OHIGRO

Summer Wheat Gridding Special
Brian Schweinfurth, Site Specific Sales	June 18, 2009
We are offering a great rate on grid sampling your wheat stubble over the next few months. In addition, we have been operating our twin-bin spreading unit for almost a year now. With this spreader, we are able to make one trip across your field, applying both potash and phosphorus at a variable rate. This will result in better time efficiency for OHIGRO, but more importantly, a cost savings for you! MORE >> For all wheat stubble acres, 2.5 Acre Grid Sampling is just $6/acre! This great rate is only good for wheat stubble jobs completed by September 1st. Payment will then be due September 20th. Be sure to give your local sales rep your orders soon, in order to guarantee this special pricing. We all know that every acre doesn’t have the same fertility needs. With variable-rate technology, we are only using fertilizer where we need it and saving money by not putting on the acres where we don’t. There are other benefits to sampling after wheat, as well, such as great weather for sampling and plenty of time to apply lime and/or fertilizer. If you are interested in learning more, or if you have any questions about site-specific agriculture, please feel free to give me a call. I can be reached at our Waldo office at (740)726-2429, toll-free at (800)851-6452, or drop me an email at brianschweinfurth@ohigro.com. As always, thanks for your valued business! LESS >>

2009 Ohio Agricultural Fair Schedule

Penny Ward, Business Services

June 1, 2009

Summer is fast approaching and soon county fairs all over the state will be taking place. Below is a list of a few fairs scheduled around Central Ohio for you to check out. We hope you take the time to get out and enjoy a fair near you! MORE >>

Introducing Andrea Baldinger

Jerry Ward, President

May 8, 2009

Welcome to Andrea Baldinger We are thrilled to announce the addition of Andrea Baldinger to our team here at OHIGRO. Andrea will be our new "Seed Specialist" and will be working with customers at all three locations.

Andrea is the daughter of Rick and Sharon Baldinger of Waldo. She grew up on a generational farm where they grew soybeans, wheat, and corn, as well as raised cattle for retail at the Marion Farmers' Market. Andrea also participated in the Marion County Fair for ten years showing hogs and cattle. In October of 2007, Andrea traveled to Indianapolis to receive her American FFA Degree. She is also a recent graduate from Wilmington College with a degree in Agricultural Business and a minor in Accounting. While at Wilmington, Andrea was inducted into the Delta Tau Alpha National Agricultural Honor Society. MORE >>

Spring is Here!

Jerry Ward, President

March 27, 2009

With input prices higher than we would like, it is increasingly important to fine tune our crop protection inputs in 2009. Remember, we're here to help! We're eager to do whatever we can to assist you with the coming growing season. MORE >>

Four Corner Agronomy
Jerry Ward, President	February 27, 2009
Stine Seed Company has released a great newsletter that I thought may be of interest to our customers regarding the coming 2009 growing season. Articles include information on Liberty Link soybeans, managing increasing input costs, and evaluating costs based on seeding rates. For a copy of the Stine newsletter, download and print the attached file. MORE >> Download Stine Four Corner Agronomy Newsletter Here As always, should you have questions related to your seed and chemical needs for the coming year, please feel free to stop by or give any of our three offices a call. We'd be glad to help! LESS >>

Inaugural "Operation: FarmSafe" Slated for March 21

Jeffrey Ward, Controller

February 18, 2009

Bucyrus Community Hospital (BCH) announces the inaugural Operation: FarmSafe, a day promoting farm safety and effective response to farm emergencies. The event will be held Saturday, March 21, 2009 at Wynford High School in Holmes Township from 7 AM until 12:30 PM and is open to area farmers. MORE >>

Worker Protection Standard Packets Now Available
Jeffrey Ward, Controller	January 25, 2009
Worker Protection Standard (WPS) packets for 2009, containing important information regarding chemical safety guidelines and regulations, are now available! Feel free to download a copy by clicking on the link below or stop by any of our three offices to pick one up. Thanks! MORE >> Download 2009 Worker Protection Standard Packet Here LESS >>

"Seed & Chemical Information Day" Announced
Jerry Ward, President	January 29, 2009
More than ever, your seed and chemical choices are critical to the success of your farming operation. Get a jump on the 2009 growing season by attending our "Seed & Chemical Information Day" on Friday, March 6th from 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM at any of our three offices. MORE >> Our sales staff will be on hand to bring you the latest information on a full line of seed, including Asgrow/Dekalb, Stine and AGI brands. In addition, this will be a great time to take advantage of substantial discounts on all of your seed and chemical needs. Plan to join us for lunch!

