Ohio Ag Net Podcast
Ohio's Country Journal and Ohio Ag Net are focused on bringing Ohio farmers the latest news in agriculture. Through our podcast, we deliver more conversational pieces, reaching more in-depth to the events and happenings in Ohio ag.
info_outline
Ohio Ag Net Podcast - Ep 424 - The Future of Biofuels
12/29/2025
Ohio Ag Net Podcast - Ep 424 - The Future of Biofuels
Biofuels have always sat at the intersection of agriculture, energy, and innovation. For our farmers, they represent not just a market opportunity, but a stabilizing force, adding value to crops like corn and soybeans, creating new demand streams, and supporting rural economies with local processing, transportation, and jobs. They help keep dollars circulating close to home. A recent event in northwest Ohio explored the future of biofuels. The Ohio Farm Bureau sponsored Biofuels Summit featured researchers, retailers and policy makers and you will hear from some of them this week, including Dr. Gabe Lade with Ohio State, Jeff Erb from the Ohio Energy and Convenience Association and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur. They are all on the way here on the Ohio Ag Net Podcast.
/episode/index/show/ohioagnet/id/39494960
info_outline
Ohio Ag Net Podcast - Ep 423 - A Farewell to Dale Minyo
12/22/2025
Ohio Ag Net Podcast - Ep 423 - A Farewell to Dale Minyo
In this week’s Ohio Ag Net podcast, we recap the incredible career of Dale Minyo. Dale will be retiring at the end of the year, and he shares some of his memorable moments with Ty Higgins, including an interview at a county fair that will forever be etched in his mind. Ty also talks with Dr. Leah Dorman to get the details on the newly created Protect OHIO initiative, which will deliver meaningful, measurable impact across our state by educating more veterinarians with a specific focus on enrolling more students from Ohio's rural communities, mentoring large animal and rural veterinarians, and expanding risk assessment and surveillance programs to protect Ohio's agricultural economy. Then, Joel Penhorwood visits with Dr. Margaret Jodlowski, Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics at Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences to get her outlook for farm labor in 2026 and beyond that was shared at Ohio State’s recent Ag Policy Outlook Conference.
/episode/index/show/ohioagnet/id/39415155
info_outline
Ohio Ag Net Podcast – Ep 422 - Leaders Talk About the Future of Ohio Agriculture
12/15/2025
Ohio Ag Net Podcast – Ep 422 - Leaders Talk About the Future of Ohio Agriculture
In this week’s Ohio Ag Net podcast, Dale Minyo and Ty Higgins visit with leaders of two Ohio agriculture organizations. Ty talks with Bill Patterson, president of Ohio Farm Bureau, about how the Ohio Farm Bureau's recent annual meeting was a great opportunity to celebrate the successes of 2025, while working on policies to take on the challenges that lie ahead in 2026 and beyond. Later in the episode, Dale meets with the new president of Ohio Corn and Wheat, Eric Tipton, about his path to leadership and the goals his association has as he begins his new role.
