OHIO NOTEBOOK: Demonstration plots can offer farmers insight

Ohio State Extension

LONDON - Across a series of fields, diseased soybean plants stand, tarnished by pesticide that spread much further than intended. Another patch of soybeans grew only minimally, planted in the same spot year after year, without a break.

“We’re going to show you: If you mess up, this is what’s going to happen,” said Harold Watters, a field specialist with Ohio State University Extension.

Watters was referring to an exhibit at the upcoming Farm Science Review where crops were planted to demonstrate various challenges farmers face, as well as possible solutions. Watters and other experts from Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), will be on hand at the Review, a three-day agricultural trade show Sept. 19-21, to discuss the crops they planted and the outcome that either shows a problem or resolves one. All demonstration plots were planted to illustrate research findings about what works and what doesn’t for various hurdles farmers face.

This year’s growing season came with many weather-related challenges. A warmer than typical winter caused some growers to plant early, but then heavy spring rains washed some seeds away or made it hard for seeds to emerge in muddied, then dried over soils. Insects were out early. And the rain continued, causing ponding on fields.

“We want to hear about what worked for farmers, their trials and tribulations. If they want to stop and talk, that’s what we’re here for,” Watters said.

Quinn set to lead at MVNU as Director of Athletics

As the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year approaches, the Mount Vernon Nazarene University Athletic Department is pleased to announce the hire of Aaron Quinn as the Director of Athletics.

Quinn was hired to the position of Director of Athletics in June of 2017. Aaron and his family first relocated to MVNU in June of 2016 when he accepted the continuing roles of Dean of Students and Title IX Coordinator at the university.

Quinn, an Ohio native, has lifelong experiences in athletics as a student-athlete, a coach, and a parent. He played high school basketball for Cambridge High School under legendary head coach Gene Ford, and then continued on with a collegiate basketball playing career that included stops at Ohio University, Ohio Dominican, Capital University, and a final season at the University of Rio Grande.

- Mount Vernon Nazarene University

Increased traffic expected as Ashland University students move in Aug. 25

Move-in day for Ashland University freshmen on the AU campus will be Friday, Aug. 25, and Ashland residents are reminded of the increased traffic on Broad Street and Claremont Avenue that day.

“We just want to make people aware that there will be increased traffic and possibly some backups on Claremont Avenue and Broad Street on that Friday,” said Jennifer Washock, director of orientation and community service at Ashland University. “If at all possible, please try to avoid these areas between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. that day.”

Washock said the University will have a police officer on location during the day to help direct traffic into Parking Lot E, which is the Convocation Center and Amstutz Hall parking lot.

- Ashland University