Agriculture

Exciting Leadership Opportunity for 4-H Youth at the American Farm Bureau Convention in Anaheim, CA

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We’re excited to share a national opportunity for 4‑H members!

Youth Leadership Program

📅 Save the Date: Sunday, January 11, 2026

🌎 Location: American Farm Bureau® Convention, Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA

✔️ Action Needed: Encourage your 4‑H youth to register today.

 

Please share this opportunity with your 4‑H families — or consider making it a multi‑day leadership experience for your teens. Reach out to your local Farm Bureau for possible support while also strengthening this important relationship.

 

This FREE program for 4‑H members gives youth the chance to:

🍀 Connect with farmers, ranchers, and industry leaders nationwide

🍀 Network with other youth leaders and build leadership skills!

🍀 Attend the Empowering Young Leaders reception with AFBF President Zippy Duvall

Click here for more information.

There may also be opportunities for your 4‑H’ers to help staff the 4‑H booth during the event. Contact bhecht@4‑H.org if your registered delegation wishes to volunteer.

 

Scholarship Opportunity: AgCareers.com due 11/17/2025

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AgCareers will award two $1,000 scholarships annually to one U.S. student and one Canadian student.

Scholarship Requirements:  

For more information, visit their website at: https://www.agcareers.com/ag-education/scholarships/usa-national/agcareers-feed-your-future-scholarship.cfm#gsc.tab=0

Judging:

A panel of judges, composed of sponsors, industry leaders, and AgCareers staff members, will determine the top submissions in each country.

Applications close on November 17, 2025.

AgCareers will notify the winners by December 19, 2025.

Scholarship Opportunity: Farm Credit Mid-America – due 1/15/2026

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  • Scholarships are available for individuals majoring in agriculture (Farm Credit Mid-America Scholars) or pursuing agricultural or rural community related careers (Customer Scholarship).
  • The online application process takes between 10-30 minutes and must be completed in one sitting. The Farm Credit Mid-America Scholars application requires you to upload a résumé and a letter of recommendation.
  • Only online applications will be accepted.
  • You may apply for multiple scholarships, but may receive only one Farm Credit Mid-America scholarship per school year.
  • Applications for the 2026 Farm Credit Mid-America Scholars scholarship are not being accepted yet. We will provide more details soon.
  • Applications for the 2026 Customer Scholarship will be accepted October 1, 2025 through January 15, 2026. Applicants will be notified of the results in April 2026.
  • All scholarship funds will be awarded by August 2026 for the fall semester.
  • Team members and directors of Farm Credit Mid-America and their children are not eligible to apply.

For more information, visit their website at: https://www.fcma.com/community/investments/scholarships

Tractor and Machinery Safety In-Service for Extension, High School Ag Teachers, and other Tractor Enthusiasts and Volunteers

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Please join us and also share this training opportunity with others who assist with tractor safety programs:

TRACTOR and MACHINERY SAFETY IN-SERVICE 

for EXTENSION, HIGHSCHOOL AG TEACHERS, and OTHER TRACTOR ENTHUSAISTS & VOLUNTEERS

 

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 12, 2025 from 10AM – 3PM

LOCATION: MOLLY CAREN AG CENTER – GWYNNE CONSERVATION CABIN, LONDON, OHIO

This in-service program is designed for instructors who would like to offer tractor safety courses for a variety of audiences: young workers, new & beginning farmers, and women in agriculture.

Learn the federal regulations for hiring youth and how to issue a Department of Labor training certificate for students wanting to work (for hire) on farms before age 16. This credential is also a great resume builder for any age.

Panel sessions will identify agricultural-friendly partners to help you teach and sponsor a tractor course in your area.

PROGRAM AGENDA 

9:30-10 AM – Registration with light breakfast snacks

10:00AM – Welcome, Introductions & Overview

  • The Why’s of Teaching Tractor Safety
    • Youth Labor Laws for Agriculture
    • Resources for Teaching Safe Tractor Operation

11:30AM – Lunch, with Panel Discussion

  • Working Together: school & community courses
  • Women in Ag trainings
    • New & beginning farmer programs

1:00PM – Hands-On Training:
• Written test and issuing training certificates

  • Skills and pre-operation stations Driving courses

2:55PM – Q & A, Wrap-up and Evaluation

3:00PM – Adjourn

REGISTRATION: $25 includes lunch

Payment can be made online with credit card or by check made payable to The Ohio State University.

