In this episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, Joel Penhorwood and Brianna Smith chat with the Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge and Assistant State Veterinarian Dr. Kristy Shaw. They discuss the county fair season and what the future holds for the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) within the state. Then, Joel talks with Kelly Morgan, Director of the OH-Pigs Program where she highlights personal growth of the exhibitors, along with the opportunities the program holds fo...
Jun 30, 2025•29 min•Ep. 401
In this episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, Joel Penhorwood speaks with Sam Park, Ohio Channel Technical Agronomist. Sam shares his knowledge on how to best mitigate the heavy rainfall this spring in terms of nitrogen management, more specifically denitrification and leeching. Then, Dusty Sonnenberg checks in with Jordan Hoewischer, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation Director of Water Quality and Research, to discuss their recent media and legislative field days focused on show casing conservation prac...
Jun 24, 2025•25 min•Ep. 400
In this episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, Dusty Sonnenberg and Brianna Smith visit Baumgarte Farms to meet young agriculturalists Trevor German and Emma Burchett. The duo shares their journey back to the family farm, insights on Ohio’s Beginning Farmer Tax Credit, and how they’re leading the way with drone technology through their business Eagle Eye Agriculture in crop spraying, cover crops, and even zoo greenhouses. Also in this episode, Dale Minyo talks ethanol awareness with Gerry Puckett o...
Jun 16, 2025•41 min•Ep. 399
In this episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, Dusty Sonnenberg talks with Dr. Horacio Lopez-Nicora, OSU Extension Soybean Pathologist and Nematologist, to discuss timely scouting tips for soybean seedling diseases. The conversation covers how to properly submit samples, the effectiveness and limits of seed treatments, and a practical approach to managing persistent pathogens like Phytophthora and Fusarium. Dr. Lopez-Nicora also dives into current insights on soybean cyst nematode (SCN), highlighti...
Jun 09, 2025•35 min•Ep. 398
This episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast brings together the latest in livestock leadership, soil health, and farm policy updates impacting Ohio producers. Dusty Sonnenberg and Joel Penhorwood lead a timely conversation with Duane Stateler and Pat Hord – two Ohio hog producers now serving in key leadership roles with the National Pork Producers Council with Stateler currently servicing as President and Hord as Vice President. They dig into major industry topics including Prop 12 implications, bio...
Jun 02, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 397
The Ohio Ag Net Podcast crew heads back to southeast Ohio to talk with Morgan County cattle producers who joined us in September 2024 in the midst of an especially hard drought. Has land and more rebounded from that time? Join Dusty Sonnenberg as he talks with local livestock producers Austin Wiseman, Gary Haines, and OSU Extension Field Specialist Garth Ruff to discuss the past year. Later on, Ohio Ag Net's Dale Minyo catches up with Luke Crumley of Ohio Corn & Wheat about how they and thei...
May 19, 2025•35 min•Ep. 396
In this episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, we’re on location in Ottawa County, where a packed barn at the Sheldon and Samantha Miller farm hosted a standout legislative meeting of the Ottawa County Farm Bureau. Ohio Ag Net's Dusty Sonnenberg moderates a thoughtful roundtable with farmers Sheldon Miller, Samantha Miller, Josh Behnke, and Jordan Moore as they dive into the personal and community-wide impacts of conservation programs, land use pressures, weather disasters, and the unintended conse...
May 12, 2025•36 min•Ep. 395
Need motivation? Look no further. This special edition of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast takes you inside the 97th Ohio FFA State Convention with the help of our 2025 Student FFA Reporters. The episode opens with a roundtable featuring returning reporters Sydney Beiting of East Clinton FFA and Alexis White of Fort Frye FFA, alongside new team members Cole Bauman (Liberty Center FFA), Tara Kremer (New Bremen FFA), and Emily Lichtle (Crestview FFA). From there, hear in-depth interviews with the four reci...
May 05, 2025•37 min•Ep. 394
In this week's Ohio Ag Net Podcast, Joel Penhorwood sits down with Nick Sheets, founder of Henmick Farm & Brewery in Delaware. Nick shares the story of transforming his family's century-old farm into a thriving brewery and community destination. From the rustic charm of the 1860s barn to the commitment to locally sourced ingredients, Henmick offers a unique blend of agriculture and craft brewing. Nick discusses the vision behind Henmick, the importance of community, and the journey of reinvi...
Apr 28, 2025•48 min•Ep. 393
In this special edition of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, we take a heartfelt journey through the roots and growth of Ohio's premier farm broadcast network. Host Matt Reese is joined by former owner Bart Johnson, legendary broadcaster Dale Minyo, and team member Joel Penhorwood. Together, they unpack the legacy of Ed Johnson, the birth of Ohio Ag Net, the evolution of ag media through radio, print, and podcasts, and the stories—some serious, many humorous—that shaped nearly two decades of service to O...
