COLUMBUS — Ohio is known for its world-class fishing, and from May 6-7, state residents are invited to take part in the annual free fishing weekend, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Ohio’s Free Fishing Days are open to all Ohio residents and extend to all of Ohio’s public waters, including Lake Erie and the Ohio River.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recently launched a free mobile app that will instruct the public on what to do before, during and after emergencies. The app is available for download for Apple, Android and Blackberry mobile devices.

Crawford Soil and Water Conservation District is holding a spring fish sale through May 15. Spring is an ideal time to stock ponds because the weather and water temperatures are cooler. This reduces the handling stress on the fish, and pond owners will have a more successful stocking with less mortality.

REYNOLDSBURG — The Ohio Department of Agriculture announced it will begin accepting entries for the 2017 “Agriculture is Cool!” Creative Expression Contest. Children enrolled in school or home schooled in Ohio during the 2016-17 academic year have until June 5 to capture their personal interpretation of why Ohio agriculture is cool for their chance to win prizes, including tickets to the Ohio State Fair.

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. Friday is an all-day bus tour, including lunch, visiting several century barns.

COLUMBUS — Nate Bair of Upper Sandusky is one of 24 farmers and agribusiness professionals who recently graduated from Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s AgriPOWER Leadership Institute Class VIII. The intensive, yearlong training program helps participants become effective community leaders and advocates for agriculture.

WASHINGTON — The American Soybean Association welcomed news from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that the agency would deny a petition to remove the crop protection tool chlorpyrifos from the market. ASA President and Roseville, Illinois., soybean farmer Ron Moore issued a statement highlighting the science-based nature of EPA’s action and calling on EPA to continue on such a path when reviewing future traits.

Organic Producers and Handlers May Apply for Certification Cost Share Reimbursements; Expanded Eligibility for Transition and State Certification Cost As of March 20, organic producers and handlers are able to visit more than 2,100 USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices to apply for federal reimbursement to assist with the cost of receiving and maintaining organic or transitional certification.

COLUMBUS — Adam Carney of Plain City has been named director of membership sales for the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. Carney brings more than 10 years of sales and sales leadership experience to the newly created position.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources recently released its latest reports. Central Ohio – Wildlife District One