Registration LINK: https://web.cvent.com/event/54059015-dd60-4106-8283-ca6f42b6b702/summary

Registration deadline: Nov 7. 2025

Teen Opportunity: ExploreAg Camps – FREE! Register by June 13th

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Don’t miss out! Ohio Farm Bureau Federation hosts several free ExploreAg Camp experiences during the summer for high school students to explore careers in food, agriculture, and STEM-related areas! We have extended the application deadline to give students more time to apply for this wonderful opportunity. Please use this flyer to share this opportunity with rising high school students in your community and encourage them to apply by June 13.

ExploreAg Overview

Purpose: Discover careers linked to agriculture and related STEM fields through a series of immersive and hands-on experiences and tours.

Who: Ohio students entering grades 9-12 in the fall, or recent high school graduates.

Cost: Free 

Learn more and apply by June 13 at ExploreAg.org

2025 ExploreAg Summer Sessions

  • June 17-20, Wilmington College
  • July 6-11, University of Findlay
  • July 13-18, Ohio State Wooster Campus

ODA Animal Health – Fairs and Exhibitions Newsletter (Special Edition 2)

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Please review the following items as shared by the Ohio Department of Agriculture – Division of Animal Health as it relates to county/state fair participation. Items are current as of March 17, 2025 when this newsletter was shared.

Poultry Shows at County Fairs

There are currently no ODA restrictions for holding poultry shows for the 2025 County Fair Season. ODA will continue to monitor the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza situation, both nationally and in Ohio. We recommend fair boards, 4H agents, and OSU Extension Educators continue to work with ODA and their official veterinarian on biosecurity protocols.

The ODA website has the most up-to-date information on detections in Ohio as well as biosecurity resources.

5 Frequently Asked Questions

Last bulletin, we covered 5 of the FAQ questions in the FAQ Document on the ODA AH Website. See below for 5 additional frequently asked questions

1) Am I allowed to use a cold towel on my sheep/animal in the makeup ring?

Per 901-19, the application of ice, ice packs, cold packs, or cold compresses prescribed to relieve heat stress or a medical condition diagnosed and prescribed by the official veterinarian at an exhibition are allowed. If the fair is taking place on an extremely hot day and cold water is necessary to cool down the animal per the official veterinarian, that is allowed. However, using ice, ice packs, cold packs, or cold compresses internally or externally for reasons other than what is listed above is an unacceptable practice.

2) Can our county fair drug test feeder calves?

There is growing support to expand drug testing to other classes of livestock exhibition, such as junior livestock exhibition non-terminal shows. Beginning in 2025, ODA will provide testing for the Grand and Reserve Champion market meat goats, market dairy goats, beef feeder calves, and dairy feeder calves (non-terminal) on a voluntary basis. If a fair or sponsor voluntarily wishes to have animals in these additional classes tested, the state will test in the same manner as other market classes. Regardless, all exhibition livestock must maintain the same status at the time of show, which is exhibition drug residue legal.

3) Can my child show an animal in showmanship with a drug in their system or when the animal is not “exhibition drug residue legal”?

ODA allows an animal to be shown in showmanship, even if they do not meet the “exhibition drug residue legal” definition and cannot show in their market or breeding class. That is because the showing of the animal in showmanship is a reflection on the individual showing the animal, not the animal itself. However, a county fair can have more strict rules than ODA and may not allow this animal to be shown.

4) Is an animal allowed to go through the sale ring when they are not exhibition drug residue legal? 

If a situation arises that necessitates that an animal receives a medication after the show and before the sale, a new DUNF must be filed with the local sponsor immediately. This must also be done under the advisement and approval of the official veterinarian. Once done so, the animal may then go through the sale ring. All appropriate withdrawal times must be kept and the buyer notified of withdrawal time, if there is one.

