The type of baler selected for haymaking is important in the success of the operation. First, operational goals must be set to determine the best baler for the job. These goals are determined by multiple questions:
Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana), often referred to by the cultivar name “Bradford pear,” is native to Asia. Its seed was initially brought to the United States in the early 20th century to serve as genetic material for breeding fire blight resistance in native pears in the Pacific Northwest. By 1950, Callery pear was recognized for its horticultural potential, especially its production of showy white flowers in early spring (Figure 1).
You have heard of horse sense. Well, to get cattle to do what you want takes knowledge of animal behavior, access to good facilities, and proper handling techniques. Collectively, these items add up to “cow sense”. Animal-related injuries to employees can be due to the preoccupation, impatience, or anger of the animal or its handler. During these moments, a livestock handler needs to understand animal behavior. Well-designed facilities do not make up for a lack of cow sense.
Cressleaf groundsel (Packera glabella, formerly Senecio glabellus) has spread in Ohio since the early 1900s. With the adoption of no-till or reduced tillage, cressleaf groundsel has become more prevalent in Ohio across a variety of cropping fields, pastures, and other landscapes. Also called butterweed, this plant can spread aggressively. It has poisonous characteristics, making it a potentially toxic weed for livestock.
Check the pesticide label for these requirements
Mandatory spray-drift mitigations.
Mandatory runoff mitigation measures, noting the number of points you need to comply.
After mowing a forage crop, the next step in the hay-making process is drying forage to a suitable content for end use. Forage intended for dry-hay production should be at 20% moisture or less before baling. Hay baled at the correct moisture decreases the risk of spoilage and hay fires while maintaining nutritional value (Krieger, et al., 2021). If baleage or silage is the intended product, the moisture can be much higher, but usually not over 60%.
In Ohio, fresh local strawberries are typically produced in open fields from late spring to early fall. During the off-season, controlled environment facilities, such as tunnels, greenhouses, and indoor vertical farms, can be used to extend the production season and help growers produce strawberries year-round. The increasing interest in local foods and the continuous expansion of controlled environment production in Ohio have empowered strawberry growers to produce locally grown strawberries competitively.
Urban agriculture encompasses the cultivation, processing, and distribution of food in urban and peri-urban settings, ranging from community gardens to commercial farms. Local communities across Ohio have seen a growing interest in these enterprises. These enterprises are diversifying routes to access fresh food, bolstering food security in deprived regions, and reducing dependency on extended supply chains vulnerable to disruptions. A point of concern, however, is the regulatory environment urban Ohio farms need to navigate.
According to the Mayo Clinic (2026), skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and 90% is caused by exposure to the sun. Avoiding overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light will prevent damage to your skin and reduce your risk of skin cancer.
Herbs are powerful healing plants that have been used for hundreds of years to treat disease and illness in the human body. For centuries, herbs have been valued for their healing properties and have played a key role in nontraditional medicine. Over one hundred herbs and spices are used to treat illnesses. Common examples include chamomile, known for promoting sleep; peppermint for relieving stomach upset; and lavender for reducing stress and anxiety. Other common healing herbs include echinacea, rosemary, and lemon balm (Herbal Academy.