/episode/index/show/ohioagnet/id/39388355
info_outline
Ohio Ag Net Podcast - Ep 421 - Record Donations, Smarter Machines, and Shifting Soy Demand
12/08/2025
Ohio Ag Net Podcast - Ep 421 - Record Donations, Smarter Machines, and Shifting Soy Demand
In this week’s Ohio Ag Net podcast, Dale Minyo is in Ross County with Farm Credit Mid-America’s Olivia Congrove, financial officer, and Rudi Pitzer Perry, Regional Vice President of Ag Lending. They spotlight FCMA’s statewide “Fight the Hunger, Stock the Trailer” initiative, which is a county fair food drive sponsored by Rural First that brought in 448,827 pounds of donations for local food banks. Ross County led the state with a record-setting 122,640 pounds. Congrove and Pitzer Perry break down the program’s purpose, its growth to 56 participating fairs, and the community impact behind the numbers. Dale also talks with two participants in the contest. They reflect on what they learned and how the program heightened their understanding of food insecurity and service in their county. Later in the episode, Ty Higgins reports from the Ohio No-Till Conference with The Ohio State University Professor Scott Shearer, Ph.D., from the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering. The two explore the expanding role of artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture, including autonomous field machinery and precision tools for weed control, nutrient management, and pest management. The conversation also covers how AI can boost return on investment and strengthen on-farm decision-making. Dusty Sonnenberg checks in from the Ohio Soybean Hometown Tour with Brianna Metts of the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC). They discuss USSEC’s mission, recent movement (or lack thereof) of U.S. soybeans to China, and where soybean and meal exports from Ohio are heading. Metts also highlights Egypt’s rapid emergence as a key market opportunity since 2018. To wrap up, Joel Penhorwood reports from the 2025 Agricultural Outlook and Policy Conference with The Ohio State University Professor and Economist, Ian Sheldon, Ph.D. Their conversation dives into U.S. tariffs, trade relationships with global partners, and the broader market signals shaping agricultural policy today.
/episode/index/show/ohioagnet/id/39325310
info_outline
Ohio Ag Net Podcast - Ep. 420 - Ohio Officials Stress Vigilance as EHM Cases Rise Nationally
11/24/2025
Ohio Ag Net Podcast - Ep. 420 - Ohio Officials Stress Vigilance as EHM Cases Rise Nationally
Ohio’s Country Journal editor Brianna Smith talks with Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) Director Brian Baldridge and State Veterinarian Dr. Dennis Summers about the ongoing national concerns surrounding Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), which is caused by the equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) virus. While seven states are currently dealing with EHM, Ohio has no known clinical cases, though ODA is “heavily monitoring” the situation and working to keep the equine industry informed. Dr. Summers explains that early symptoms often look like a typical respiratory infection: nasal discharge, coughing, and a sudden fever spike. Later cases can involve inflammation around the spinal cord and brain, leading to hind-end incoordination and even disorientation. He urges horse owners to be proactive with biosecurity and quick to report concerns. Owners should contact their local veterinarian first, then reach out to ODA’s Division of Animal Health at 614-728-6220 to determine whether symptoms need to be reported. Director Baldridge and Dr. Summers emphasize that awareness and early communication are key to keeping Ohio’s horses safe.
/episode/index/show/ohioagnet/id/39155435
info_outline
Ep. 419 - The issues hitting Ohio fields
11/17/2025
Ep. 419 - The issues hitting Ohio fields
In this episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, Dusty Sonnenberg talks with Brandon Kern of the Ohio Soybean Association about the latest from Ohio's House Bill 10. Tune in for details about what it means for applicators in the state and licensing requirements. After that, Dale Minyo sits down with Tadd Nicholson of Ohio Corn and Wheat to talk the big issues we're hearing about nationally. The chat includes a year-round E15 update, plus talk about delays in production reports by the government shutdown and its impact on grain farmers.
/episode/index/show/ohioagnet/id/39067665
info_outline
Ep. 418 - Health Plans, Soy Immersion, and Wilmington College's Announcement
11/11/2025
Ep. 418 - Health Plans, Soy Immersion, and Wilmington College's Announcement
This week on the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, Ty Higgins catches up with Trevor Kirkpatrick of the Ohio Farm Bureau to discuss the launch of the new Ohio Farm Bureau Health Plans, now open for enrollment, offering more affordable health coverage options for Ohio’s farm families and small businesses. Dusty Sonnenberg talks with Julia Brown of the Ohio Soybean Council about the inaugural Ohio Soy Immersion Experience, a new program designed to give farmers an inside look at how the soybean checkoff works to grow demand and build value. Dale Minyo wraps things up with a visit to Wilmington College to learn about the school’s new Agriscience Complex and how the facility will expand hands-on learning opportunities for the next generation of agricultural leaders with Dr. Chad McKay.
