Weather: Eric Snodgrass of Nutrien Ag Solutions said his forecast models look for generally cooler and drier weather through December. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) 6-10- and 8-14-day forecasts are also calling for cooler and drier weather for our area. No one is venturing a guess of snow for Christmas! Weather folklore from the Old Farmers Almanac includes the following: “mushrooms galore, much snow in store. No mushrooms at all, no snow will fall.” The study of weather proverbs is known as paroemieology. Most are fanciful fun with no basis in scientific fact, while others have been found to have some truth at their core.

MSU Custom Machine and Work Rate Estimates: Posted back in August 2021 is the most recent MSU Custom Rates guide. There is no 2022 rate guide that I have seen posted, although Ohio State and Iowa State have published 2022 guides. Google “msu custom rates” will get you a copy, just make sure it is Michigan State and not Missouri, Montana or Mississippi State! Fuel rates are not specified in the MSU guide. The OSU guide used fuel charges of between $4.50 and $5.25 per gallon during the survey period in 2022. Farmers may need to increase tillage charges due to extremely dry soils and harder pulling conditions, requiring more fuel.

NASS Survey: The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is conducting the 2022 Census of Agriculture to provide a complete picture of all U.S. farms, ranches and the people who operate them. Collected once every five years, census data affects decisions that people, communities and industry make. Everyone who received a census notice is required by law to respond whether the person receiving the survey is engaged in an agricultural activity or not. My announcement came in the mail on Nov. 25, with instructions to complete the survey online and by Feb. 6, 2023. Some people will also receive a paper questionnaire in a few weeks, though one survey is needed. All information is confidential and protected by federal law. NASS estimates the time to fill in the survey to be an average of 50 minutes, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed and completing and reviewing the collection of information. No estimate was given as to the release of the 2022 survey data results.

Railroad Strike and Water Issues: Congress had until Dec. 9 to enact legislation heading off a potential nationwide railroad strike, which would have affected freight and passenger service. Congress passed a bill Thursday. A strike would have affected the movement and supplies of fuel, lumber, grain and many other goods, primarily for industry. Moving goods by water is by far the economical mode of transportation. The Mississippi River system is the main artery of moving goods throughout the heartland of the U.S. Barge traffic up and down the lower river system is still severely limited by low water levels and soon the upper river system, north of St. Louis, Missouri, will be freezing up for the winter. Michigan, including ports in Detroit, Monroe and Toledo, are fortunate to have the St. Lawrence Seaway, though the Welland Canal and Soo Locks are scheduled to close on Jan. 7, 2023, and Jan. 15, 2023, respectively, weather permitting, re-opening in late March. Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River may stay open all year, depending upon the winter weather. The winter months on both systems are when repairs can be made to the locks.

Winter Meeting Update: Ohio State will be offering a 2023 Ohio Organic Grains Conference on Jan. 4 and 5, 2023, at Founder’s Hall at Sauder Village, Archbold, Ohio. At least three Monroe County farmers are growing organic, so this conference may be of interest to other farmers who are thinking of transitioning to organic crops. The cost is $90 for both days if registered by Friday, Dec. 9, or $120 after or $60/$80 for only one day. Registration (online only) is at: www.go.osu.edu/organicgrains. Questions can be directed to Eric Richer at: richer.5@osu.edu or 419-337-9210.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Monroe County Agriculture: Look for Census of Agriculture info in mail