Ohio Ag Net Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.