July 28 , 2022 The Beacon • 11
Welcome Coshocton County to the dog days of summer
H e l l o C o s h o c t o n County . The term “ dog days of summer ” traditionally refers to the hot and sultry days we receive during July and August . The Old Farmer ’ s Almanac considers the “ dog days ” to be the 40 days between July 3 and Aug . 11 . In ancient Greece , the “ dog days ” were believed to be a time of drought , bad luck and unrest when dogs and men alike would be driven mad by the extreme heat .
For many , when they think of the dog days of summer , they think of 90 F temperatures , ice cream and time cooling off in the pool . But for me , I think of the hot sun , lemonade in a water jug , humidity , sweat and scratched-up arms . You see the summers of my childhood were spent baling hay with my Dad and Grandfather . Even now , sweating in a hay mow brings back so many childhood memories .
I know I am not alone when I associate hay making with the dog days of summer . Here in Coshocton County , our farmers harvest 29,323 acres of hay each year . In fact , hay is the most common crop grown as 720 farms or 60 % raise hay . In comparison , our second leading crop , corn , is grown by only 21 % of our farms . It takes a lot of hay to feed the 28,500 cows , sheep , goats , horses , donkeys and llamas here in Coshocton County .
As we turn our calendars to the month of August this weekend , the excitement builds for many of us involved in agriculture . Why are we excited ? First , because this is the month our gardens and commercial vegetable farms begin harvesting in full force . Thus far our family has enjoyed a lot of fresh zucchini , cucumbers , green beans and fresh tomatoes . It also is the time our commercial crop fields of corn and soybean are in their reproductive stages , which allow farmers to start to sense the potential yield of this year ’ s crop . Timely showers during August will be very much appreciated by our farmers based on how dry the past six weeks have been .
August also is extra special here in Coshocton County as it means the return of First FARM Friday . We are excited to invite you to circle Friday , Aug . 5 on your calendars for this year ’ s event . Plan on coming down to Main Street in Coshocton on Aug . 5 from 5-7 p . m . to learn more about our great industry of agriculture .
The goal of First FARM Friday is to be a fun , educational event that helps the general public understand the importance of agriculture to our community . There will be displays from over 20 different agricultural organizations , agencies and farms . We encourage you to bring your children and grandchildren down to Main Street so they can learn more about what our great industry has to offer . Visit one of our many interactive displays , climb into farm machinery and get up close to farm animals . Children who complete an agriculture stamp card will receive a free cup of custard from Whit ’ s Frozen Custard .
There is no fee to attend this event , and reservations are not needed . Just come down to Main Street on Friday , Aug . 5 from 5-7 p . m . Upon the conclusion of the event , you are
encouraged to stay and enjoy the music of Ernest , who will perform at 8 p . m . for the Coshocton Summer Series . It will be a great evening to celebrate agriculture in Coshocton County .
And finally , as we think of the dog days of summer , I am reminded of a quote from Jean Paul Malfatti : “ A friend is a friend , and a dog is a dog .
A friend will never be a dog , but a dog won ’ t ever quit being a friend .”
Have a good and safe day .
David Marrison is a professor and extension educator of agriculture and natural resources at Ohio State University Extension . He can be reached at 740-622-2265 or marrison . 2 @ osu . edu .
Plainfield reunion is Sept . 4
The annual Plainfield School Reunion will be held Sunday , Sept . 4 at the Schumaker Picnic Shelter , 52441 County Road 16 , West Lafayette . Doors will open at noon , and Schumaker Farms will cater the lunch at 1 p . m . All who graduated from or attended Plainfield School are invited .
The program will honor the late Larry Stockum , Ridgewood Class of 1960 . His sons , Matt and Dan , brother Rick Stockum , and family and friends will share memories .
Larry Stockum graduated from the Ohio State University , PhD in electrical engineering and professor . Then he worked for Battelle , Rockwell and Boeing , where he contributed many designs , had patents , et cetera , for use in the U . S . defense industry .
Advance reservations are required for the meal before Monday , Aug . 15 or just come to visit . Call Carol at 740- 439-1493 or Mary Lou at 740-545-6968 if letter not received before Saturday , Aug . 20 .
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