Apr 21, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 392
Show season is upon us, and Roger High of the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association (and a noted livestock judge himself) joins several members of the Ohio Ag Net team for a unique discussion about the trends - both differences and similarities - between commercial and show livestock. Ohio Ag Net's Jeff Reese and Joel Penhorwood, each with unique experience in the show world from a feed and showing perspective, join OCJ's Matt Reese for this talk about the convergence between the world of market vs...
Apr 14, 2025•25 min•Ep. 391
In this thought-provoking episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, host Matt Reese is joined by Ty Higgins of Ohio Farm Bureau and Melanie Wilt of Shift•ology Communication and Clark County Commissioner. Together, they dive into the concept of echo chambers—what they are, how they affect us, and the implications for agriculture, media, and beyond. From a tragic community crisis in Springfield to Chihuahua anecdotes and family holiday debates, the trio explores how differing perspectives shape our und...
Apr 07, 2025•27 min•Ep. 390
Do you know who Ohio's "corn model" is? According to Matt Reese in this week’s Ohio Ag Net Podcast, that model is Tyler Drewes of Wood County, a corn producer and the president of the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association. Matt and Tyler catch up at the 2025 Celebration of Ohio Corn & Wheat on Feb. 4 to discuss crop genetics, grower adaptability, and year-round E-15. Featured audio includes: Matt talks with both the corn and wheat winners of the 2024 Yield Contest. In the Ohio corn yield...
Mar 30, 2025•37 min•Ep. 389
In this week's Ohio Ag Net Podcast, Matt Reese catches up with newly-elected Ohio Farmers Union President Bryn Bird. They talk cross-country moves, diverse vegetable production, and family farming. Bird also shares what the union is advocating on behalf of farmers for, including strengthening regional food systems and farms. Featured audio includes: Dale Minyo catches up with the Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture Brian Baldridge at the Ohio Beef Expo. Joel Penhorwood meets with the ...
Mar 24, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 388
The Commodity Classic brings together some of the biggest names in agriculture, and this episode takes you on a virtual tour of the trade show floor. Ohio Ag Net’s Dusty Sonnenberg and Joe Everett catch up with industry leaders to hear the latest on everything from crop protection and seed innovation to ag lending and equipment advancements. Whether it’s new technologies, financing options, or the latest in biologicals, this episode has something for everyone in ag. We kick off the podcast in an...
Mar 17, 2025•52 min
The annual Commodity Classic is a big deal for agriculture, bringing together voices from across the industry to talk about what lies ahead. In this episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, Farm Director Dusty Sonnenberg brings you insights from the recent Commodity Classic 2025, featuring updates from a wide range of key agricultural commodity organizations. From market trends and trade discussions to sustainability efforts and transportation challenges, this episode covers it all. Featured intervie...
Mar 10, 2025•1 hr 18 min
Pork, pork, and more pork on this week’s Ohio Ag Net Podcast! Getting updates from the recent Ohio Pork Congress, Matt Reese talks with Ohio Pork Council President Nathen Schroeder from Putman County and Josh Scramlin with the National Pork Producers Council for an entertaining and insightful discussion on all things impacting hog farmers. Additional interviews include: A conversation with Cheryl Day, executive vice president of the Ohio Pork Council Jim Albaugh, the OPC Pork Industry Excellence...
Mar 03, 2025•47 min•Ep. 385
This week, the Ohio Ag Net Podcast brings you coverage from Ohio Farm Bureau’s Ag Day at the Capital, where Matt Reese catches up with Ohio Farm Bureau Trustee Vince Untied of Muskingum County and Evan Callicoat, OFBF Director of State Policy. More insights from the event come from Whitney Bowers, OFBF Director of State Policy and Grassroots Engagement. Also featured, Dale Minyo talks with Erica Hitzhusen of GrowNextGen SECO and Kristen Ward of Farm Credit Mid-America on the importance of risk m...
Feb 24, 2025•41 min•Ep. 384
In this week’s episode, hosts Matt Reese and Joe Everett sit down with Clint and Joe Nester of Nester Ag, LLC in Williams County to discuss how excess soil fertility can be depreciated for tax savings after purchasing farmland. Also in this episode: Joel Penhorwood catches up with Wendy Osborn of Ohio Corn & Wheat to recap the latest corn and wheat yield contest winners. Matt talks with Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge and Darke County Commissioner Matt Aultman about t...
Feb 17, 2025•51 min•Ep. 383
This week’s Ohio Ag Net Podcast features an update from the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association with OCA President Mark Goecke of Allen County and Colin Woodall, CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Also featured is Alyssa Heldman, student coordinator for Night for Young Professionals, followed by Taylor Embry of AgHires with insights for job seekers in agriculture. Wrapping up the episode, Ani Katchova, Professor and Farm Income Enhancement Chair in the Department of Agricultural, Environ...