/episode/index/show/ohioagnet/id/38994535
info_outline
Ep. 417 - HPAI Update and the American Star in Agriscience
11/03/2025
Ep. 417 - HPAI Update and the American Star in Agriscience
In this episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, host Dusty Sonnenberg sits down with Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge and State Veterinarian Dr. Dennis Summers to discuss the state’s ongoing response to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The two share how Ohio handled last winter’s outbreak that impacted over 15 million birds, the lessons learned from those months, and how producers are preparing as migratory season begins again. They also touch on the far-reaching economic ripple effects across the state’s poultry and grain sectors, and offer practical advice for backyard flock owners looking to keep their birds safe. Later in the podcast, Joel Penhorwood catches up with Joanna Hamilton of the Felicity-Franklin FFA Chapter, who was recently named the American Star in Agriscience at the National FFA Convention. Hamilton reflects on her award-winning research projects ranging from poultry heat lamps to consumer food science, how FFA shaped her future in nursing, and the people who helped guide her along the way. Listen in for the latest on Ohio agriculture, animal health, and a celebration of FFA excellence.
/episode/index/show/ohioagnet/id/38899565
info_outline
Ep. 416 - Planting professionals and big pumpkins
10/27/2025
Ep. 416 - Planting professionals and big pumpkins
This week on the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, Ty Higgins joins Ohio State students and industry leaders at the Planting Professionals Etiquette Dinner, sponsored by the Ohio Soybean Council and hosted by the CFAES Career Development Office. The event goes well beyond table manners, teaching students how to navigate professional settings over a meal while building connections for their future in agriculture. Then, Dale Minyo sits down with Seth Wilkerson, Regional Vice President for Farm Credit Mid-America in northeast Ohio. They discuss the financial pressures facing farmers today, what lenders are watching closely in this challenging economy, and how FCMA is working with growers to manage risk and plan ahead. Finally, Joel Penhorwood travels to southwest Ohio to meet Jared Persinger of South Plymouth Pumpkins, who just set a new Ohio state record with his massive 2,505-pound pumpkin. Persinger shares the story behind the giant gourd and the journey it has taken since planted in April.
/episode/index/show/ohioagnet/id/38798850
info_outline
Ohio Ag Net Podcast - Ep 415 - From Logan County to the Landscape Olympics
10/20/2025
Ohio Ag Net Podcast - Ep 415 - From Logan County to the Landscape Olympics
First up, Ohio Ag Net’s Joel Penhorwood rides along with Donna Turner of Logan County for a special Cab Cam, brought to you by Precision Agri Services, Inc. After battling cancer and undergoing a bone marrow transplant, Donna is back in her “happy place” — the combine. With her grandson Dawson running the grain cart, she shares how farming and family helped her through and what it means to be back in the field. Then, our own Dale Minyo talks with Gerry Puckett, Director of Communications and Industry Engagement for Ohio Corn & Wheat, and Rudi Pitzer Perry, Regional Vice President of Agricultural Lending for Farm Credit Mid-America. They discuss how farmers can manage through today’s tough markets, the importance of focusing on what can be controlled, and how partnerships between groups like Ohio Corn & Wheat and FCMA help support and advocate for grain growers statewide. Finally, Joel catches up with Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge at the Ohio High School Landscape Olympics in Wooster put on by the Ohio Green Industry Association. Now in its 10th year, the event brings together FFA members, students, and the landscape industry to celebrate one of the fastest-growing sectors in U.S. agriculture. Director Baldridge also shares harvest updates and a look at Ohio’s $124 billion ag industry.
