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Articles by Haley Zynda
The History of American Agriculture
By Haley Zynda Happy Independence Day, U.S.A! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend celebrating our great nation’s independence with a good, old-fashioned cookout. To me, one of the best summer meals is a cheeseburger with all the fixings, pasta salad loaded with fresh veggies, and sweet, sun-ripened watermelon. In the midst of the thanks for our country, it’s important to also understand and give thanks for the farmers that keep food on our table and our bellies full.
Warm weather signals warm season grasses
The heat and humidity of the last week have signaled that the comfortable temperatures for our cool season perennial grasses are behind us and the warm season grasses will start their growth cycle. Planting warm season annual grasses is a feasible way to improve summer pastures or hay fields to maintain dry matter production during the cool grass summer slump. A few warm season annual grasses that come to mind are include forage sorghum, sudangrass and sudex, a sorghum-sudangrass hybrid.
Potato leafhopper threat strengthens over time
By Haley Zynda Wayne County Extension First-cutting hay has been coming off the fields during the nice stretches of weather, and to me, there is no sweeter smell than freshly cut hay. Our alfalfa pest, the alfalfa weevil, likely is declining in its threat to the stand because it is mostly a first-cutting pest. On the other hand, the potato leafhopper is ramping up. They live year-round in the southern parts of the United States and blow into the northern parts of the country with weather events.
Poison hemlock, wild parsnip: Back and rearing their ugly heads Original
By Haley Zynda Last year put poison hemlock on everyone’s radar and this year is no exception. This white-flowered toxic weed is well above 6-feet tall at this point in the growing season, and in bloom. A defining feature is purple splotching on the stem. The unfortunate part about it is that chemical control is not a valid method for control of large, mature plants. Poison hemlock is a noxious weed in Ohio because of its poisonous nature and easily spread seed.
Pennies, Purses, and Peppers
By Haley Zynda As someone with grazing livestock, I’m always checking the fields and trying to identify the non-grass plants that may pepper the pastures. Weeds in a pasture are detrimental – something as seemingly harmless such as reducing the available dry matter to potentially poisoning the stock if they get into the weeds for a taste-test. Shepherd’s purse prefers full sun and rich soils and can be found in ag crop fields, gardens, lawns, and roadsides.
Pennycress, pepperweed and shepherd’s purse popping up in your pasture
By Haley Zynda OSU Extension Wayne County Last week’s column handled some yellow lookalike weeds and to me, it wasn’t enough. As someone with grazing livestock, I’m always checking the fields and trying to identify the non-grass plants that may pepper the pastures. Weeds in a pasture are detrimental – something as seemingly harmless such as reducing the available dry matter to potentially poisoning the stock if they get into the weeds for a taste-test.
Pesticides aren't just for large-scale farms
In Extension, we do a lot of work with pesticides and fertilizers, however, most of the information is targeted for large-scale farmers with pesticide licenses that require recertification every three years. But, what about the homeowner? What kind of general-use pesticides are available for use in the lawn and garden? Forages and finances:Financial aspect of alternative forages Well, let us first talk about pesticides in general.
Find your joy during tough times
During the week that I wrote this, I was able to create and give a presentation to a local rotary club on preparing landscape beds and selecting flowers for the garden. It wasn’t even close to being a dairy topic, but it gave me joy. From the content shared to the photos used to the people listening, I had so much fun with this program. In the state of agriculture today, with input prices skyrocketing and uncertainty for the future, it can be incredibly hard to find the joy in what we do.
Financial aspect of alternative forages
A couple of weeks ago I started discussing the "why" behind alternative forages. No answer as to "why" would be complete without at least a bit of conversation around the financial aspect of alternative forages. Are they cheaper to grow? More expensive? Do they increase the income over feed cost? Do they increase the cost of the ration? Dr. Ferriera also touched on this during his talk at the Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference.
Mixing it Up (in the Hay Field or Pasture!)
Farms.com Home › News By Haley Zynda Pastures are really greening up in this area of Ohio and producers are antsy to turn livestock out to enjoy the lush greenery. Winter annual weeds are still thriving, patiently waiting for their summer counterparts to start germinating. Perhaps you also frost-seeded clover into pastures to improve feed quality and to cut down on nitrogen applications. If that’s the case, weed control this year will be a different story.
Explore the options in alternative forages
The talk of alternative forages really has taken the grazers and haymakers by storm, and I, too, have been swept up in the promise of extending grazing seasons and beating the summer slump with warm season annual grasses. Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with the likes of professors, graduate students and Extension personnel from Michigan State, Purdue and Ohio State Universities and industry dairy nutritionists.
