In episode 79, we talked to Eric Romich about utility scale solar development. Since then, Senate bill 52 passed granting more decision-making power to local authorities. Prior to its passage, these projects were subject to exemption from local zoning leaving county officials with little say in project location. SB 52 has created some avenues for local lawmakers to restrict utility location and review potential projects. Eric Romich, Energy Education Field Specialist, and Peggy Kirk-Hall, Director of the Agriculture and Resource program, join us to go through the ins and outs of this new bill. Let us know what you think about the podcast and suggest episode topics at go.osu.edu/afmsurvey

Elizabeth and Amanda share exciting and educational opportunities available as Farm Science Review returns to a full in-person show! From the latest in on-farm technology down to the smallest acreage farms, everyone is sure to find something to enjoy at the 2021 Farm Science Review. To view online content, please visit fsr.osu.edu or check out the Farm Science Review on YouTube. Let us know what you think about the podcast and suggest episode topics at go.osu.edu/afmsurvey

We always have some variability in weather across the state but most have been pleased with timely rainfalls this growing season. With the hurricane bringing wet weather just as farmers begin to prepare for harvest, tune in to see what Dr. Aaron Wilson, Research Scientist with the Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center, predicts for fall of 2021. For more frequent weather updates, find him on Facebook (@dwweater) and Twitter (@drwilsonsWX). Let us know what you think about the podcast and suggest episode topics at go.osu.edu/afmsurvey

Eric Romich, Ohio State University Extension Field Specialist in Energy Development, provides insight into why interest in large scale solar has increased in Ohio in recent years and what landowners should consider before entering into a 30-50 year contract. Energize Ohio homepage: energizeohio.osu.edu/home Farm Energy Resources: go.osu.edu/farmenergy Let us know what you think about the podcast and suggest episode topics at go.osu.edu/afmsurvey

Because of resistance and invasive species, weeds have become harder to control across the landscape. 31 weeds that are the most difficult to control or have harmful characteristics are listed in the Ohio Revised Code as “noxious.” What that means for landowners, park managers and township trustees is what we discuss in this episode. Ohio Revised Code language: codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/rule-901:5-37-01 Recording: In the Weeds: Legal Approaches to Dealing with Noxious Weeds on Farmland: nationalaglawcenter.org/webinars/noxiousweeds Noxious Weed Law Bulletin: farmoffice.osu.edu/sites/aglaw/files/site-library/NoxiousWeedLawBulletin.pdf Noxious Weed Law Procedures: farmoffice.osu.edu/sites/aglaw/files/site-library/LawBulletins/Noxious_weed_law_procedures.pdf Let us know what you think about the podcast and suggest episode topics at go.osu.edu/afmsurvey

As corn reaches R1 around the state, fungicide application is on everyone’s mind, especially after issues with ear rot in 2020. Jason Hartschuh joins us to discuss when fungicides pay and new technology and research to make applications more effective. For more information on fungicides, view the CORN Live webinar: youtu.be/8eN7qPmbp-A and read articles in the CORN newsletter: agcrops.osu.edu/. Let us know what you think about the podcast and suggest episode topics at go.osu.edu/afmsurvey

Now that the crops are in the ground, one of the biggest questions on our minds is what will the weather do? Dr. Aaron Wilson, Research Scientist with the Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center, joins us to talk current weather conditions and reveal what forecasts are saying for this growing season. We also talk about the recent shift in 30 year averages and end with a little cicada music. Let us know what you think about the podcast and suggest episode topics at go.osu.edu/afmsurvey

With wheat heading across the state, many growers are considering whether they should apply fungicides, especially given the higher market prices. Dr. Pierce Paul shares how the Fusarium Risk Tool can help decision making and what research he is conducting. The Fusarium Risk Tool can be found at wheatscab.psu.edu. Find many articles by Dr. Paul by using the search function on the agcrops.osu.edu website. Let us know what you think about the podcast and suggest episode topics at go.osu.edu/afmsurvey

Soil health has gained momentum in recent years as understanding of soil has expanded. Along with that, several soil health tests have become available commercially. Dr. Steve Culman, Associate Professor in Soil Fertility with The Ohio State University, explains what soil health is and what these tests can measure. He shares information on recent research where soil health tests were pulled and analyzed from farms around the state. Grant funding has enabled him to expand this research in 2021 by covering the cost of these samples so reach out if you would like to participate! Visit http://soilhealth.osu.edu for more information and resources. Let us know what you think about the podcast and suggest episode topics at go.osu.edu/afmsurvey

The 2020 Ohio Farm Poll took a pulse of Ohio farmers and revealed some interesting findings. The three major takeaways we discuss with Dr. Douglas Jackson-Smith and Dr. Shoshanah Inwood are: 2019 stress test revelations; Impact differences based on farm size and type; and Farm survival’s link to household well-being. Drs. Jackson Smith and Inwood are rural sociologists in the School of Environment and Natural Resources at The Ohio State University. For more information on the Ohio Farm Poll, including details on results, please visit: kx.osu.edu/search/Ohio%20Farm%20Poll/all Let us know what you think about the podcast and suggest episode topics at go.osu.edu/afmsurvey

We have been monitoring different species of cover crops throughout the winter to see how each one breaks down or survives. If you are interested in planting cover crops but concerned about what spring planting conditions may be like, this is the podcast for you. Jason Hartschuh, Crawford County, and Mary Griffith, Madison County, join us as we hit a variety of cover crops and what they look like in April after the 2021 winter. To see the cover crops, visit youtube.com/c/OSUAgronomicCrops under the Cover Crops playlist. Let us know what you think about the podcast and suggest episode topics at go.osu.edu/afmsurvey