/episode/index/show/ohioagnet/id/38645640
info_outline
Ohio Ag Net Podcast - Ep 414 - Waiting on Rain and Waiting on Washington
10/13/2025
Ohio Ag Net Podcast - Ep 414 - Waiting on Rain and Waiting on Washington
This week on the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, our own Ty Higgins catches up with Emily Buckman, Director of Government Relations for the American Farm Bureau Federation, to unpack the impact of the ongoing government shutdown on farmers and ranchers nationwide. Buckman shares how furloughed USDA employees and delayed services ripple through rural America, why a prolonged shutdown hurts the ag economy, and what’s at stake as lawmakers debate the next Farm Bill. Then, Ohio Ag Net’s Dale Minyo heads to Putnam County to visit Schnipke Family Farms, an Ohio Century Farm just outside Kalida and the week three winners of Feeding Farmers in the Field. Dale talks with Chelsea Schnipke about her family’s 100-year farming legacy, the teamwork that keeps the operation running, and how this fall’s dry conditions have shaped harvest progress. Finally, Ohio’s Country Journal editor Brianna Smith brings us conversations with Dale Miller and Doug Dierkesheide, as they share their latest "Between the Rows" harvest updates, offering insight into yields, field conditions, and their outlook as the season pushes on.
/episode/index/show/ohioagnet/id/38567975
info_outline
Ohio Ag Net Podcast - Ep 413 - Corn Credit and Combine Conversations
10/06/2025
Ohio Ag Net Podcast - Ep 413 - Corn Credit and Combine Conversations
This week on the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, the team dives into the heart of harvest season — from the combine seat to the credit office. First up, Ohio Ag Net’s Dale Minyo sits down with Rudi Pitzer Perry, Regional Vice President Agricultural Lending with Farm Credit Mid-America in Washington Court House. The two discuss the cyclical nature of the ag economy, today’s downturn in the grain markets, and why risk management and proactive planning are key for farmers heading into 2026. Then, Ohio Ag Net’s Ty Higgins climbs into the combine with Chase Finney of Finney Farms in Crawford County for another edition of the 2025 Cab Cam series, brought to you by Precision Agri Services, Inc. Finney reflects on this year’s corn yields, the challenges of a wet spring followed by a dry summer, and the importance of staying adaptable in an ever-changing growing season. Next, our Joel Penhorwood rides along with Sam Kinney of Kinney Farms in Logan County for a look at the ups and downs of Ohio’s soybean crop. We even get to hear a sneak peek at a unique on-farm soybean experiment; Kinney shares what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what he’s learning from this year’s harvest. Finally, Ohio’s Country Journal Editor Brianna Smith talks with Jed Bower, a fifth-generation farmer from Washington Court House and the incoming President of the National Corn Growers Association. Bower shares his mission to keep farmers profitable, from advancing E15 ethanol adoption to exploring new uses for corn. He also reflects on what it means to represent corn growers on the national stage.
/episode/index/show/ohioagnet/id/38483340
info_outline
Ohio Ag Net Podcast - Ep 412 - Wilmington College's Night for Young Professionals, a Nova Scotia farmer, and more
09/29/2025
Ohio Ag Net Podcast - Ep 412 - Wilmington College's Night for Young Professionals, a Nova Scotia farmer, and more
This week on the Ohio Ag Net Podcast is nothing short of packed. First up, Ohio Ag Net's Dusty Sonnenberg talks with Brynn Bishop, a Wilmington College student and committee member helping coordinate the third annual Night for Young Professionals that will be taking place on Oct. 1, thanks to the Ohio Soybean Council and Ohio's soybean farmers. From headshots and résumé reviews to industry networking, door prizes, and more, this event is designed to set young adults up for professional success. With an ice cream cone in hand, our own Joel Penhorwood brings us a conversation with a Canadian farmer he met at the Farm Science Review. Doug Bacon is a Nova Scotia farmer who enjoys making the trip down to Ohio for the annual tradeshow. Bacon shares an international perspective on issues like the loss of family farms, Canada’s supply management system, and why he likes American farm equipment. Next, Ohio's Country Journal Editor Brianna Smith sits down with Morgan Evans, the Ohio Corn & Wheat intern and a senior at Wilmington College. The two relfect on Evans' internship experience, the Collegiate Policy Academy, and the value of students engaging in ag policy. Finally, Farm Credit Mid-America’s Regional Vice Presidents for Agricultural Lending, Bob Siegel and Rudi Pitzer Perry, stopped by the Ohio Ag Net barn at the Farm Science Review. They break down today’s farm financial climate — from high input costs to tight margins — and share how communication, trusted advisors, and knowing your numbers can help farmers weather the lows of agriculture’s cycles.
