Ohio's Country Journal and Ohio Ag Net

12/31/2025

In this Ohio Ag Net exclusive, we take a closer look at a major policy shift that could impact how farmers use drone technology in the field. The FCC is moving to ban the use of certain future foreign-made drone models and components, raising big questions about access, affordability, and innovation in agriculture. To get a better understand what this policy really means, Ty Higgins visits with Alex Ryan, Director of Regulations and Policy with Agri Spray Drones.… Continue reading

In this Ohio Ag Net exclusive, we take a closer look at a major policy shift that could impact how farmers use drone technology in the field. The FCC is moving to ban the use of certain future foreign-made drone models and components, raising big questions about access, affordability, and innovation

12/31/2025

Looking back on 2025, agriculture experienced no shortage of challenges. The year brought difficult conversations, tough decisions and moments of uncertainty across the industry. At the same time, it highlighted the strength of the agricultural community, with producers, policymakers and advocates coming together to address problems, celebrate progress and keep agriculture moving forward.

The most-viewed news story of 2025 came late in the year, when Ty Higgins was first on scene at a fire at one of Select Sires’ facilities. Thankfully, no people or livestock were injured. Dr. Tony Good provided a brief interview following the incident, assuring customers it was “business as usual” moving forward. Watch that interview here.

One of the most-read stories of the year focused on a small creature causing big problems: ticks. Brianna Smith interviewed two veterinary experts about the increasing number and variety of ticks in Ohio and what the trend means for livestock and human health.… Continue reading

Looking back on 2025, agriculture experienced no shortage of challenges. The year brought difficult conversations, tough decisions and moments of uncertainty across the industry. At the same time, it highlighted the strength of the agricultural community, with producers, policymakers and advocates c

12/31/2025

By Dusty Sonnenberg, CCA, Field Leader, a project of the Ohio Soybean Council and Soybean Check-off

With surging populations and a growing middle class seeking more protein, several countries in Southeast Asia are looking to U.S. soybean farmers for solutions. Brianna Metts, Industry Affairs Manager for the U.S. Soy Export Council (USSEC), says that while the lack of business in 2025 with China has been the most talked-about aspect of soybean trade, there are many exciting soybean and soymeal trade developments in other countries.

“A market we have seen come online massively in the last couple of weeks is Bangladesh,” Metts said. “They just recently signed a memorandum of understanding and a letter of intent to purchase $1.25 billion worth of U.S. soy and soybean meal over the next 12 months. That market has a growing middle class and a growing demand for protein. Much of the soy we sell them goes into poultry feed.… Continue reading

By Dusty Sonnenberg, CCA, Field Leader, a project of the Ohio Soybean Council and Soybean Check-off With surging populations and a growing middle class seeking more protein, several countries in Southeast Asia are looking to U.S. soybean farmers for solutions. Brianna Metts, Industry Affairs Mana

12/31/2025

Having the right w**d control products is one thing, but when you apply them could be the difference between a clean field and a threat to yield. BASF‘s Herbicide Technical Marketing Manager, Josh Putman, visits with Dale Minyo about best practices for herbicide applications.

… Continue reading

Having the right w**d control products is one thing, but when you apply them could be the difference between a clean field and a threat to yield. BASF's Herbicide Technical Marketing Manager, Josh Putman, visits with Dale Minyo about best practices for herbicide applications.

12/30/2025

Biofuels have always sat at the intersection of agriculture, energy, and innovation. For 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.

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 on this Ohio Ag Net Podcast.

12/30/2025

By Ryan Martin, Ohio Ag Net Chief Meterologist

December 30, 2025 -- We can see slightly better potential for sunshine today but still look for nothing better than a mix of clouds and sun. A clipper system is set to dive across the Great Lakes later this afternoon and tonight...

December 30, 2025 -- We can see slightly better potential for sunshine today but still look for nothing better than a mix of clouds and sun. A clipper system is set to dive across the Great Lakes later this afternoon and tonight...

12/30/2025

By Dale Minyo

After three decades of early mornings, farm visits, county fairs, and more miles on the road than I could ever count, it’s time for me to step away from the microphone. I’m not sure retirement will slow me down much, but it will certainly change the rhythm of my days. For 30 years, that rhythm has been built around one simple purpose: helping people tell their story. Every day is different, every voice is different, and that’s what has made this job such a blessing.