Mixing it up in the pasture
Pastures are really greening up in this area of Ohio, and producers are antsy to turn livestock out to enjoy the lush greenery. Winter annual weeds are still thriving, patiently waiting for their summer counterparts to start germinating. Perhaps you also frost-seeded clover into pastures to improve feed quality and to cut down on nitrogen applications. If that’s the case, weed control this year will be a different story.
Mixing it up: how a mixed stand can improve hay, pasture
Pastures are really greening up in this area of Ohio and producers are antsy to turn livestock out to enjoy the lush greenery. Winter annual weeds are still thriving, patiently waiting for their summer counterparts to start germinating. Perhaps you also frost-seeded clover into pastures to improve feed quality and to cut down on nitrogen applications. If that’s the case, weed control this year will be a different story. Having a mixed stand, whether for hay or pasture, has several benefits.
You’ve got to be 'ked-ing' me: all about sheep keds
I’ve been hearing so much about ticks lately that it’s really been bugging me. The Asian Longhorned Tick is certainly one to keep an eye out for in our herds and flocks, but another ectoparasite that may affect sheep is the sheep ked, Melophagus ovinus. Keds are a like a tick, but only found on domestic and wild sheep and goats. Typically, keds are most prevalent in the Western United States, but with the ability to ship animals all over the country, it’s important to know what’s really out there.
Brighten flower beds with spring-planted bulbs
Spring has officially sprung here in Wayne County, or least the spring equinox has come and passed. Folks are itching for the greenhouses to fling open their doors, welcoming in eager gardeners ready to beautify their landscape for another season. More:How to reduce dairy farm expenses Flowers are cheery and can brighten any room, which is why having a wonderful selection of cut-type flowers can make both outdoors and indoors a treat to enjoy.
Pay attention: Birth to weaning is a critical time in a heifer's development
Heifer raising is an important part of any dairy operation in order to allow them to reach their full genetic potential in their lactations. Part of that is ensuring their diet meets their nutritional needs for growth and development. A heifer’s development can be split into four major categories that need to be considered when feeding - birth to weaning, weaning to breeding, breeding to calvin, and the first lactation. Birth to weaning is a critical timeframe for rumen development.
Manure application: Keep costs per pound of nutrient, value in mind
With pesticide and fertilizer recertification programs kicking off, nutrient and manure application is on the brain. The value of manure has crept higher with the increasing costs of commercial fertilizers. On the Jan. 27 USDA NASS report, average prices per ton were $1497, $895 and $574 for anhydrous, urea, and 28%, respectively. Price per ton of DAP was $858, MAP was $906 and potash was $810. You may want to keep in mind the price per pound of nutrient if you’re purchasing fertilizer.
Federal commodity protection programs available to producers
Producers have the opportunity to enroll in federal commodity protection programs again this year. The deadline to enroll is March 15, 2022 and the coverage will begin in September of 2022 and run until August 2023. Previous column:Pesticide and fertilizer recertification sessions set for March Extension was lucky to have Ben Brown from the University of Missouri (previously Ohio State) give a quick update on coverage elections. Below are tidbits from his Farm Bill Decision Update.
Antibiotic Stewardship in Calves - Part 3
By Haley Zynda We’re back with the final installment of the Antibiotic Stewardship in Calves program from Veal Quality Assurance. The final module is treatment protocols, a natural wrap-up to the program after learning about both the role of antibiotics in Part 1 and clinical evaluations in Part 2.
Pesticide and fertilizer recertification sessions set for March
It’s hard to believe January already has come to a close, but that also means the deadline for expiring pesticide and fertilizer licenses is only eight weeks away. Some of you may have attended the Ag-Pro Expo last week in Millersburg to earn your credits, but for those who were not able to make it, or needed more categories than was offered there, please call the OSU Extension Wayne County Office to register for one of the following upcoming sessions.
Antibiotic Stewardship in Calves - Part 1
By Haley Zynda You’ve likely heard of Beef Quality Assurance, but what about Veal Quality Assurance? Essentially, it is the same type of certification for the well-being and proper handling of veal calves. However, a new addition to the certification training is antibiotic stewardship – a concept translatable to almost every livestock operation out there.
Farm herds will be happy as long as the trough water says fluid
With last weekend’s subzero temperatures, waterlines and water troughs were likely frozen across the state. If you and your livestock are lucky to have an automatic waterer with a heating element, you may not have felt the cold too much, but for those without, I’m sure hammers and axes may have made an appearance in barns and fields. I’ve gotten the question a few times – “How can I prevent troughs from freezing without electricity?” Well, what a very good question indeed.
