The 2026 Ohio Crop Tour, sponsored by Field Leader, a project of the Ohio Soybean Checkoff, covered fields across the northern and southern portions of Ohio over four days. Scouts walked corn and soybean fields, assessed plant populations, growth stages, ear and pod development, disease and insect pressure, and calculated yield estimates.

The tour found considerable variability, particularly in the North Leg, but the general trend was positive. Corn yield estimates averaged 201.4 bushels per acre on the North Leg and 212.1 bushels per acre on the South Leg. Soybean estimates averaged 55 bushels per acre in the north and 54.4 bushels per acre in the south.… Continue reading

Plus, get a statewide agronomic update from Beck’s Hybrids and find out what is new at the upcoming Becknology Days, including some test plots that may have some farmers rethinking how they plant soybeans.

Late summer and early fall bring drier weather and slower growth of our cool-season forages throughout Ohio. This is also a great time of year to start controlling perennial weeds and make a plan for dormant-season applications.

Some of our top perennial weed issues in 2025 were hemp dogbane, milkweed, and Canada thistle, and we expect these to remain problematic in 2026. The root systems of perennial weeds allow them to regrow quickly whenever their aboveground structures are killed. Still, actions taken in fall can help reduce the amount of energy these plants store belowground and slow their regrowth next year. Frequent mowing is a great tool for denser patches of perennial weeds, and using a systemic herbicide in combination with mowing can further reduce the weeds’ ability to grow back in spring.

Many different products are effective for fall control of perennial weeds, especially in grass forage stands.… Continue reading

“It’s not simply the Association’s trade show,” said Jenna Reese, Executive Director of the Ohio Forestry Association, “The Paul Bunyan Show is a three-day exposition of Ohio’s forest products industry.” The Paul Bunyan Show was started in 1957 and has maintained it’s dedication to showing the heart and breadth of the industry since its inception.

Roughly 170 exhibitors will showcase their newest products at the Guernsey County Fairgrounds in Old Washington (Cambridge). Many will include live equipment demonstrations.

Husqvarna (Booth #503-506) and Tigercat (Booth #486, 487, 491, 492) are the Paul Bunyan Show’s title sponsors. This is Husqvarna’s 20^th consecutive year as a title sponsor.… Continue reading

The 2026 Field Leader Crop Tour is underway, Sponsored by Field Leader a project of the Ohio Soybean Checkoff. The four-day crop tour will cover roughly 40 counties across the Buckeye State. This article will be updated continuously as county results are gathered.

Summaries of the first two days from the northern counties will be presented at the Ohio Soybean Hometown Tour at Reinhard Farms, and the second two days in the southern counties will be presented at the Hometown Tour stop at Bluegrass Farms. Click here to register.

Click on pictures to enlarge.

Day 4: South Leg

Perry County

Corn

Our final field of the 2026 Crop Tour is fairly indicative of the southern leg’s theme – good looking, fairly uniform fields with good yields. This field was very thick with good population which helped to boost the yield estimation to 213 bushels per acre.… Continue reading

Wilmington College is building on its long-standing reputation for experiential agricultural education with plans for a new AgriScience Complex that will expand opportunities for students while creating a hub for livestock, greenhouse production, and animal science.

Corey Cockerill, president of Wilmington College, said the project builds on the institution’s long-standing commitment to experiential learning, an approach that has made agriculture the college’s largest academic program.

“About one-third of our students are agriculture majors. It is a thriving, exciting program with seven concentrations, and our students are fully engaged in a 287-acre living-learning laboratory,” Cockerill said.

That emphasis on learning by doing is what continues to attract students to Wilmington College, she said.

“We focus on getting students out of the classroom whenever we can,” Cockerill said. “My friend Chad says, ‘We don’t just read the chapter, we do the chapter.’ Students gain confidence when they’re out in the field learning by doing.… Continue reading

This question can be answered in two ways. Many no-till farmers also have jobs off the farm. They are part-time farmers.

The other answer refers to farmers who practice no-till only part of the time. They may no-till soybeans but make two or three tillage passes ahead of corn. Or they may no-till all crops for three to five years before returning to tillage.

If you fall into this second group, there is an opportunity to improve both your bottom line and your soil health by attending one or more of the events listed below. If machinery costs and fertilizer expenses are putting pressure on your operation, these programs are designed with you in mind.

College graduates interviewing for a job are often asked, “Where do you see yourself in five years?”

