Hello Tribune Chronicle readers. Local farmers are gearing up for an early harvest, and many of our local dairy farms have already finished their corn silage harvest. It won't be long before our soybean and corn harvests are under way.
I would like to inform you on how to get your Farm Science Review tickets and invite local dairy farmers to the northeast Ohio dairy tour to be held in Ashtabula County.
Pre-sale tickets for the 50th annual Farm Science Review sponsored by The Ohio State University on Sept. 18 to 20 in London, Ohio, are on sale at the Trumbull County Extension office, 520 W. Main St., Cortland.
The review attracts upwards of 140,000 visitors from all over the country who come to peruse 4,000 product lines from 600 commercial exhibitors, and to learn the latest in agricultural research. Tickets are $8 at the gate or $5 in advance when purchased from the office. Children 5 and younger are free. Details about all the events, exhibitors, field demonstrations and educational sessions can be found at: fsr.osu.edu or by calling 330-638-6783.
Area dairy farmers will want to take a day off and head north to Ashtabula County on Sept. 8 to participate in the Ashtabula County dairy tour. We are pleased that Ringbyre Jersey Farm and Shiloh Acres Family Dairy will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for dairy families to visit. These families have a long history in the Ashtabula County dairy industry, and we are pleased the Ring cousins, Jeff and David and their families are allowing us to "steal" management ideas. Each dairy farm will be open to showcase its approach to producing high-quality milk and in raising healthy, vibrant dairy calves and cows.
The first farm on the tour will at Ringbyre Jersey Farm in operation since 1960. This farm recently made a successful transition between generations from Loren and Nancy Ring to Jeff and Carole Ring. The farm milks 285 Jersey cows and raises more than 550 acres of alfalfa, corn, corn silage, oats and mixed grasses. During the tour, participants will see the new calf-raising facility. Participants will also tour the calf kitchen, which includes a dairy tech pasteurizing unit in which all colostrum, fresh cow, and treated milk are pasteurized before feeding to the calves.
The second farm on the tour will be Shiloh Acres Family Dairy. Shiloh Acres Dairy Farm was started in 1983 by David and Laurel Ring and has been shipping certified organic milk since 2009 to Organic Valley Dairy. The family milks 50 Holstein, Jersey and Crossbred cows and raises more than 225 acres of organic corn, oats, barley, hay and pasture. Visitors will learn how the farm became and stays certified to ship organic milk and to raise organic crops. During the tour, participants will tour the milking and cow free stall built in 1985 and the heifer/dry cow barn built in 1990. Make the stop to learn that organic dairy farming is a viable part of our local dairy economy.
Guided tours will be provided at each farm and industry representatives will be on hand. A complete program flier and information can be obtained at ashtabula.osu.edu or by calling 440-576-9008.
Marrison is associate professor and extension educator, agriculture and natural resources, Ohio State University Extension for Ashtabula and Trumbull counties. Marrison can be reached at 440-576-9008 or marrison.2@osu.edu.