/episode/index/show/ohioagnet/id/38396110
info_outline
Ohio Ag Net Podcast - Ep 411 - Updates across the industry at the Farm Science Review
09/22/2025
Ohio Ag Net Podcast - Ep 411 - Updates across the industry at the Farm Science Review
The Ohio Ag Net team wrapped up yet another successful year at the Farm Science Review. To all who stopped by to see us: Thank You! We’re so glad we could share such a great week with you all. Till next year! This week on the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, we pulled together updates from across Ohio agriculture while at the Farm Science Review. Our own Dusty Sonnenberg caught up with State Director of Agriculture Brian Baldridge. The two discussed the latest happenings in the statehouse that impact Ohio agriculture; specifically, the recently passed budget bill. Director Baldridge also shared about his experience at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture annual conference in Arkansas, the current status of epidural hematoma (EDH) in cattle, and everything in between. Ohio’s Country Journal Editor Brianna Smith sat down with Luke Crumley, Director of Public Policy & Sustainability for Ohio Corn & Wheat. Crumley shared what they're focused on this time of year, the impact of vomitoxin on Ohio’s corn growers, the state’s gubernatorial race, and more. Lastly, Ohio Ag Net’s Joel Penhorwood spoke with Dr. Scott Shearer, Professor and Chair of Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering at The Ohio State University. Penhorwood and Shearer talked all things agricultural innovation, especially what was on display at this year’s Farm Science Review.
/episode/index/show/ohioagnet/id/38312480
info_outline
Ep. 410 - A welcome to the Farm Science Review and U.S. ags global trade status
09/15/2025
Ep. 410 - A welcome to the Farm Science Review and U.S. ags global trade status
Happy Farm Science Review Week! Hosted Sept. 16–18 off Route 40 in London, this marks the 63rd year of Ohio agriculture’s biggest trade show. Ohio Ag Net’s Dale Minyo sits down with Farm Science Review Manager Nick Zachrich for an inside look and preview of what’s ahead. You can find Zachrich and the Ohio Ag Net team all week long at the Ohio Ag Net/Ohio’s Country Journal Barn, located at the corner of Corn and Market Streets. Stop by and say hello to the voice you know with the news you trust team! Shifting gears to agriculture's biggest talk of the town right now: global trade. Ohio’s Country Journal Editor Brianna Smith talks with Ryan LeGrand, President & CEO of the newly renamed U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC). They discuss the group's name change, the current trade landscape for U.S. grains, and what it means for farmers. To close out the episode, Smith talks with Mark Spier, the newly elected President & CEO of U.S. Wheat Associates. He sheds insight on his new role, the importance of U.S. wheat in international markets, and how the group is working to strengthen the commodity’s competitiveness and, ultimately, its return on investment for farmers.
/episode/index/show/ohioagnet/id/38229340
info_outline
Ep. 409 - What EHD means for Ohio's deer and livestock
09/08/2025
Ep. 409 - What EHD means for Ohio's deer and livestock
Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) is making headlines in Ohio as deer herds face heavy losses, and the Ohio Department of Agriculture confirms a positive case in a cow in Meigs County. In this deep-dive video, Ohio Ag Net’s Joel Penhorwood talks with ODA Director Brian Baldridge and State Veterinarian Dr. Dennis Summers about what the livestock case means, and what farmers should know. Clint McCoy, deer biologist with the Ohio Division of Wildlife, also joins the conversation to share the latest updates on Ohio’s deer herd and what could be ahead for this fall’s hunting season.