Feb 10, 2025•37 min•Ep. 382
This week’s Ohio Ag Net Podcast takes you inside the Ohio Agribusiness Association Conference, featuring conversations with OABA President & CEO Melinda Witten and Board Chair Grant Gates on key legislative wins and the impact of Trump-era tariffs. Dusty Sonnenberg catches up with Tadd Nicholson for an update on E15, while Matt Reese brings insights from the conference, talking ag weather with Aaron Wilson of OSU Extension, market trends with Michael Reginelli of Advance Trading, and risk ma...
Feb 03, 2025•44 min•Ep. 381
This week, the Ohio Ag Net Podcast takes a closer look at the Winchester Farm Exchange, a farm-to-table grocery store featuring products from over 50 local vendors. Hosts visit with Trish Preston, co-owner of Winchester Farm Exchange, and vendors Derek Schmitt of Schmitt Farms in Fairfield County and Sarah Ison of Flourish and Roam in Clermont County. Learn how they’re bringing innovative ideas to connect farmers and consumers in the Canal Winchester region. Also featured in this episode: Brent ...
Jan 27, 2025•48 min•Ep. 380
In this episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, Matt Reese reflects on the trials and triumphs of the 2024 growing season with insights from Nathan Brause of Crawford County and Glenn Lackey of Athens County at the Ohio No-Till Conference. Dale Minyo sits down with Luke Crumley of Ohio Corn & Wheat to discuss the organization's 2025 public policy priorities. Margaret Jodlowski of Ohio State sheds light on the evolving farm labor outlook, while Joel Penhorwood introduces us to the unique world of...
Jan 20, 2025•57 min•Ep. 379
What would you do if you got a direct message on Instagram, and it said, “Would you like to be on a Japanese TV show?” A. Delete it B. Ignore it C. Sure! I’d love to be on a Japanese TV show! Chances are most people would overwhelmingly choose A or B. Last February, OCJ columnist Shelly Detwiler read the first line of this exact message and her first thought was that it was a scam, but she ultimately chose C, which put on track for a once in a lifetime experience on the other side of the world f...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 378
In the first Ohio Ag Net Podcast of 2025, DustySonnenberg takes a look back at the work done by the Ohio Soybean Council and Soybean Check-off in 2024. Dusty visits with Steve Reinhard, an Ohio soybean farmer that just finished his term serving as Chairman of the United Soybean Board. Dustyand Steve discuss some of the important work of the USB, creating greater value for farmers with the dollars invested in the soybean check-off. Dusty also takes a look out in the field and reviews the growing ...
Jan 06, 2025•24 min•Ep. 377
Celebrate the season with this heartwarming and informative Christmas episode! Matt Reese chats with Kayleigh Keller of Keller Meats in Medina County about organizing a supply convoy to help those devastated by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, an inspiring story of generosity and resilience. Shelly Detwiler shares festive Christmas recipes to brighten your holiday table. Plus, hear a GrowNextGen update with Eric and Adele Flynn of Lorain County, who have hosted engaging virtual field trips. D...
Dec 16, 2024•59 min•Ep. 376
Join Matt and Dusty as they spotlight innovative farming practices and stewardship across Ohio. Leon Klopfenstein of Paulding County shares his journey to earning the Ohio No-Till Council 2024 No-Till Farmer of the Year award, focusing on enhancing soil health in challenging conditions. Rob Davis of Reclaimed Tree Farm in Harrison County, the 2024 Ohio Tree Farm of the Year, discusses his sustainable forestry practices. Plus, Jessica D’Ambrosio of The Nature Conservancy explains cascading waterw...
Dec 09, 2024•59 min
On this week's podcast, Matt Reese sits down with Dave Keener, farm manager at Timbuk Farms in Licking County, home of the Canaan Fir Tree Company. Keener shares insights into one of Ohio’s unique farms that takes Christmas trees from seed all the way to retail. Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge discusses the Operation Evergreen Program, plus Mike Estadt with Pickaway County Extension provides a harvest recap from one of the areas hardest hit by the 2024 drought....
Dec 02, 2024•28 min•Ep. 374
This week on the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, Matt Reese talks with Brian Baldridge , director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture, about the critical issue of farmland preservation in Ohio and its impact on the future of agriculture. Do recent exceptions to farmland easements made with good intentions open up loopholes down the road? They explore the topic in depth. Featured audio includes: Dale Minyo’s conversation with David Marrison of OSU Extension about key planning considerations for the year a...
Nov 18, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 373
In this week’s episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, hosts Matt and Dusty are joined by Dee Jepsen from Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, and Ty Higgins of the Ohio Farm Bureau, to discuss the Ohio Agricultural Mental Health Alliance’s first farm stress survey results. The conversation dives into the survey's insights and what they mean for Ohio farmers' mental health and resilience. Also in this episode: Dale talks with Shane Kellogg about the role of biodies...
Nov 11, 2024•43 min•Ep. 372