No time like the present to horse around in pasture management
An article on pasture management in the middle of January – seems a little untimely, you’re probably thinking. Well, I’d have to agree with you, except the middle of winter is the perfect time to daydream about warmer spring days and envisioning how you want your pastures to look throughout the grazing season. Winter is the time for preparatory thoughts on management changes you may make to your farm come May or June.
Let's do some horsing around with pasture management
Haley Zynda An article on pasture management in the middle of January – seems a little untimely, you’re probably thinking. Well, I’d have to agree with you, except the middle of winter is the perfect time to daydream about warmer spring days and envisioning how you want your pastures to look throughout the grazing season. Winter is the time for preparatory thoughts on management changes you may make to your farm come May or June.
Farming lambs? Here are some tips to help at birthing time
Dystocia, weak lambs and kids, hypothermia (if you have the pleasure of lambing in January and February like we do in the Midwest) and agalactia all classify as lambing and kidding emergencies in my book and probably yours, too. With lambing season perhaps already started for some and right around the corner for others, it’s time to prepare for the “lambpede” soon to hit your barns. Dystocia is the issue producers are most likely concerned about.
Does your farm have a new year resolution?
Haley Zynda It is that time of year again – folks are deciding whether saving for a vacation, spending more time volunteering or hitting the gym will be their New Year’s resolution. If you can make a personal resolution, why not make one for your farming operation? Animals and pneumonia: There is still a lot we don't know and treatment varies It can be anything under the sun, (and that is, in fact, where your farm sits), so the possibilities are endless.
Animals and pneumonia: There is still a lot we don't know and treatment varies
There is not a lot of research to prove whether large temperature fluctuations and humidity can lead to cases of pneumonia and influenza in livestock. Previous column:Falling leaves poison with ease However, even though there is nothing published for cattle, sheep and goats, many producers would say they've seen the scenario play out in their operations. While we don’t know exactly why this occurs, we need to be able to recognize the risks and management strategies when it does.
Keep your dairy herd's udders and teats healthy during winter
Winter is right around the corner with already freezing temperatures and several snowfalls in northeastern Ohio — which means chapped and cracked teat ends are not far behind. Taking care of the udder and teats during the harshest weather of the year will keep the cows comfortable and healthy, meaning less profit loss from subclinical and clinical mastitis cases and increased somatic cell counts.
Tis the season to give udders and teats the special care they deserve
Winter is right around the corner with already freezing temperatures and several snowfalls in northeastern Ohio, which means chapped and cracked teat ends are not far behind. Taking care of the udder and teats during the harshest weather of the year will keep the cows comfortable and healthy, meaning less profit loss from subclinical and clinical mastitis cases and increased somatic cell counts.
The Skinny on Fat
By Haley Zynda For those of you who eat beef, fat is flavor. For those of you feeding beef, fat is money. Well, a certain type of fat (intramuscular fat/marbling) is money because it increases your chance of selling higher quality grade beef. The three grades you’ll hear most often are prime, choice, and select, in descending order. Prime beef has abundant marbling and is currently only about 3% of the whole beef market.
Beware the late-falling leaves; livestock could be at risk
Even though we’re only a couple weeks away from the true start of winter, (hard to believe, I know), some trees are still clutching onto their leaves as if the dying foliage will be enough to fortify their soon-to-be bare branches against the frigid temperatures. It’s important to take note of the trees that have leaves yet to fall, especially if you house livestock outside in pastures or sacrifice lots.
Falling Leaves Poison with Ease
By Haley Zynda Even though we’re only a couple weeks away from the true start of winter (hard to believe, I know), some trees are still clutching onto their leaves as if the dying foliage will be enough to fortify their soon-to-be bare branches against the frigid temperatures. It’s important to take note of the trees that have leaves yet to fall, especially if you house livestock outside in pastures or sacrifice lots.
Giving thanks for this year and making preparations for farming year to come
As we approach Thanksgiving Day, no doubt you’ve been asked about what you are thankful for. The typical responses I usually give are my family, friends, the freedom to do as I please and a career that I love. This year, I am also thankful for the bountiful harvest. From bushels of corn to tons of hay, this year has been one of the good ones - a growing season we only see come around every once in a while.
The dangers of farm gases
By Dee Jepsen, Haley Zynda, Jason Hartschuh Agriculture is the third most hazardous industry in the U.S. While many hazards are apparent, agricultural gases are considered silent dangers. Oftentimes they go unnoticed. Yet in the right atmospheric conditions they have potential to do great harm. Working in and around confined spaces are a necessity on grain and livestock operations.
