Ohio State Lima Dean and Director Tim Rehner

Tim Rehner is the dean and director at The Ohio State University at Lima. He has been a driving force behind getting the regenerative farming efforts up and running on the campus agriculture fields. He shares some of his thoughts as we kick off the Voices of the Lima Farm blog.

Why has Ohio State Lima embarked on this project?

The Ohio State University is a land grant university and taking care of the “land” or soil is something that seems important. By taking care of the soil I mean we should be able to farm it while also improving it. Improving the soil quality will enable us to be part of the solution for addressing climate change. This is our part of addressing that “big” problem.
I believe that regenerative farming is a key to improving the quality of our soil and the water that penetrates and runs off our farm. The Ohio State Lima farm should be a demonstration farm that implements strategies that positively impact soil health and produces data that confirms success and financial benefits if replicated.

Likewise, the Lima Regenerative Agricultural Farm should also be a place for teaching and learning. The Lima campus and the university are always happy to partner with Ohio State University Extension. What we develop and prove on this farm should be taught to students of all ages.

What is the benefit for the agriculture community and the larger community?

Farmers are interested in their properties and their soil and water. Lessons learned from the Lima farm should help farmers do a better job in “caring” for their farms so they will be more productive for their children in the years to come. Our plans are to provide educational field day opportunities on the campus property based on the best science available. Local farmers will be invited to participate.

Farmers are also looking for ways to increase their profit margins. With the cost of fuel rising, the regenerative approaches that rely on low till and cover crops can reduce input costs. As the Lima farm proof of concept is confirmed there will be benefits to the agricultural community.

What are you most looking forward to about the efforts on the farm?

Data confirming that the transition from conventional to regenerative is worth it and that profitability and improving soil and water quality are compatible goals.

What has been the most pleasantly surprising thing to you about the farm so far?

I have been overwhelmed with how much interest has been shown from across this community related to regenerative farming. I have loved watching skeptics about this approach embrace new ideas and begin to implement them on their own farms. It has been a really exciting initiative.