OSU small farm program
By
John Grimes-
Here’s hoping that you are able to remember the spirit of the holidays and spend quality time with family and friends. Merry Christmas, everyone!
Ohio State University
announces the 2010
Southern Ohio New
and Small Farm Colleges
Are you a small farm landowner wondering what to do with your acreage? Are you interested in exploring options for land uses but not sure where to turn or how to begin? Have you considered adding an agricultural or horticultural enterprise but you just aren’t sure what is required, from an equipment, labor, and/or management perspective? Are you looking for someplace to get basic farm information?
If you or someone you know answered yes to any of these questions, then the OSU Extension Small Farm College program may be just what you are looking for. OSU Extension is offering a program targeted at the new and small farmer.
The Southern Ohio New and Small Farm College is an eight-week program that introduces new and even seasoned farmers to a wide variety of topics. The program will teach participants how to set goals, plan, budget, and where to find resources available for them if they chose to start a small farming operation. The courses will lay out how to manage financial and farm records.
Extension educators will illustrate over 15 different enterprises that can be profitable on land as small as one acre. The educators will show the benefits and pitfalls of each enterprise so that the participant will be able to pick and chose what may work best for them and what suits their interest. To round out the experience, a bus tour will be held around area farms so that participants can see firsthand how small farm life works, and also make contacts of practicing farmers in the area.
Increased clientele requests from new and small farm owners indicate a need for a comprehensive farm ownership and management program. The Southern Ohio New and Small Farm College was developed for this growing audience of landowners wanting to make the most of living on a small farm. Since 2005, past regional New and Small Farm Colleges have helped 357 individuals representing 295 farms from 35 Ohio counties improve the economic development of their small family-owned farms. This program can help small farm landowners and farmers diversify their opportunities into successful new enterprises and new markets. And, it can improve agricultural literacy among small farm landowners not actively involved in agricultural production.
Many program participants don’t expect to make a living off the land, but do want to recoup something, said organizer Tony Nye of OSU Extension in Clinton County.
First-time farmers want their interaction with their land to be productive.
“They like living in the country, getting their hands dirty,” Nye said. “That has been their motivation for buying land.”
The New and Small Farm College will be conducted at two locations this year. The first college will be held at the Fayette County Extension and Agriculture Center, 1415 US Rt. 22 SW, Washington Court House, Ohio on Mondays, beginning Jan. 4, 2010. Classes run from 6:30-9 p.m.
The second location will be conducted in Guernsey County at the Mid-East Career Center, Buffalo Campus, 57090 Vocational Road, Senecaville, Ohio on Thursdays, beginning Jan. 7, 2010. Classes run from 6:30-9 p.m. REGISTRATION IS DUE IMMEDIATELY and is limited to the first 50 registrations per location.
The cost of the course is $150 per person, $50 for an additional family member. Along with the vast resources and knowledge gained, participants will receive a notebook of all resource materials, a soil test, refreshments, and the bus tour. Registrations are now being accepted. Individuals interested in the program may contact Tony Nye at the Clinton County Extension office at 937-382-0901 or E-mail at nye.1@osu.edu.
Registration brochures for the program can be found at www.clinton.osu.edu and are available in area Ohio State University Extension Offices.
Protection against
the silent killer
Now that cold weather has arrived, so too has the need for home heating and protection against the “silent killer,” carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is called the silent killer because it is a tasteless, colorless, and odorless gas. It is produced by motor vehicles; small gas engines such as lawn mowers, snow blowers, and generators; home heating systems and devices to include natural gas furnaces, wood burners, fireplaces, and kerosene heaters; as well as gas cooking stoves and lanterns.
The threat of carbon monoxide poisoning occurs during cold weather with ventilation being reduced to help retain the warmth from heat sources and heat sources either not being used properly or not being in proper working order. The best prevention against carbon monoxide poisoning is the installation of carbon monoxide detectors that sound an alarm when the gas is present. It is best to install a detector on each level of the home.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and chest pain. Since these symptoms are similar to those of other ailments, carbon monoxide poisoning can sometimes be difficult to recognize.
However, if multiple individuals in the same home become ill with the same symptoms when heat sources are operating that is a very good indicator of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Left untreated, the result can be unconsciousness, coma, or death. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, go outside immediately and call 911. If others are not able to exit the dwelling, open doors and windows to help the gas escape while awaiting assistance from emergency responders.
To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, have home heating systems inspected and serviced annually as part of your home maintenance efforts this includes the chimney. When operating a fireplace ensure the flue is open. Keep appliances in good working order and do not use a gas oven as a heat source. Do not operate a generator in a confined space; it must always be operated in a well-ventilated, outdoor area. Do not sleep in a room with a non-vented gas or kerosene heater. Never leave a car or generator running in an attached garage - even with the door open.
Annually, 500 Americans die due to not adhering to these simple prevention steps - do not let you or your loved ones be a victim of the “silent killer.” For more information on carbon monoxide poisoning and prevention, visit http://www.weathersafety.ohio.gov/CarbonMonoxideSafety.aspx
Farmers tax guides
A publication that is often requested this time of year is the IRS Publication 225, the Farmer’s Tax Guide. This publication explains how the federal tax laws apply to farming and can be helpful in preparing your 2009 returns. This publication is available free of charge from the Extension office.
John Grimes is the Ohio State University Extension Educator for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Highland County. Ohio State University Extension embraces human diversity and is committed to ensuring that all research and related educational programs are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or veteran status.
Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Agricultural Administration and Director, Ohio State University Extension TDD No. 800-589-8292.[[In-content Ad]]
Ohio State University
announces the 2010
Southern Ohio New
and Small Farm Colleges
Are you a small farm landowner wondering what to do with your acreage? Are you interested in exploring options for land uses but not sure where to turn or how to begin? Have you considered adding an agricultural or horticultural enterprise but you just aren’t sure what is required, from an equipment, labor, and/or management perspective? Are you looking for someplace to get basic farm information?
If you or someone you know answered yes to any of these questions, then the OSU Extension Small Farm College program may be just what you are looking for. OSU Extension is offering a program targeted at the new and small farmer.
The Southern Ohio New and Small Farm College is an eight-week program that introduces new and even seasoned farmers to a wide variety of topics. The program will teach participants how to set goals, plan, budget, and where to find resources available for them if they chose to start a small farming operation. The courses will lay out how to manage financial and farm records.
Extension educators will illustrate over 15 different enterprises that can be profitable on land as small as one acre. The educators will show the benefits and pitfalls of each enterprise so that the participant will be able to pick and chose what may work best for them and what suits their interest. To round out the experience, a bus tour will be held around area farms so that participants can see firsthand how small farm life works, and also make contacts of practicing farmers in the area.
Increased clientele requests from new and small farm owners indicate a need for a comprehensive farm ownership and management program. The Southern Ohio New and Small Farm College was developed for this growing audience of landowners wanting to make the most of living on a small farm. Since 2005, past regional New and Small Farm Colleges have helped 357 individuals representing 295 farms from 35 Ohio counties improve the economic development of their small family-owned farms. This program can help small farm landowners and farmers diversify their opportunities into successful new enterprises and new markets. And, it can improve agricultural literacy among small farm landowners not actively involved in agricultural production.
Many program participants don’t expect to make a living off the land, but do want to recoup something, said organizer Tony Nye of OSU Extension in Clinton County.
First-time farmers want their interaction with their land to be productive.
“They like living in the country, getting their hands dirty,” Nye said. “That has been their motivation for buying land.”
The New and Small Farm College will be conducted at two locations this year. The first college will be held at the Fayette County Extension and Agriculture Center, 1415 US Rt. 22 SW, Washington Court House, Ohio on Mondays, beginning Jan. 4, 2010. Classes run from 6:30-9 p.m.
The second location will be conducted in Guernsey County at the Mid-East Career Center, Buffalo Campus, 57090 Vocational Road, Senecaville, Ohio on Thursdays, beginning Jan. 7, 2010. Classes run from 6:30-9 p.m. REGISTRATION IS DUE IMMEDIATELY and is limited to the first 50 registrations per location.
The cost of the course is $150 per person, $50 for an additional family member. Along with the vast resources and knowledge gained, participants will receive a notebook of all resource materials, a soil test, refreshments, and the bus tour. Registrations are now being accepted. Individuals interested in the program may contact Tony Nye at the Clinton County Extension office at 937-382-0901 or E-mail at nye.1@osu.edu.
Registration brochures for the program can be found at www.clinton.osu.edu and are available in area Ohio State University Extension Offices.
Protection against
the silent killer
Now that cold weather has arrived, so too has the need for home heating and protection against the “silent killer,” carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is called the silent killer because it is a tasteless, colorless, and odorless gas. It is produced by motor vehicles; small gas engines such as lawn mowers, snow blowers, and generators; home heating systems and devices to include natural gas furnaces, wood burners, fireplaces, and kerosene heaters; as well as gas cooking stoves and lanterns.
The threat of carbon monoxide poisoning occurs during cold weather with ventilation being reduced to help retain the warmth from heat sources and heat sources either not being used properly or not being in proper working order. The best prevention against carbon monoxide poisoning is the installation of carbon monoxide detectors that sound an alarm when the gas is present. It is best to install a detector on each level of the home.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and chest pain. Since these symptoms are similar to those of other ailments, carbon monoxide poisoning can sometimes be difficult to recognize.
However, if multiple individuals in the same home become ill with the same symptoms when heat sources are operating that is a very good indicator of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Left untreated, the result can be unconsciousness, coma, or death. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, go outside immediately and call 911. If others are not able to exit the dwelling, open doors and windows to help the gas escape while awaiting assistance from emergency responders.
To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, have home heating systems inspected and serviced annually as part of your home maintenance efforts this includes the chimney. When operating a fireplace ensure the flue is open. Keep appliances in good working order and do not use a gas oven as a heat source. Do not operate a generator in a confined space; it must always be operated in a well-ventilated, outdoor area. Do not sleep in a room with a non-vented gas or kerosene heater. Never leave a car or generator running in an attached garage - even with the door open.
Annually, 500 Americans die due to not adhering to these simple prevention steps - do not let you or your loved ones be a victim of the “silent killer.” For more information on carbon monoxide poisoning and prevention, visit http://www.weathersafety.ohio.gov/CarbonMonoxideSafety.aspx
Farmers tax guides
A publication that is often requested this time of year is the IRS Publication 225, the Farmer’s Tax Guide. This publication explains how the federal tax laws apply to farming and can be helpful in preparing your 2009 returns. This publication is available free of charge from the Extension office.
John Grimes is the Ohio State University Extension Educator for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Highland County. Ohio State University Extension embraces human diversity and is committed to ensuring that all research and related educational programs are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or veteran status.
Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Agricultural Administration and Director, Ohio State University Extension TDD No. 800-589-8292.[[In-content Ad]]