Beef up on meat nutrition: Here is the skinny on the fat
For those of you who eat beef, fat is flavor. For those of you feeding beef, fat is money. Well, a certain type of fat (intramuscular fat/marbling) is money because it increases your chance of selling higher quality grade beef. The three grades you’ll hear most often are prime, choice and select, in descending order. Prime beef has abundant marbling and is only about 3% of the whole beef market. The intramuscular fat increases juiciness, tenderness and flavor of the meat cuts.
What you should know about farmland rental rates
In my six-month stint of working in Extension, the No. 1 question I have gotten is about farmland rental rates, and understandably so, with the increase in land price we’ve seen from auctions and other real estate sales. Previous column:Feeding a new batch of silage; patience and analysis are key For 2021, Ohio’s average land values increased over 2020 values.
Feeding a new batch of silage; patience and analysis are key
I don’t think it’s any surprise that corn silage is the major feedstuff fed to Midwestern dairy cows. Our weather is great for corn production, it can be a high yielding crop and the cheapest feed you can make. Current corn silage price is about $60 per ton, and while that is $14 greater than last year’s price, it’s still a whole lot cheaper than a ton of alfalfa hay (Buckeye Dairy News, September 2021).
Tons of residue remains after corn harvest. How best to deal with it?
Now that folks are harvesting corn, be it for silage or grain, there is still some degree of residue left in the fields. A reference estimate is 200 bushel per acre corn leaves about 5 tons of residue in the fields. The question is – how can you manage the residue in a way that is best for your operation? Option 1: Added Value to Livestock Operations If you also have livestock, or know someone who does, you can use the residual to extend the grazing season.
The march of the stink bugs. Turn around the parade that may be heading toward your house
Soybeans are a well-known host of stink bugs, and in some cases the bugs can cause real damage. However, now that the beans are maturing, the bugs need a place to go. The chilly evenings and cooler days are urging these bugs to head for the hills – and into our homes where the temperature is more favorable. Stink bugs, while not a human threat, are a nuisance. It’s common to find them on your ceilings and dead in light fixtures.
Corn smuts spotted in fields; here's how to get them under control
The other day I was walking a corn field and a couple of ears caught my eye. Large silvery and smooth blobs, for a lack of a better word, had taken over the top half of the ear. This was none other than common smut. Common smut is one of three smuts that can affect corn; the other two are head smut and false smut. All three are caused by different species of fungus and are outlined below.
Want to be a 'chicken tender?' Here are tips to raising the birds
I hate to keep bringing up a sore subject, but the coronavirus pandemic sparked a nationwide interest in backyard poultry flocks. Quite frankly, I am a huge fan of the gig – fresh eggs, roaster chicken (if meat birds are your thing), and of course, colorful birds plucking around the coop or yard. In a rural setting, having backyard birds isn’t an issue.
Shoo fly, don’t bother me, or my cows!
July 6, 2021 Livestock, Top Headlines By Haley Zynda, AgNR Educator, Ohio State University Extension Wayne County Farming in the winter is usually not a livestock producer’s favorite time of the year. But, if I must give it a positive aspect, the lack of flies and other flying pests make it somewhat enjoyable compared to when those same critters burst forth in full swing come summer.
Shoo Fly, Don’t Bother Me. Or my Cows!
By Haley Zynda Farming in the winter is usually not a livestock producer’s favorite time of the year. But, if I must give it a positive aspect, the lack of flies and other flying pests make it somewhat enjoyable compared to when those same critters burst forth in full swing come summer. Flies, mosquitoes, and biting gnats can cause a plethora of problems on the farm, including the spread of disease and causing undue stress to stock, leading to diminished performance.
Preserve forage, avoid disease with quality with baleage
Making premium quality dry hay requires a three- to four-day stretch of premium weather when the forage is of premium maturity, which can sometimes be hard to come by in Ohio and other parts of the Midwest during the spring. Therefore, baleage, or wet wrap, gives the weather some grace. The beauty of baleage is you can cut one afternoon and bale the next day after the dew lifts.
Zynda's love for horses led her to dive into the world of agriculture
Hello everyone! I’m glad to be able to introduce myself. My name is Haley Zynda, and I am thrilled to serve as the new agriculture and natural resources educator in Wayne County. I am a Michigan native (but that will be our little secret!) and I grew up about an hour north of Detroit. Although I was not raised in a production agriculture setting, a lifelong love for horses sent me to the University of Kentucky for a bachelor of science degree in equine science.
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