Our part of west central Ohio has been blessed with excellent planting weather in 2010. It is common to find sizable farmers who have all of their corn and most of their soybeans seeded by May 1. No one I have visited with can recall better field conditions for April.
As a result, there are many cornfields that have emerged, some in time to endure more than one frost. Windshield surveys reminded many of us this past weekend that just emerged corn generally recovers quickly from freezing temperatures, since the growing point is still below the soil surface.

Hopefully, April seeded crops reinforce the practice of planting when soil moisture conditions are favorable.

Timeliness with spring crop operations generally pays handsome dividends, since efficient grain, oilseed and forage production is all about harnessing sunlight energy to produce carbohydrate, protein and fat. All are necessary for feeding us, our animals and the relatively new biofuels industry.

Being timely in field operations sometimes conflicts with the driving, sleeping and entertainment schedules of non-farm rural residents and drive-thru urbanites. Practicing science based crop and livestock management is not always compatible with what much of our population thinks farming should be.

The Ohio Livestock Coalition supports the reality that agriculture is an integral part of Ohio. Following are some talking points valuable for discussion between farmers and non-farmers.

Farmers make their living from the land by being good stewards. The vast majority work diligently to protect the environment and conserve precious natural resources by using best management practices. Normal day-to-day operations of an active farm may cause annoyances to neighbors who are not involved in the business of farming.

Dust, odors, crop protection product applications and late-night farming are just a few of the examples of the annoyances which may be encountered. Fortunately, Ohio law protects established farm operations that use best management practices from nuisance complaints and lawsuits. That helps enable farmers to responsibly produce the food and fiber to feed, clothe and house our nation and the world.

Farmers sometimes work around the clock. Often that work involves the use of large farm equipment. Sometimes that equipment forces drivers to slow down. Your daytime and nighttime peace and quiet may be occasionally interrupted by common agricultural practices, especially during spring and fall fieldwork seasons.
Planting, harvesting and other operations can result in dust, especially during windy and dry weather. That dust can easily invade your home and vehicles. Rainy weather can contribute to mud on the road at field entry points.

Some farmers occasionally burn their ditches and grassy areas to keep them free of weeds or to promote growth of native plants. This burning may create smoke that some could find objectionable.
Fertilizers and pesticides are used in growing many of Ohio’s abundant and healthy crops. These products are applied by licensed applicators who take precautions to properly handle and apply them. Learning more about the safety of these products can be as simple as contacting the Ohio State University Extension office in your county.

At certain times, farm animals and manure can cause objectionable odors. Farmers use best management practices and best available technologies to limit that odor and follow government guidelines during field application to minimize odor.

Readers with questions or comments for Roger Bender may write to him in care of this publication.