Agronomy and Farm Management

Episode 179 – Busting Weather Myths

After a brief weather outlook/lookback we get into discussing weather myths and conspiracy theories. Dr. Aaron Wilson [https://byrd.osu.edu/people/wilson.1010] takes us through a few common ones. What are chemtrails? Are we seeing weather modification in Ohio? These are a couple of the big ones we talk about. Listen in and see what you think. For more on weather modification, you can utilize noaa.gov [https://www.noaa.gov/]. You can also connect with the State Climate Office at climate.osu.edu [https://climate.osu.edu/].

Episode 178 – Farm Diversification with Specialty Crops

On today’s episode, Bruce and Josh talk with Dr. Logan Minter, Associate Professor in the OSU Department of Extension and associated faculty with the Department of Horticultural and Crop Sciences, statewide Field Specialist for Specialty Crops, and the Ohio Integrated Pest Management Program Coordinator. Dr. Minter discusses the opportunities farms may have in diversifying their portfolio with specialty crops and some considerations before implementing specialty crops. He also discusses the new research study publication, ePlus, which can be found here: https://go.osu.edu/eplusreports [https://go.osu.edu/eplusreports]

Episode 177 – Transitioning to Organic Grain Production Part 2

We continue our discussion with Eric Richer [https://agnr.osu.edu/people/eric-richer], OSUE Field Specialist, by digging into more hurdles of organic grain production. From nitrogen sources to paperwork, we take a realistic look what farmers can expect in an organic system compared to conventional. To dive deeper into this topic, we recommend attending the 2026 Ohio State Organic Grains Conference January 7-8. For more details, visit: https://offer.osu.edu/events/2026-OrganicGrainsConference [https://offer.osu.edu/events/2026-OrganicGrainsConference].

Episode 176 – Transitioning to Organic Grain Production Part 1

Transitioning to organic production is not a consideration farmers can take lightly. The intensive management, restrictions on inputs and changes in marketing must be well understood. To help us wrap our heads around that process, Eric Richer [https://agnr.osu.edu/people/eric-richer], OSUE Farm Management Field Specialist, joins us to dive into the opportunities and challenges organic production presents in Ohio. To dive deeper into this topic, we recommend attending the 2026 Ohio State Organic Grains Conference January 7-8. For more details, visit: https://offer.osu.edu/events/2026-OrganicGrainsConference [https://offer.osu.edu/events/2026-OrganicGrainsConference].

Episode 175 – Pasture Renovation

To renovate or not to renovate? That is the question many pasture managers face, especially after two dry summers. With a large commitment of time and money, it is a question that should be carefully considered. To help us do so, Dr. Emma Matcham [https://hcs.osu.edu/our-people/dr-emma-matcham], State Specialist for Integrated Forage Systems, walks us through the process from start to finish. We consider stand evaluation, timing, seeding methods and more as we discuss the nuances farmers face in making this decision. Additional resources: Giving new life to tired pastures: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/anr-0159 [https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/anr-0159] Forage management after drought and a tough growing season: https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2025-36 [https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2025-36] Ohio Agronomy Guide: https://extensionpubs.osu.edu/ohio-agronomy-guide-16th-edition/ [https://extensionpubs.osu.edu/ohio-agronomy-guide-16th-edition/]