The nomination period for local Farm Service Agency county committees began Monday. It is important for county committees to reflect America’s diversity, and all eligible farmers and producers, including beginning farmers, are encouraged to get involved in this year’s elections.

The Wyandot County Junior Fair horse department is hosting a fundraising campaign to pay for a new horse barn at the Wyandot County Fairgrounds, according to a press release from the Wyandot County Agricultural Society.

BUCYRUS — Haley Kocher, of Bucyrus, has been awarded a $1,500 scholarship from America’s Farmers Grow Ag Leaders, a new program sponsored by the Monsanto Fund. Kocher is studying community leadership with a specialization in community and extension education and a minor in education at Ohio State University.

Addison Dible patiently waits to catch a fish Saturday morning at a fishing derby sponsored by the Wyandot County Rod and Gun Club at Harrison Smith Park.

COLUMBUS — Applications are being accepted for controlled deer and waterfowl hunts on selected Ohio public areas during the 2015-16 season, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Hunters have until July 31 to submit permit applications for a random drawing.

COLUMBUS — Haley Davis, of Bucyrus, has joined Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s field staff to help support county farm bureaus in their operations.

REYNOLDSBURG — The Ohio Department of Agriculture recently announced approval for local sponsors to purchase agricultural easements on 54 family farms representing 7,512 acres in 26 counties. Local sponsoring organizations, which include land trusts, counties, a township and local soil and water conservation districts, receive funding from the Clean Ohio Fund to manage the local agricultural easement purchase program.

COLUMBUS — A native Ohio butterfly is the featured species for the seventh Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp photo contest, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Butterflies come in a countless number of colors.

COLUMBUS — As summer approaches, many Ohioans will take part in spotting young wildlife. Each year, Ohio Department of Natural Resources officials offer advice for Ohioans to enjoy wildlife from a distance and leave young animals in the wild.

The Wyandot County 4-H program is asking those taking poultry projects to the Wyandot County Fair to complete their projects, as the deadline to switch projects has passed, after the Ohio Department of Agriculture banned all live bird exhibitions in the state earlier this week.