CFAES News tips and events for the week of Feb. 18

Tip 1: Farming in Ohio cities: In formerly vacant city lots across Ohio, urban farms are increasingly sprouting up. Ohio State University Extension, the outreach arm of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), partners with urban growers to increase the production of local foods and to create jobs. Columbus now has an estimated 30 urban farms, and Cleveland has 45. OSU Extension offers training and resources to help members of urban agriculture operations get their farms up and running, and then sell their produce. An article on Ohio’s urban farms, which can be republished, is available at: go.osu.edu/urbanaginohio.

Tip 2: Help for beginning and small farms: Running a farm of any size can be challenging but, for small farms, the hurdles can be particularly steep because of the scale of their operations. Two conferences, one in northwest Ohio and another in southern Ohio, will be held in March for beginning and small farm owners wanting to learn more about how to make their farms work better for them. A variety of topics will be offered to help landowners expand their operations. Workshops and seminars will be taught by OSU Extension professionals and industry leaders on a wide variety of agricultural enterprises. The conferences are March 16 in Archbold and March 29-30 in Piketon. Information on both conferences is available at go.osu.edu/Cpkn, or contact Clinton County Extension educator Tony Nye, nye.1@osu.edu or 937-382-0901.
 

February 26 Ohio AgrAbility Workshop: Building Independence Through Agriculture, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, 2201 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus, Ohio. This workshop will focus on agriculture and horticulture as viable work options for individuals with developmental disabilities. Speakers and panelists will provide insight on adaptive employment models and will identify resources and assistive technology to support workers in these settings. Registration: $50 by Feb. 20 deadline. Details: 614-292-0622, go.osu.edu/CnZX.

February 26 Ohio Commercial Pesticide Applicator Recertification Conference, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High St., Columbus, Ohio. Preregistration for conference only: $89 by Feb. 19. Preregistration for conference with lunch: $109 by Feb. 19. On-site registration for conference only: $100. No lunch available with on-site registration. Details: go.osu.edu/ChQg.

March 2019 events

5–6 Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. March 5, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 6, at the McIntosh Center, Ohio Northern University, 402 West College Ave., Ada, Ohio. Annual conference for farmers and producers. Registration: $65 by Feb. 21 for one day or $85 for both days. Late registration: $80 for one day or $105 for both days. Details: 419-674-2297, ctc.osu.edu.

6 Ohio Woodland, Water, and Wildlife Conference, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Mid-Ohio Conference Center, 890 W. Fourth St., Mansfield, Ohio. Annual conference designed for natural resource professionals and land managers. Registration: $60 by Feb. 21; $80 after Feb. 21. Details: 614-688-3421, go.osu.edu/Ch23.

14 Blueberry, Bramble, and Wine Grape Pruning School, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., OSU South Centers, 1864 Shyville Road, Piketon, Ohio. Learn proven pruning techniques to help maximize production and quality in your vineyards and fruit plantings. Registration: $25 by March 8; includes lunch. Details: go.osu.edu/Cpjj.

22 East Ohio Women in Agriculture, 9:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., R.G. Drage Career Technical Center, 2800 Richville Drive SE, Massillon, Ohio. Program will feature 19 break-out sessions presented by OSU Extension educators, farmers, and partner agencies on topics ranging from business and finance to plants and animals. Keynote speaker is Jeff Dwyer, director of Michigan State University Extension and senior associate dean of outreach and engagement. Registration: $55, or $35 for students, by March 15. Details: go.osu.edu/eowia2019.

22 Agricultural Outlook Meeting, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Romer’s Catering, 118 E. Main St., Greenville, Ohio. Discussion of issues and trends affecting Ohio agriculture. Speakers will be Barry Ward, Ben Brown, David Marrison, and Ian Sheldon from OSU Extension and CFAES’ Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics. Registration: $20. Register by March 16 by calling the Darke County office of OSU Extension, 937-548-5215. Details: go.osu.edu/CjCz.

25 Ohio Agritourism Conference and Trade Show, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Maize Valley, 6193 Edison St. NE, Hartville, Ohio. Learn about the latest trends and topics impacting the agritourism industry, explore options for your farm, and visit a premier Ohio agritourism operation: Maize Valley Winery, Craft Brewery, Farmers Market and Family Fun Zone. Details: go.osu.edu/agritourismconference2019.

29–30 Opening Doors to Success: Small Farm Conference and Trade Show, Ohio State University South Centers, 1864 Shyville Road, Piketon, Ohio. For small farm owners wanting to learn more about how to make their farms work better for them. Also offers optional hops workshop and Food Safety Modernization Act training. Registrations fees vary. Details: 740-289-2071,go.osu.edu/OSUFarmConference2019.