Recertification Meeting Schedule
Jeffrey Ward, Controller	January 8, 2009
The OSU Extension office has released the Recertification Meeting Schedule for 2009. You may download and/or print the following schedule at your convenience. MORE >> Should you have additional questions regarding the schedule, please contact: LESS >>

CME Group Receives Regulatory Approval for Changes to Wheat Contract
Jerry Ward, President	December 12, 2008
CHICAGO, Dec. 4 – CME Group, the world’s largest and most diverse derivatives exchange, announced today that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has given regulatory approval for changes to its world benchmark Soft Red Winter Wheat futures contract. The changes, which include seasonal storage fees and additional delivery points, are designed to improve convergence between wheat futures and cash prices at contract expiration. MORE >> CME Group requested approval of the changes from the CFTC based on input from market participants, including commercial firms, grain elevator operators, individual traders, proprietary trading firms and others. The approved changes include the following: Changes to the storage rates include introducing seasonal storage charges to be increased during the period from July 18 through December 17 to 8 cents per bushel per month. During the remainder of the crop year from December 18 through July 17, storage charges will remain at their current level of 5 cents per bushel per month. Three new delivery territories will be added to include: shuttle train loading facilities in a 12-county area of northwest Ohio; barge loading facilities on the Ohio River from Cincinnati to the Mississippi River; and barge loading facilities on the Mississippi River from south of St. Louis to Memphis. The northwest Ohio locations will be added at a 20 cent per bushel discount; Ohio River locations at par; and Mississippi River locations at a 20 cent per bushel premium. Finally, the exchange is lowering the vomitoxin level for par delivery from three parts per million (ppm) to two ppm. Wheat containing three ppm of vomitoxin will continue to be deliverable at a 12 cent per bushel discount and wheat containing four ppm of vomitoxin will continue to be deliverable at a 24 cent per bushel discount. The seasonal storage rate and additional delivery locations will be implemented beginning with the July 2009 wheat contract and the lower vomitoxin level will be implemented with the September 2011 contract. For more information, please see the exchange’s Special Executive Report at www.cmegroup.com/company/membership/membernet/files/20081208S-4797.pdf or the filing at http://www.cftc.gov. SOURCE: OABA Member Bulletin – December 5, 2008 LESS >>

Ohio Yield Forecast
Jeffrey Ward, Controller	October 16, 2008
According to USDA Ag Statistics, based on conditions as of October 1, Ohio’s average corn yield is forecast at 147 bushels per acre, down 5 bushels from the previous month’s forecast. Total grain production is forecast at 463.05 million bushels, down 14% from last year’s State production total. MORE >> The 2008 average soybean yield for Ohio is forecast at 38 bushels per acre, down 4 bushels from last month’s forecast and 9 bushels below the 2007 average State yield. Total State production is forecast at 174.04 million bushels, down 13% from 2007. U.S. corn production is forecast at 12.2 billion bushels, up 1% from last month, but 7% below 2007. U.S. soybean production is forecast at 2.98 billion bushels, up 2% from September and up 11% from last year. SOURCE: OABA News & Notes -- October 16, 2008 LESS >>

Senate Passes Farm Bill By Veto Proof Margin
Jeffrey Ward, Controller	May 16, 2008
Congress sent the White House a huge election-year farm bill yesterday that includes a boost in farm subsidies and more money for food stamps amid rising grocery prices. Bush has threatened to veto the $290 billion bill, saying it is fiscally irresponsible and too generous to wealthy corporate farmers in a time of record crop prices. But Congress disagreed, passing the bill by overwhelming margins in both chambers – enough to override a veto. MORE >> The Senate vote was 81-15, a day after the House approved it 318-106. About two-thirds of the bill will pay for domestic nutrition programs such as food stamps and emergency food aid for the needy. An additional $40 billion is for farm subsidies, while almost $30 billion would go to farmers to idle their land and to other environmental programs. SOURCE: Ohio AgriBusiness Association, Member Bulletin LESS >>