However, a county fair can have more strict rules than ODA and may not allow this animal to be sold until the withdrawal time has been met.

5) Can I give my animal water by mouth via a hand pump or syringe at the exhibition?

You cannot FORCIBLY give an animal water by mouth at an exhibition. This practice is referred to as drenching. “Drenching” means the act of using an instrument, including a bottle, placed in an animal’s mouth to orally administer a liquid, food, or any other substance. Drenching of livestock at an exhibition is prohibited, unless prescribed by the official veterinarian. Drenching is when you are forcing the animal to take in the liquid.

However, if you are holding a hand pump (in the example of swine) and the hog comes up and voluntarily takes a drink from the hand pump, that is acceptable.

Guidance Documents

Find the First Fairs and Exhibitions newsletter on our website.

Download a copy of the updated ODA FAQ, which includes additional questions not listed above.

Exhibition Guidance and Best Practice Checklist

To see the current rules:

– OAC 901-19

– OAC 901:1-18

– ORC 901.70-76

Cattle Warts

Cattle warts, also know as papillomatosis, are caused by several strains of bovine papilloma virus (BPV). Warts are typically found in the head, neck, and shoulder regions but may also be located on the teats, back, abdomen, or venereal region.  

Most wart appears as growths on the skin with a thickened, hard, and scaly surface that may resemble cauliflower. Some strains of BPV may produce a papulonodule, which extends deeper into the dermal layer with a similar hard and scaley surface. Diagnosis is typically made by observation. 

Transmission of cattle warts may occur due to direct contact with the warts or through indirect contact with fomites such as halters, tack, and medical instruments. There is also potential for spread through insect vectors. While cattle warts are contagious among cattle, they are not zoonotic as most papilloma viruses are species-specific.  

Prevention of cattle warts includes disinfection of shared tack, medical instruments, and other equipment. If papillomatosis is problem at the herd level, vaccination is possible through commercially available or autogenous vaccines. Cattle warts typically resolve on their own, though they may last a year or more. Surgical removal is recommended for warts that are large or numerous.  

Cattle with warts should refrain from exhibition or have the warts surgically removed before shows and fairs.  

Additional Questions?

If you are an educator, parent, exhibitor, or fair veterinarian and have additional questions, our Fairs/Exhibitions Administrative team is always available to answer questions. If you wish to speak to the team, please email animal@agri.ohio.gov.

 

Dr. Dennis Summers – State Veterinarian

Dr. Kristy Shaw – Assistant State Veterinarian

Jacquie Keller-Potvin – Program Administrator

Cindy Bodie – Program Administrator

Scholarship Opportunity: Fairfield SWCD – due 3/31/2025

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The Fairfield Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) will offer up to three $1,000 college scholarships per year.

Applicants must be graduating from high school and be residents of Fairfield County. Home-schooled students are eligible as well. At the time of application, applicants must have achieved at least a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).

Applicants need to be pursuing a degree in the fields of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation or Environmental Education. Examples of some eligible degrees include: Agriculture, Ag Engineering, Aquatic Ecology, Biological Sciences, Conservation Planning, Environmental Education, Environmental Science, Forestry, Natural Resource Conservation, Soils, or Wildlife. Call the SWCD office if you have a question about your area of interest.

Eligible post-secondary institutions include technical colleges, two-year associates, or four-year bachelor’s degree programs. If you plan to attend something other than the above, please call the SWCD office to check on eligibility.

Scholarship Application– due to the Fairfield SWCD office by March 31. Applications can be mailed or emailed to scholarship@fairfieldswcd.org.

Teen Opportunity ExploreAg STEM Camps – Applications OPEN!

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Ohio Farm Bureau’s signature ag literacy and workforce development program, ExploreAg, will once again be offering free weeklong camps and one-day experiences for high school students in 2025.

In ExploreAg, teens learn about agriculture and related STEM fields from industry experts, scientists and educators. Participants visit locations like ST Genetics Ohio Heifer Center and Sunrise Cooperative, manufacturers like Bob Evans and CropKing, and college research laboratories at Ohio State, Wilmington and Findlay. During these multiday or daylong immersion programs, students are able to develop their leadership and collaboration skills and prepare for college and further careers.