/episode/index/show/ohioagnet/id/38134385
info_outline
Ep. 408 - Farm diversification and domestic demand
08/25/2025
Ep. 408 - Farm diversification and domestic demand
The latest Ohio Ag Net Podcast brings two timely conversations for farmers. Dale Minyo visits with Bob Siegel, Regional Vice President of Ag Lending at Farm Credit Mid-America, to talk about diversification. From trucking and tiling to agritourism and side businesses, Siegel shares how farmers are finding new ways to spread out risk and set up the next generation. Later, Joel Penhorwood catches up with Robb Ewoldt, an Iowa farmer and United Soybean Board director. Ewoldt highlights the checkoff’s work in driving soybean demand, from livestock diets and renewable fuels to shoes, tires, and even asphalt made with soybean oil. He also shares perspective on tight margins, global competition, and why building domestic markets is more important than ever.
/episode/index/show/ohioagnet/id/37953600
info_outline
Ep. 407 - Trade Wins and Weed Wars
08/18/2025
Ep. 407 - Trade Wins and Weed Wars
In this episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, Dale Minyo talks with Wendy Osborn, Director of Market Development at Ohio Corn and Wheat. They cover the effects and benefits farmers are going to see from the upcoming trade deals being made. She says there is a lot of optimism around these trade deals as we are projected to set a record for corn and corn ethanol exports, but the details of these deals are still being fine-tuned. Then, Joel Penhorwood chats alongside Rodrigo Werle, Extension Weed Scientist for the University of Wisconsin Madison from the field at the Southwest Ohio Corn Growers Field Day. With waterhemp being one of the toughest weeds to control with its very extended emergence rate and resistance, Werle offers tips to farmers about controlling waterhemp, especially with a two-pass management system.
/episode/index/show/ohioagnet/id/37864705
info_outline
Ep. 406 - Ohio Crop Tour Conclusion Conversation
08/11/2025
Ep. 406 - Ohio Crop Tour Conclusion Conversation
In this episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, Dusty Sonnenberg and Joel Penhorwood wrap up the observations of the Ohio Crop Tour, powered by Field Leader. They are joined by scouts Scott Chalfin and Joe McCandlish who help to describe the things they saw while scouting both corn and soybeans across the state.
/episode/index/show/ohioagnet/id/37765035
info_outline
Ep. 405 - Recapping a Grand State Fair with Director Baldridge
08/04/2025
Ep. 405 - Recapping a Grand State Fair with Director Baldridge
In this short but sweet episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, Dale Minyo catches up with Ohio Director of Agriculture Brian Baldridge (pictured singing with the choir at the Sale of Champions). The two talk this year's Ohio State Fair as it was wrapping up with stories of ODA involvement as well as unique examples of how the fair is helping tell the story of agriculture to the general public.
/episode/index/show/ohioagnet/id/37672630
info_outline
Ep. 404 - Mapping Change, Budget Wins, and Fair-Time Glory
07/28/2025
Ep. 404 - Mapping Change, Budget Wins, and Fair-Time Glory
In this episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, Dusty Sonnenberg and Brianna Smith chat with Ray Foos, ODOT Survey Operations Manager, and John Fulton, OSU Extension State Specialist on Precision Planting. They discuss the upcoming changes to the Geodetic Datum and how it will affect farmers. Then, Dale Minyo talks with Luke Crumley, Director of Public Policy and Sustainability for Ohio Corn and Wheat. He highlights the wins of the recent reconciliation bill passing, along with the many funds protected for farmers within the Ohio State Budget. Next, Joel Penhorwood continues to highlight a major piece of the Ohio State Fair, the open livestock shows. Joel highlights two shows, beef and sheep, talking with the Baney Sisters at Creek Bottom Farm and Tom Wallace and Family from Miami County. To wrap up, Joel catches up with Jada Shroyer, of Logan County, who exhibited the Grand Champion Market Sheep at the 2025 Ohio State Fair, along with Madison Shatto, of Shelby County, who exhibited the Reserve Champion Market Sheep.
