The holidays are a time of abundance, celebration, and shared meals—but they can also lead to more food waste than any other season. From overbuying groceries to forgotten leftovers, it’s easy for good food to go uneaten. This article explores simple, practical ways to plan ahead, use what you have, and enjoy holiday meals while reducing waste and saving money.
Live Healthy Live Well: Shopping Smart and Staying Safe This Holiday Season
The holidays have a way of sneaking up on all of us—but smart shopping doesn’t have to disappear just because the clock is ticking. Whether you’re finishing your gift list, stretching a tight budget, or trying to avoid impulse buys, it’s still possible to shop thoughtfully and save money, even at the last minute. This guide shares practical tips to help you make savvy choices, find real value, and enjoy a less stressful holiday shopping season.
Join Us for the 2026 Clermont County 4-H Open House
The 2026 4‑H season is right around the corner, and we’re excited to kick things off with an 4‑H Open House! Whether you’re a returning member, brand‑new to 4‑H, or simply exploring opportunities for the young people in your life, this event is the perfect place to get started.
📅 When
Saturday, January 24, 2026
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
📍 Where
4‑H Hall, Clermont County Fairgrounds
1000 Locust Street, Owensville, Ohio 45160
👥 Who Should Attend
• Youth ages 5–18
• Families
• Prospective 4‑H members
• Current members looking to explore new projects and activities
🌟 What to Expect
Our Open House is designed to introduce families to the full range of opportunities Clermont County 4‑H has to offer. Attendees can look forward to:
- Hands‑on activities for youth
- Conversations with local 4‑H clubs
- Information about county 4‑H programs
- Project displays
- Guidance from advisors, and club members
Whether you’re curious about livestock, STEM, cooking, leadership, art, gardening, or any of the many other project areas, this is the perfect chance to ask questions and see what sparks your interest.
💡 Why Attend?
4‑H provides a supportive environment where young people build life skills, discover passions, and connect with their community. This event offers families the opportunity to learn:
- How to join a club
- What projects are available
- What to expect during the 4‑H year
- How 4‑H can help youth grow, lead, and succeed
We can’t wait to welcome you as we begin another exciting year of learning, leadership, and fun!
Ohio 4-H December Updates
🍀Attention 4-H’ers 🍀
Check out all the events and opportunities with Ohio 4-H this month!
Click below to read more👇
Live Healthy Live Well: Find Joy Offline this Holiday Season
In a season often buzzing with screens and notifications, finding joy offline can feel like a welcome breath of fresh air. This article explores simple, meaningful ways to unplug and reconnect with what matters most.
Live Healthy Live Well: Celebrate the 2025 Winter Solstice
As the longest night of the year arrives, the winter solstice invites us to slow down, reflect, and celebrate the return of the light. It’s a quiet yet powerful moment—one that cultures around the world have honored for centuries. Click the link below to read more about ways to celebrate the winter solstice.
December Edition of Buckeye Banter
As we close out the year and look ahead to a fresh start, this month’s newsletter brings together stories and insights designed to inspire, uplift, and support you through the season. We’re celebrating the magic of family traditions—those small but meaningful rituals that connect us to one another—while also offering practical guidance for stepping into the New Year with stronger financial wellness. And because the holidays can be both joyful and complex, we’re sharing thoughtful perspectives on navigating family dynamics with care and compassion.
Wishing you warmth, clarity, and connection in the days ahead.
All About Sheep! Webinar
The Management Continuum: Calendar-Based Management
Feb 3rd
During this session, Extension Specialist, Dr. Brady Campbell, will review sheep management and husbandry as it relates to stage of animal production. Stages of maintenance, breeding, gestation, and lambing will be discussed, and management considerations provided.
Feed My Sheep: Nutrition 101
Feb 17th
This session will be led by Extension Educator, Dr. John Yost, and Specialist Jacob Copelin. They will discuss how to read forage analysis results, how to determine the nutrient requirements for sheep of all production stages, provide an overview of potential ration ingredients, and discuss formulating a ration for your flock.
Setting Operation Goals and Marketing Accordingly
March 3rd
OSU Extension Educators Jacci Smith and Tim Barnes will help participants identify their goals for owning and raising sheep. They will offer guidance on marketing their sheep based on those goals and include information on responsible flock culling.
Flock Health “Spring”ing Forward
March 17th
Dr. Nikki Jolliff, DVM, will discuss timely spring health concerns, including coccidiosis, ringworm, pneumonia, and sore mouth. She will also offer her insights on how to build the best relationship with your veterinarian.
This is a free program offered by Ohio State University Extension.
Webinars are hosted via Zoom (7-8 p.m. EST). Register at: go.osu.edu/allaboutsheep26
Market Beef & Poultry Orders on January 10th 2026
Attention Clermont County 4-H Youth!
Don’t miss this important event happening
Saturday, January 10th at the Clermont County Fairgrounds!
✅ Market Beef Tag & Weigh-In
📍 Location: Cattle Scales
🕗 Time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
✅ Market Turkey & Market Chicken Orders
📍 Location: Senior Fairboard Office
🕗 Time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Market Turkeys: $55.00
Market Chickens: $30.00
(Cash or Check accepted)
⚠️ IMPORTANT: This is the ONLY DAY to place orders for Market Turkeys and Market Chickens!
No late orders will be accepted.
Mark your calendars, set your alarms, and be there on time!
2026 Ohio State Organic Grains Conference
Registration Open for 2026 Ohio State Organic Grains Conference
The fourth annual Ohio State Organic Grains Conference will be January 7-8, 2026, at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Sandusky, Ohio. The conference offers programming for experienced organic growers, growers transitioning to or considering organic, and consultants or educators who support these growers.
Featured speakers for 2026 include Willie Hughes from W. Hughes Farm in Janesville, Wisc.; Dr. Matt Ryan from Cornell University; Dr. Aaron Wilson, Ohio State climate and agricultural weather specialist; and Nate Powell-Palm from the Organic Agronomy Training Service (OATS). The two-day event will feature additional panelists and speakers covering a wide range of agronomic and management topics related to organic grain farming.
The conference is presented by Ohio State University Extension’s Farm Office and Ohio State’s Organic Food & Farming Education and Research (OFFER) program, with input from a planning committee of land-grant staff and researchers, and organic farmers from Ohio and surrounding states.
Pre-registration is $140 per person through December 5, and $175 from December 6 through December 26. Attendees can also pay at the door, subject to an additional fee.
Continuing education credits will be available for Certified Crop Advisors. For more information, visit go.osu.edu/OrganicGrains.