Hardin County has a rich tradition of active livestock commodity group organizations. There are organizations for each of the major livestock species, and these groups have royalty and scholarship opportunities to recognize the youth of the county.

Winter eventually arrived bringing daily cold temperatures. Farmers have outdoor tasks that need to be done regardless of the weather or temperatures. Livestock producers have to feed and care for animals and the grain farmer has to check or load stored grain. Wood may need to be cut for fuel.

COLUMBUS — Hunters checked 12,505 white-tailed deer during Ohio’s muzzleloader season, Jan. 9-12, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). During last year’s muzzleloader season 13,724 white-tailed deer were checked.

The OSU Extension Beef Team has announced the details for the 2016 Ohio Beef Cattle School. The Hardin County Extension office will serve as a host site for this winter's series.

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) is strengthening its advocacy efforts on behalf of Ohio’s farm and food community with the implementation of a new membership structure. The new membership model enhances the organization’s inclusive approach to ensuring food security, economic opportunity and quality of life for all Ohioans.

The Riverdale FFA chapter held a Discovery and Greenhand ceremony recently for their first- and second-year members. Their were 10 8th graders who earned their Discovery degree: Kayla Dement, Michael Greeno, Cameron Herringshaw, Caleb Letherwood, Josh Lentz, Caleb McCoy, Justin Messmer, Hunter Shane, Blake Vanderpool and Jazlynn Woodriff.

Cover crops offer farmers many benefits including protecting soil from wind and water erosion. Live plants provide the energy for soil microbes to recycle and store nutrients to build soil carbon and organic matter.

MOUNT VICTORY — The Hardin County Agricultural Society is seeking another act to perform at the 2016 county fair. At the fair board’s Dec. 5 meeting, it was announced that Chase Bryant would perform.

While Lake Erie did not have a "major" drinking water crisis this year, harmful algae blooms (HAB) and nutrient runoff were an issue due to excess summer rains. Government officials were more prepared and most of the HAB blooms occurred further out in the lake.

The 2016 Conservation Tillage Club breakfast program series will begin on Tuesday, Jan. 5 at the Plaza Inn in Mount Victory. Each session will begin at 7:30 a.m. with complimentary buffet breakfast followed by the program at 8 a.m.