/episode/index/show/ohioagnet/id/37583750
info_outline
Ep. 403 - Fair Wins & Farm Wisdom
07/21/2025
Ep. 403 - Fair Wins & Farm Wisdom
In this episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, Dale Minyo talks with John Linder about his starts in agriculture and how his experiences shaped his time as a past National Corn Growers Association President. Then, Dale chats with Regan Coyle, Insurance Officer at Farm Credit Mid-America, about their pasture, rangeland and forage risk management options. To wrap up, Joel Penhorwood interviewed the Market Goat Champions from the 2025 Ohio State Fair Junior Show. Hayden Bryant, Grand Champion and Braxton Method, Reserve Champion share their excitement of winning and advise for younger members. Joel also chats with Jay and Kristy Ackley about their long-time show career at the Ohio State Fair and what it means to their family to be a part of such legacy.
/episode/index/show/ohioagnet/id/37494425
info_outline
Ep. 402 - Ohio Expo Center Construction Update
07/14/2025
Ep. 402 - Ohio Expo Center Construction Update
Adam Heffron, Executive Director of the Ohio Expo Center and State Fair, joins Ohio Ag Net's Dale Minyo to talk about the ongoing construction at the fairgrounds. Visitors will see big changes ongoing as the fair gets major upgrades in the multi-year update. Additionally, Joel Penhorwood talks with OABA President and CEO Melinda Witten for a state budget perspective and event update from the Ohio AgriBusiness Association.
/episode/index/show/ohioagnet/id/37402770
info_outline
Ep. 401 - County Fairs and Critical Conversations
06/30/2025
Ep. 401 - County Fairs and Critical Conversations
In this episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, Joel Penhorwood and Brianna Smith chat with the Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge and Assistant State Veterinarian Dr. Kristy Shaw. They discuss the county fair season and what the future holds for the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) within the state. Then, Joel talks with Kelly Morgan, Director of the OH-Pigs Program where she highlights personal growth of the exhibitors, along with the opportunities the program holds for the future of the swine industry.
/episode/index/show/ohioagnet/id/37228880
info_outline
Ep. 400 - Managing Nitrogen, Water Quality, and Pests this Growing Season
06/24/2025
Ep. 400 - Managing Nitrogen, Water Quality, and Pests this Growing Season
In this episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, Joel Penhorwood speaks with Sam Park, Ohio Channel Technical Agronomist. Sam shares his knowledge on how to best mitigate the heavy rainfall this spring in terms of nitrogen management, more specifically denitrification and leeching. Then, Dusty Sonnenberg checks in with Jordan Hoewischer, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation Director of Water Quality and Research, to discuss their recent media and legislative field days focused on show casing conservation practices. Wrapping up the episode, Brianna Smith talks with Kelley Tillmon, OSU Extension Entomologist, about what pests everyone should be on the lookout for this summer.
/episode/index/show/ohioagnet/id/37128070
info_outline
Ep. 399 - Drones and Determination Drive Young Ohio Farmers
06/16/2025
Ep. 399 - Drones and Determination Drive Young Ohio Farmers
In this episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, Dusty Sonnenberg and Brianna Smith visit Baumgarte Farms to meet young agriculturalists Trevor German and Emma Burchett. The duo shares their journey back to the family farm, insights on Ohio’s Beginning Farmer Tax Credit, and how they’re leading the way with drone technology through their business in crop spraying, cover crops, and even zoo greenhouses. Also in this episode, Dale Minyo talks ethanol awareness with Gerry Puckett of Ohio Corn & Wheat, and Joel Penhorwood checks in from Pettisville High School with ag educator Whitney Short and her experience with GrowNextGen.