I didn’t set out to be on the radio. In fact, I tried pretty hard for a while not to be. I started in the sales department, content to help people get from where they were to where they said they wanted to be. But life has its own way of nudging you, and sometimes it pushes you right onto a stage you never imagined you’d stand on.… Continue reading

By Dale Minyo After three decades of early mornings, farm visits, county fairs, and more miles on the road than I could ever count, it’s time for me to step away from the microphone. I’m not sure retirement will slow me down much, but it will certainly change the rhythm of my days. For 30 years,

12/30/2025

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.

… Continue reading

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

12/30/2025

As we look back on 2025, our coverage spanned timely issues, emerging trends and powerful, story-driven pieces that informed, challenged and connected with readers. Over the next week, we’ll revisit a mix of those highlights, including some of our top-performing videos and feature stories.

One of the most read stories and most watched videos of the year was a feature on the Moore family of Cadiz. For more than 200 years, eight generations of the Moore family have raised sheep on Cottage Hill Farm in Harrison County. Today, three generations — Stanley, Rick, and Steve Moore — manage 550 to 600 Merino-based ewes across 2,000 acres, producing both wool and meat while also running a small cattle herd.

Watch the video and read the article here: https://ocj.com/2025/11/following-the-flock-for-multiple-generations/

… Continue reading

As we look back on 2025, our coverage spanned timely issues, emerging trends and powerful, story-driven pieces that informed, challenged and connected with readers. Over the next week, we’ll revisit a mix of those highlights, including some of our top-performing videos and feature stories. One of

12/30/2025

The Ohio Beef Council and the Ohio Cattlemen’s Foundation, in partnership with The Ohio State University Animal Science Department, will host the BEEF 509 program on February 27–28, 2026, at the Animal Science Building, 2029 Fyffe Rd, Columbus, OH 43210.

BEEF 509 is an intensive educational program designed to help cattle producers better understand the food side of their business and implement best management practices to improve beef quality, enhance profitability, and recognize value within the beef supply chain.

Participants will explore topics including Live Cattle Evaluation, Beef Carcass Grading, Grid Pricing, Beef Harvest Demonstration, Carcass Fabrication and Cutting, Understanding the Science of Beef, Beef Quality Assurance, and Live Carcass and Boxed Beef Evaluation.

During the program, participants will work in teams to:

Evaluate live animals and grid pricing systems

Select cattle through an “auction-like” setting

Follow those cattle through harvest, grading, and hands-on cutting sessions

This hands-on approach allows participants to experience firsthand differences in carcass composition and understand how those differences impact value and profitability.… Continue reading

The Ohio Beef Council and the Ohio Cattlemen’s Foundation, in partnership with The Ohio State University Animal Science Department, will host the BEEF 509 program on February 27–28, 2026, at the Animal Science Building, 2029 Fyffe Rd, Columbus, OH 43210. BEEF 509 is an intensive educational prog...

12/29/2025

By Ryan Martin, Ohio Ag Net Chief Meterologist

December 29, 2025 -- Quite the turn-around in the weather to start this week. Winds will be quite strong out of the north and northwest through the day today, with temps a strong 40+ degrees cooler than yesterday.

December 29, 2025 -- Quite the turn-around in the weather to start this week. Winds will be quite strong out of the north and northwest through the day today, with temps a strong 40+ degrees cooler than yesterday.

12/29/2025

By Allison Kinney, OCJ field reporter

You climb into your truck to start your day on the farm. As you close your door and turn the key to start the engine, the radio kicks on. The moment the sound reaches your ears, that iconic intro is instantly recognizable.

“Thanks for joining us on the Ohio Ag Net, the voice you know with the news you trust. I am Dale Minyo!”

This one-liner is known to many, but for the last 30 years, the voice behind it is just as recognizable. Dale Minyo, general manager and lead farm broadcaster at Ag Net Communications, has been heard on radio stations across the state and has become a constant alongside agricultural news.

No stranger to agriculture, he grew up on a poultry and cow-calf operation in southeast Ohio. He attended Shenandoah High School and spent a few years as a state FFA officer. After high school, he was hesitant to go to college but decided to attend The Ohio State University, majoring in agricultural economics.… Continue reading

By Allison Kinney, OCJ field reporter You climb into your truck to start your day on the farm. As you close your door and turn the key to start the engine, the radio kicks on. The moment the sound reaches your ears, that iconic intro is instantly recognizable. “Thanks for joining us on the Oh