By Mark Badertscher
Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator
OSU Extension Hardin County
I hope this email finds you somewhere where it is warm.  Weather like this reminds me of when I was younger and I ventured out to the barn each evening to do chores when it was extremely cold. 

The tasks were not normal like any other day, as nothing seemed to work right.  Water tanks had ice to break and hoses needed to be properly drained to prevent freezing.  The livestock seemed to endure the cold, but appreciated the extra bedding and someone to feed and water them.  Times like these make you appreciate the livestock producers who are out taking care of their animals, making sure everything is okay in the barn.

Although the weather is cold outside, events are still happening.  This weekend is the 44th annual Power Show Ohio, going through Sunday at the state fairgrounds in Columbus.  Over 500 companies will exhibit agricultural equipment, construction equipment, and outdoor power equipment.  There will also be educational seminars, cooking demonstrations and a kiddie tractor pull.  If you are interested in getting out to this show, more information can be found at www.PowerShowOhio.com.

A Farmland Leasing Workshop will take place from 1:00 - 4:00 pm at the Hancock County Agricultural Services Building, 7868 CR 140, Findlay, OH. Trends in land cost & rental rates; land leasing options: fixed & flexible cash leases; factors affecting leasing options and rates; evaluating cash rent survey data; legal issues in farmland leasing; analyzing good and bad leasing practices; developing a written lease for your farm.

Cost of the workshop is $15 to cover handouts and speakers. Pre-registration required by February 9 by calling the Hancock County Extension Office, 419-422-3851 or email [email protected]. Fee is payable at the door.

Locally, the second Conservation Tillage Club breakfast program will happen Tuesday morning, January 28 at 7:30 am.  Join us for a complimentary breakfast at the Plaza Inn in Mt. Victory, thanks to our sponsors. 

CCA Integrated Pest Management credits will be offered as Harold Watters, OSU Extension Agronomic Field Specialist will be speaking on weed control strategies.  Besides discussing the county weed survey, Harold will also present information about Palmer amaranth and other resistant weeds.  In addition, he will discuss how to manage weeds in crops using multiple modes of action. 

Members of the Ridgemont FFA Chapter will distribute dust masks and educational materials to those in attendance.  No preregistration is necessary, so we hope to see you there.  See the attached news release for further information.

There will be Master Gardener training at Harco Industries on both January 30 at 7:00 pm and February 1 at 3:00 pm to instruct Master Gardener volunteers about how to use the online Volunteer Management System and the new Hardin County Master Gardener Facebook page which is planned to go active soon. 

The Hardin County Fairboard will have its monthly meeting Saturday, February 1 starting at 7:30 pm in the fair office.  Stay warm and see the articles below for information that may be of use to you.

Mark