Regardless of your age or years on the farm, consider this question: Where do you see yourself in 2031?… Continue reading

“The future of Ohio’s pork industry depends on building strong relationships and ensuring the voices of our farmers are heard wherever important decisions are made,” Day said. “Dawson brings an exceptional combination of agricultural roots, legislative experience, and a genuine passion for representing farmers in this new position.… Continue reading

The story of Atterholt Farms is one many farm families can relate to: a 4-H project that grew into something much more.

Brothers Aaron and Mike Atterholt grew up showing cattle through 4-H and FFA in Ashland County. What started as a few projects and a passion for livestock eventually became a farming partnership, a registered Angus herd, and a way of life they now hope to pass along to another generation.

Today, nearly 20 years after purchasing their first Angus cattle, the brothers and their families operate Atterholt Farms near Loudonville, where they raise crops, cattle and perhaps most importantly, future farmers.

“People have asked me what’s the most important thing we raise here on the farm. Is it the crops or the cattle?” Aaron said. “I think it’s the kids.”

At Atterholt Farms, the fifth generation is already involved in the farm’s day-to-day operations. Each kid is already building their own herd, making breeding decisions, marketing their livestock, and learning the responsibilities that come with caring for livestock.… Continue reading

“For 60 years, the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame has given us the opportunity to recognize the legacy of those who have come before us,” said Mike Bailey, president of the Ohio Agricultural Council. “Each of us who works in agriculture recognizes that we stand on the shoulders of giants. This celebration honors not only our inductees and their families, but all those who have invested their lives in Ohio agriculture.”

 The 60th anniversary program also celebrated Ohio agriculture more broadly, recognizing past Hall of Fame inductees, agricultural leaders serving at the national level and six recipients of the Ohio Agricultural Council’s 2026 scholarships.… Continue reading

Ohio is home to hundreds of farms that produce fresh, nutritious fruits and vegetables. These farm families play an important role in feeding Ohioans and are deeply committed to producing safe, high-quality food. Purchasing locally grown products supports Ohio farm families while giving consumers the opportunity to learn about the people and farms behind their food. 

Growers who supply retail food chains adhere to very strict food safety protocol and are regularly audited by government agencies, independent firms, and in many cases their own customers. They are committed to ensuring safe and abundant produce.

“Ohio’s produce growers take great pride in producing safe, fresh, high-quality food for families across our state,” said Ethan Stuckey, past president of OPGMA and a Crawford County Farm Bureau member.… Continue reading

While the Ohio State Fair showcases the state’s best livestock, it also highlights the achievements of 4-H members exhibiting still and book projects. Each day, 4-H’ers compete in a variety of project areas, from sewing, cooking, welding and woodworking to photography, creative arts and more. It takes a lot of time, commitment, and dedication to really shine with any project at the Ohio State Fair.

I had the opportunity to spend some time in the Lausche Building on quilting and mental and health project judging day. As I walked through the building, it was clear that every project represented months of learning, practice and hard work. I had the chance to visit with Stella Zippay, a Mahoning County 4-H member who earned a coveted clock trophy for her physical health project.

“The project I took to the State Fair this year was First Aid in Action,” Zippay said.… Continue reading

The RMHC Celebrity Steer Show is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of agriculture, community, and the bright futures of youth. The event highlights the important work of RMHC, which provides a home-away-from-home for families with children undergoing medical treatment at nearby hospitals. The Columbus Ronald McDonald House is the largest in the world and serves more than 5,000 families each year. The event also highlights the Ohio State 4-H program members who share their expertise and knowledge gained through the Ohio 4-H Youth Development program. 

Dee Anders, CEO and Executive Director of the Columbus RMHC chapter, expressed her gratitude saying, “The Celebrity Steer Show is an incredibly meaningful event for us.… Continue reading

Corn silking has reached 95%, ahead of last week’s 90%, and ahead of the 93% five-year average. Corn reaching the dough stage is at 56%, above the 51% average. Corn reaching the dent stage is at 7%, ahead of the 3% average. Ohio corn condition was rated 62% good to excellent, with 51% good and 11% excellent.

Soybean blooming reached 95%, ahead of 87% last week and the 91% average. Soybean pod setting has reached 71%, ahead of last week’s 58% and above the 69% five-year average. Ohio soybean condition was rated 59% good to excellent, with 50% good and 9% excellent.… Continue reading