Lying 40 miles east of Cincinnati near the Ohio River, is OARDC's
Southern Branch. It was established in 1957 on a 275-acre farm in Brown County.
Historically, the branch served southern Ohio farmers who wanted to
increase the net income from their number one cash crop white burley tobacco. Over the
past 40 years, various experiments have been conducted with tobacco, including variety
evaluation, nutrition studies, tillage practices, growth regulator studies and disease
control. In 1996, 12 varieties of burley tobacco were evaluated for yield and quality.
Variety evaluations of agronomic crops continue to be of importance to
producers in this area. A three-year corn silage variety trial was conducted jointly with
the University of Kentucky. Scientists evaluated 17 varieties of corn. They analyzed yield
data and the nutritional qualities of each variety. Wheat and oat variety trials are also
conducted at this branch.
Several forage yield and quality evaluations were recently undertaken.
One study evaluated grazing types of alfalfa compared with standard alfalfas. Stocker
cattle were used to harvest the forage. The varieties were evaluated for quality and
persistence under grazing pressure. This research shows farmers which alfalfas are best
suited for grazing.
A new forage evaluation is underway with various grass species. Plots
were harvested and evaluated for yield and quality.
OARDC scientists are also studying herbicide use and effectiveness in
controlling fescue in no-till alfalfa. Burn-down and post-emergence applications of nine
different compounds measured herbicide efficacy. These studies help farmers use the most
beneficial herbicides cutting down on unnecessary costs and protecting the environment
against additional herbicide applications.
A demonstration plot was recently established to display potential
emergency forage species for area farmers. A sorghum/sudangrass hybrid, turnips, rye,
pearl millet, grazing maize, Pro-Ton and TOP forages were included in the demonstration.
Fruit crops research has been an important area of study here. Apples,
peaches, grapes, thornless blackberries and other crops have been analyzed over the years.
A large apple rootstalk and cultivar study is being concluded. Various rootstalks from all
over the world were evaluated as part of this project. Currently, scientists are working
on a project investigating the apple cultivar Fuji. The extreme southern Ohio climate
makes this area attractive for fruit production.
Beef cattle research has also been an important part of this program.
Fall calving, early weaning, and intensive grazing are just some of the areas that have
been studied in the past. Recently, a cooperative project with Union Stockyards of
Hillsboro, Ohio, was completed. It analyzed year-round grazing possibilities. For two
years, stocker cattle were grazed on turnips, rye, fescue and alfalfa. Rate of gain was
monitored and economic analyses performed to determine which forages provided optimum
performance.
Scientists at the branch are advised by the Southern Branch Liaison
Committee composed of local growers and producers to strengthen the agriculture
industry. The committee provides input on everything from crop and grazing needs to cattle
management challenges.