Wheat Gridding Special Announced
Brian Schweinfurth, Sales Representative	April 20, 2008
This year, we are offering a great rate on grid sampling your wheat stubble.In addition, our current plans are to have a dual-box application system in place by summer. As a result, we will be able to make one trip across your field, spreading both potash and phosphorus at variable rates.This will result in better time efficiency for OHIGRO, but more importantly, a cost savings for you! MORE >> For all wheat stubble acres, 2.5 Acre Grid Sampling is just $6/acre! This great rate is only good for wheat stubble jobs completed by September 1st. Turn your orders in soon to guarantee this special pricing. With the cost of inputs to plant corn more than doubling over the past year, now is the best time to use variable-rate technology.We all know that every acre doesn’t have the same fertility needs.With variable-rate technology, we are only using fertilizer where we need it and saving money by not putting it on the acres where we don’t. If you are interested in learning more, or if you have any questions about site-specific agriculture, please give me a call. I can be reached at our Waldo office at (740)726-2429, toll-free at (800)851-6452, or drop me an email at brianschweinfurth@ohigro.com. LESS >>

It's Time To Start Thinking About Your Lawn
Jerry Ward, President	February 15, 2008
Proper lawn maintenance doesn’t happen overnight. For the best results, there are things you can do nearly year-around to enhance your lawn’s health and beauty. Consult our “Four Steps To A Healthier & Greener Lawn” for a step-by-step schedule of all the products you’ll need. Click here to view our "Four Steps To A Healthier & Greener Lawn" Flyer MORE >> This year, we are pleased to announce the addition of a new Liquid Lawn Fertilizer product that is now available for the do-it-yourself homeowner. Available in 2½ gallon jugs, 18-3-6 50% NBN is easily mixed with water and applied, giving you a great alternative to dry granular products. Let OHIGRO be your source for all of your lawn care needs! We carry a full supply of fertilizers, chemicals and grass seeds. Should you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact any of our three offices. LESS >>

Welcome to the New Ohigro.com
Jeffrey Ward, Controller	October 26, 2007
We are very excited to bring you the new and improved OHIGRO.com! MORE >> Please take a few moments and familiarize yourself with the new site, as I am sure you will find something of interest. Learn about the beginnings of OHIGRO on our History page; spend time on our Articles page, reading contributions from some of our finest employees; or simply find the email addresses, phone numbers, and driving directions that will help you get in touch with us on the Contact Us page. Additionally, there are various informational links to explore, a place to sign up for a DTN Ag newsletter, and up-to-the-minute weather, all available on our home page. Soon, you’ll even be able to pay your OHIGRO account online, as well. We welcome your feedback and look forward to adding even more content to our site in the coming months. Keep checking back!. LESS >>

Speed Identification Symbol Law Effective In October
Jeffrey Ward, Controller	September 25, 2007
Ohio Governor Strickland signed the Speed Identification Symbol (SIS) bill into law in mid-July. MORE >> The law, effective October 19, 2007, is primarily directed to identifying farm machinery (includes commercial applicators and some towed equipment) which has been designed in its original equipment configuration for specified ground speeds greater than 25 MPH. The law allows said machinery to operate above 25 MPH when displaying both Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) and SIS emblems. SOURCE: OABA News $ Notes, 9/25/2007 LESS >>

Credit Cards Now Accepted
Jeffrey Ward, Controller	August 6, 2007
Beginning in August, 2007, we will be accepting three major credit cards -- VISA, MasterCard and Discover -- as payment on your account. MORE >> Simply call our office when you receive your monthly statement to let us know that you would like to pay with your credit card. We’ll take down your information and process your payment. No checks or stamps required. Of course, you are always welcome to stop in and pay with your credit card or send us a check, just like you’ve done in the past. It is our hope that offering this additional payment method will be a help as you manage your operation’s finances. (It should be noted that credit cards cannot be accepted for product prepayments.) LESS >>