Joel Penhorwood

Ohio

Host at Ohio Ag Net Podcast

Broadcaster at Ohio's Country Journal and Ohio Ag Net

Quality Guy and a Buckeye — Broadcaster with Ohio Ag Net & Ohio’s Country Journal — Yes, views are my own.

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Articles

Growing Forward program offers unique support for young farmers

1 week ago | ocj.com | Joel Penhorwood |Brianna Smith

By Joel Penhorwood and Brianna SmithAt a time when the average age of farmers continues to climb, and the barriers to entry seem higher than ever, Farm Credit Mid-America (FCMA) is finding ways to support the next generation of agriculture. According to Amy Weaver, senior financial officer at FCMA in Eaton, Ohio, the cooperative’s Growing Forward® program is a unique way to support young farmers in pursuing their goals.
A pull with a purpose

1 week ago | ocj.com | Joel Penhorwood

Country Life, Top Headlines By Joel PenhorwoodOn a sunny May afternoon at the Perry County Fairgrounds, the rumble of tractors wasn’t just the sound of competition; it was the sound of a community coming together for a cause. “Pulling for Mental Health,” a new event organized by recent New Lexington High School graduate Megan Howdyshell and her older brother Rex, aimed to turn the beloved pastime of tractor pulling into a rallying point for mental health awareness in rural Ohio.
Farmers applaud EPA’s historic biofuel proposal

2 weeks ago | ocj.com | Joel Penhorwood |Brianna Smith

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed record-breaking Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) for 2026 and 2027 under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), marking a significant step forward in U.S. energy policy and a substantial victory for American farmers and the biofuels industry. The proposal includes a sharp increase in biomass-based diesel requirements, rising from 3.35 billion gallons in 2025 to 5.61 billion gallons in 2026.
Cover crop ‘forage’ an option for prevented planting acres

2 weeks ago | ocj.com | Stan Smith |Joel Penhorwood |Brianna Smith

By Stan Smith1973, 1981, 2007, 2012, 2018, 2019, 2022… we each recall one or more years in our past when an extraordinarily wet Ohio spring prevented us from planting corn and soybeans in a timely fashion, if at all. Many around Ohio are now adding 2025 to the list. According to USDA’s June 9 Crop Progress Report only 89% of Ohio’s corn had been planted. At the same time soybean planting progress stood at 84% complete.
GrowNextGen brings hands-on learning to Pettisville High School

2 weeks ago | ocj.com | Joel Penhorwood

VIDEOGrowNextGen brings hands-on learning to Pettisville High School June 9, 2025 Country Life, GrowNextGen, Top Headlines, Videos In this highlight of the GrowNextGen program around the state, Ohio Ag Net’s Joel Penhorwood travels to Pettisville High School to visit the classroom of Whitney Short, a teacher passionate about agriculture and bringing real-world connections to her students. Check Also“It will be as intended. Not necessarily as we planned,” says John Linder of Linder …
Ohio Ag Net affiliate WBNO/WQCT destroyed by fire

4 weeks ago | ocj.com | Joel Penhorwood

Affiliate Highlight, Breaking News, Country Life, Top Headlines This past holiday weekend, a fire broke out at the facilities of Ohio Ag Net affiliate WBNO/WQCT of Bryan, Ohio. Known as B-Rock 100.9 WBNO and Classic Hits Q96.5 1520, the fire reportedly took responders from six towns to put it out. The building has been deemed a total loss. Thankfully, management of the stations report nobody was hurt in the fire and efforts are underway for a makeshift WBNO studio.
Sunrise Cooperative hires 14 graduating seniors

1 month ago | ocj.com | Joel Penhorwood

During the opening session of the 97th Ohio FFA State Convention on May 1, Sunrise Cooperative, Inc. officially recognized it 2025 class of the RISE FFA Career Program. Joined on stage by George D. Secor, President/CEO of Sunrise, 14 graduating seniors were honored for landing full-time employment with Sunrise following their graduation.
Understanding the hidden costs of wet fieldwork

1 month ago | ocj.com | Brianna Smith |Joel Penhorwood |Joe Everett

In this featured audio, Brianna Smith and Joe Everett talk with Manbir Rakkar of The Ohio State University about the trade-offs between wet soils and planting dates. By Brianna Smith and Joe EverettAs Ohio farmers face wet spring weather, soil conditions and planting delays are top of mind. Manbir Rakkar, assistant professor of soil fertility and nutrient management at The Ohio State University, says the decision of whether or not to plant into wet soils comes with tough trade-offs.
Understanding Chapter 12 bankruptcy

1 month ago | ocj.com | Leisa Boley Hellwarth |Joel Penhorwood

By Leisa Boley HellwarthIn the 1980s, Congress created a specialized chapter of bankruptcy, Chapter 12, to help struggling farmers reorganize their businesses and debts. Early in my career, I had the opportunity to participate in a national Chapter 12 bankruptcy conference held annually in Lubbock, Texas. Attorneys, judges, and trustees from across the country attended. I got advice and insight from some of the best legal minds I’ve ever met.
Time in quiet this Memorial Day is time well spent

1 month ago | ocj.com | Joel Penhorwood

By Joel Penhorwood, Ohio Ag NetWhen was the last time you walked through a cemetery? Was it last Memorial Day? Perhaps it was visiting a family member gone too soon? Or maybe you can’t remember when it was? Similarly, when was the last time you spent in quiet? In this world of phone calls, smartphone notifications, and social media updates, and just plain old noise, we often don’t have time for the one of the most essential things of all – reflection.