio which is near the five-year average. The wet spring delayed some farmers from getting seed in the ground until June. We spoke to an area farmer who says his late-planted crops are not quite ready for harvest but is eager to get in that crop after not completing until January from last year's wet autumn.

It started as a competition between farmers who grow giant pumpkins, but it has evolved into a community party that people are coming back to year after year.