Kernels Show 117 - Fertilizer Cost Concerns

In this episode of Kernels, we take a closer look at data center development and the difficult questions it raises for Ohio farmers and rural communities. Jack Irvin of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and Brandon Kern of the Ohio Soybean Association join host Tadd Nicholson to discuss growing concerns, the potential impacts on farmland, and what it all means for the future of agriculture in Ohio.

The November election is just around the corner, and Ohio farmers have a lot at stake. From the Farm Bill and biofuels to fair trade and fertilizer costs, Ohio Corn & Wheat takes a closer look at the issues that matter most to farmers. Plus, check out our 2026 Voter Guide to see where Ohio's congressional candidates stand on key agricultural issues. Then, Congressman Dave Taylor gets a firsthand look at the challenges farmers face during harvest and throughout the year as he joins Ohio farmer Will Minshall in the field.

Having a plan for a farm's future is the most important decision a family can make. In this edition of Kernels, Tadd Nicholson and OSU Extension's Dave Marrison tackle the biggest obstacles that keep many from getting started and highlight how a new professional network is connecting families with the right people to help them prepare. Plus, meet NW Ohio farmer Kevin Miller and discover how the OCWGA has helped open doors and opportunities that are having a positive impact on this farm.

Harvest will soon be getting underway across Ohio. What can we expect next when it comes to the weather, and what could the weather mean for disease pressure in the weeks ahead?   Plus, see how Farmers for Soil Health is helping farmers explore the benefits of cover crops and no-till practices, and what they could mean for their soil and their operation.

The next big opportunity for ethanol can't be found on the road but on the open seas. OCW explores how maritime fuel could unlock tremendous growth in corn demand. And, Farm Credit Mid-America helps farmers find answers to the challenges they're facing today while planning for the future.

Ohio Corn & Wheat goes one-on-one with Rep. Mike Carey to get answers about important policy issues like E15, the farm bill, and if Congress needs to do more to regulate skyrocketing input costs impacting American farmers. Plus, discover a new exhibit at the Ohio State Fair that is helping visitors imagine ag in a whole new way.

Ohio Corn & Wheat is putting the focus on the farm, examining the ongoing issues that skyrocketing fertilizer prices are having on farm operations in Ohio and across the country. In this special episode, OCW takes a look at what's at stake and encourages farmers, retailers, and anyone with information that could help with the FTC's investigation to come forward confidentially.

Kernels is on the road from the Small Grains Field Day in South Charleston, Ohio. Tadd Nicholson sits down with Grant Gardner, Ph.D., from the University of Kentucky, to discuss how to make wheat production profitable. And Alyssa Essman shares what researchers at Ohio State University learned about weed control that you can take to the field.

The vote for E15 passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, but the road to year-round E15 still has a bumpy ride to the finish line. In this edition of Kernels, Tadd Nicholson sits down with OCWGA President Eric Tipton and Luke Crumley, Director of Public Policy & Sustainability for Ohio Corn & Wheat, to discuss the final fight leading up to the House vote and to call on all Ohio farmers to join the effort for E15 now by becoming a member of the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association.

There's a lot of talk about fertilizer costs, and for good reason, but many farmers are wondering what next year will look like. In this edition of Kernels, Tadd Nicholson and NCGA's Krista Swanson cut through the noise to get answers about what is really happening in the fertilizer market. Plus, depending on where you are in the state, a warm spring has encouraged many farmers to take advantage of an early planting window. As every farmer knows, Mother Nature can still throw a hard punch or two this time of year. J.D. Bethel from Seed Consultants shares how much concern farmers should have about recent frost hurting early-planted fields.