“These camps truly highlight the vast array of possibilities for a meaningful career in Ohio’s farm and food industries for students who may have never considered seeking a role in these fields,” said Katie Share, ExploreAg and youth development specialist with Ohio Farm Bureau. “As the need for a strong next generation of workforce continues to grow, agriculture is teeming with opportunities in all aspects of food production, from agronomy to technology, and we are excited to share many of these opportunities with ExploreAg participants.”

As part of ExploreAg camp, students are introduced to various aspects of agriculture, food science, environmental sciences and more, both in the classroom and through opportunities for hands-on learning on and off-campus at The Ohio State University, University of Findlay, and Wilmington College. Students interact with and learn directly from internationally known teachers, scientists and researchers.

Subject areas include food science, precision agriculture, animal sciences, natural resources, management skills, technology, and agricultural business. In addition to the classroom experience, students will participate in field experiences that highlight cutting-edge research and meet industry partners to provide a glimpse of various careers in related fields.

Weeklong immersive session locations and dates:

• Ohio State Columbus, June 8-13

• University of Findlay, July 6-11

• Ohio State Wooster, July 13-18

• Multiday Camp

• Wilmington College, June 17-20

• Single-Day Camp: COLT Lineman Training Facility, May 30

The ExploreAg program is free to all high school students and includes on-campus accommodations, meals, staffing, program materials, and transportation. Supervision is provided at all times by faculty, staff, and program counselors who are current college students in related majors.

The deadline to apply is April 30 at exploreag.org. Students selected will be notified by May 1 of their selection. Parents and students can find more information at exploreag.org or by contacting info@exploreag.org.

Source: Ohio Ag Net 3/16/2025

Scholarship Opportunity: National Corn Growers Association – due 1/31/2025

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FOUR Scholarships. Endless Opportunities.

The grower-members who make up the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) are committed to broadening educational opportunities and opening doors to students passionate about serving rural America and keeping their family farms thriving.

There are currently four national scholarships offered for four distinct audiences:

  • Research Students
  • Technical School/Community College Students
  • Undergraduate Students
  • Graduate Students

Please also check out the many scholarships offered by State Corn Associations.

To be eligible for any national scholarships listed below, you must be an NCGA member. To become an NCGA member, click here or contact your State Corn Association.

Form more information, visit the National Corn Growers Association website.

Be Prepared for Fair Season With Your Sheep and Goat Projects! What to Know About Scrapie ID.

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Jennifer Reynolds, USDA Animal Health Technician

 

When you have picked out your fair goat or sheep project, make sure the breeder has officially identified the sheep or goat before it leaves the farm. The most common form of official ID is a scrapie tag that will have a U.S. shield on the tag and will start with a state abbreviation according to the premises where the animal was born (flock/herd of origin). Other forms of official identification can be found in our USDA Official ID Types Handout . Always make sure the exhibition you are showing the sheep or goat at accepts the form of official ID you are using. If you are using official tattoos or 840-approved microchips for official identification, remember that tattoos must be legible, you must have your corresponding paperwork in the form of a registration paper or owner statement, and microchips should be in the correct location. You should arrange for a microchip reader to be available at ID check time at the fair. The important thing to remember about official ID is that it cannot be duplicated and it’s unlawful to remove. There is no reason why a sheep or goat should have two scrapie tags – it only needs one which identifies it to the flock of birth. 

 

Scrapie is an incurable, fatal, degenerative disease that affects the central nervous system of sheep and goats. It is classified as a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy, the same class of disease as BSE, otherwise known as Mad Cow Disease. Sheep and goats are exposed to scrapie at birth if they are born into an infected flock and may not show signs or symptoms of the disease until 2-5 years of age. This is why flock of birth/flock of origin identification is so important. You can learn more about scrapie and disease resistant genotypes for sheep on the USDA Scrapie website page. If you are a sheep or goat producer and have not yet signed up for scrapie ID and live in Ohio, please call our Ohio USDA APHIS VS office at 614-856-4745 to get a scrapie flock identification number assigned. 

Published in the Ohio Animal Health Newsletter – July 2024