Ohio hunters checked 10,280 wild turkeys during the first week of the wild turkey hunting season, April 24-30, an increase from 8,629 in 2016. Wyandot County saw an increase in birds harvested from 2016, with 50 birds taken this year compared to 42 the previous year.

Producers on farms with base acres under the safety net programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill, known as the Agriculture Risk Coverage or Price Loss Coverage programs, may visit Farm Services Agency county offices to sign contracts and enroll for the 2017 crop year.

Bill VanScoy, owner of VanScoy Farms, talks to Village Gardeners Club members in the hydroponic plant nursery near Mount Victory. Submitted photo

This spring, 34 students from the Upper Sandusky FFA competed in the State Spring Career Development Event Contests, or CDEs. This year Upper Sandusky had seven different contest areas that students participated in: Agronomy, Horse Judging, General Livestock, Nature Interpretation, Poultry, Wildlife Management, and Dairy Cattle.

The Upper Sandusky FFA hosted its 80th Annual Parent-Member Banquet April 6 to celebrate the achievements of the FFA and its members over the past year. More than 400 members, community figures, and parents came to support the program.

The Upper Sandusky FFA chapter recently received a $2,500 donation through a program with Monsanto’s Farmers Grow Communities.

In accordance with Ohio Administrative Code, the Chief of the Division of Parks and Watercraft hereby gives notice that the removal of firewood will be permitted at the Indian Mill Scenic River access located on the Sandusky State Scenic River.

Agricultural producers are reminded to consult with Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service before breaking new ground for production purposes as doing so without prior authorization may put a producer’s federal farm program benefits in jeopardy.

RIDGEWAY — Underwood Stock Farms (Sullinger Farm) will serve as the location for the Hardin County Pasture Walk on May 3. The program will be from 6-7:30 p.m. in a pasture located at 18917 County Road 155 near Ridgeway.

REYNOLDSBURG — Ohio Department of Agriculture Director David T. Daniels has appointed former State Rep. Tim Derickson as the department’s assistant director. Derickson most recently served as executive director of the Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors.