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.

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Wildlife Council approved the 2017-18 hunting and trapping seasons Wednesday, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. White-tailed deer hunting changes include modifications to bag limits for several counties throughout the state.

MILLERSBURG — The public is invited to join barn enthusiasts, barn owners and maybe even a few barn “huggers” at Ohio’s only annual barn tour and conference to be held in Holmes County on April 28-29. Friday is an all-day bus tour, including lunch, visiting several century barns.

COLUMBUS — Ohio Farm Bureau had an increase in its active membership for fiscal year 2017. OFBF had an increase of 2,146 active members, bringing the total to 63,605.