We are pleased to share with you some of the highlights of our 2000 educational programs and activities conducted by the Tuscarawas County Extension faculty and staff. Because of depressed grain and livestock market prices, many farmers are looking for alternatives. Exploring ways to add more income to the existing farm business or starting a new venture was the theme of the Farm Profitability Tour. This on-farm workshop featured a tour of a dairy farm that has added value to its business by composting dairy manure and generating income through retail sales. In addition, participants learned how the family has added additional income with the opening of a successful bed and breakfast.
Environmental issues continue to be on the minds of many farm managers.
Participants learned about managing nutrients, controlling run-off, completing site evaluations, and developing action plans for their farms. Off Ohio's 88 counties, Tuscarawas County is ranked fifth in hay production. This commodity represents an important part of the livestock and cash hay businesses in the county. The Ohio Forage Production Short Course was held to teach growers how to become better managers of this important commodity. Evaluation of this three-day intensive workshop indicated that several participants planned to make management changes, including scouting for insects and weeds in fields, changing types of hay preservation, and using budgets.