/episode/index/show/ohioagnet/id/37030710
info_outline
Ep. 398 - Scout It, Sample It, Stop It
06/09/2025
Ep. 398 - Scout It, Sample It, Stop It
In this episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, Dusty Sonnenberg talks with Dr. Horacio Lopez-Nicora, OSU Extension Soybean Pathologist and Nematologist, to discuss timely scouting tips for soybean seedling diseases. The conversation covers how to properly submit samples, the effectiveness and limits of seed treatments, and a practical approach to managing persistent pathogens like Phytophthora and Fusarium. Dr. Lopez-Nicora also dives into current insights on soybean cyst nematode (SCN), highlighting a free testing opportunity for Ohio growers and how rotating resistance sources is key to keeping SCN populations in check. Then, Joel Penhorwood is joined by OSU Plant Pathologist Dr. Pierce Paul to unpack headlines surrounding a court case involving an attempted smuggling of Fusarium graminearum into the U.S. – a pathogen that’s no stranger to Ohio. They explore how this year's weather could be impacting its presence, how drone-applied fungicides are changing the game, and why now is a crucial time for farmers to stay on top of field monitoring.
/episode/index/show/ohioagnet/id/36928110
info_outline
Ep. 397 - Pork Leadership, Biodiesel Breakthroughs, and Smart Decisions for the Future
06/02/2025
Ep. 397 - Pork Leadership, Biodiesel Breakthroughs, and Smart Decisions for the Future
This episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast brings together the latest in livestock leadership, soil health, and farm policy updates impacting Ohio producers. Dusty Sonnenberg and Joel Penhorwood lead a timely conversation with Duane Stateler and Pat Hord – two Ohio hog producers now serving in key leadership roles with the National Pork Producers Council with Stateler currently servicing as President and Hord as Vice President. They dig into major industry topics including Prop 12 implications, biosecurity threats like screwworm, and how Ohio farmers are helping shape national pork policy. Joel also catches up with Amy Weaver of Farm Credit Mid-America to learn more about the Growing Forward Program – designed to support young, beginning, and small farmers with tailored resources and opportunities. Then, Dusty chats with Kate Shenk, Director of Regulatory Affairs with Clean Fuels Alliance America, about compelling new research on biodiesel’s benefits – findings with a major upside for Ohio’s agricultural economy. Finally, Joe Everett and Brianna Smith talk soil strategy with Dr. Manbir Rakkar of The Ohio State University. With rain-soaked fields and delayed planting on many minds, Dr. Rakkar discusses when waiting just a bit longer might be the healthiest option for your soils in the long run, though far easier said than done.
/episode/index/show/ohioagnet/id/36821150
info_outline
Ep. 396 - Rebounding from the 2024 drought
05/19/2025
Ep. 396 - Rebounding from the 2024 drought
The Ohio Ag Net Podcast crew heads back to southeast Ohio to talk with Morgan County cattle producers who joined us in September 2024 in the midst of an especially hard drought. Has land and more rebounded from that time? Join Dusty Sonnenberg as he talks with local livestock producers Austin Wiseman, Gary Haines, and OSU Extension Field Specialist Garth Ruff to discuss the past year. Later on, Ohio Ag Net's Dale Minyo catches up with Luke Crumley of Ohio Corn & Wheat about how they and their farmer leaders are staying busy in an ever-changing policy environment.
/episode/index/show/ohioagnet/id/36631955
info_outline
Ep. 395 - Farming, Wetlands and the Fight for Fairness
05/12/2025
Ep. 395 - Farming, Wetlands and the Fight for Fairness
In this episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, we’re on location in Ottawa County, where a packed barn at the Sheldon and Samantha Miller farm hosted a standout legislative meeting of the Ottawa County Farm Bureau. Ohio Ag Net's Dusty Sonnenberg moderates a thoughtful roundtable with farmers Sheldon Miller, Samantha Miller, Josh Behnke, and Jordan Moore as they dive into the personal and community-wide impacts of conservation programs, land use pressures, weather disasters, and the unintended consequences of federal incentives. Later, Adam Sharp of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation reflects on the importance of civil, local conversations in shaping statewide agricultural policy. Finally, Dale Minyo visits with Optimus Technologies CEO Colin Huwyler to learn how 100% soy biodiesel is hitting the road in real-world fleet operations, including some right here in Ohio.
/episode/index/show/ohioagnet/id/36539630