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.