farm science review

Highland County Fair to be featured at the Farm Science Review

Maddie Caldwell walking her pig through the hog barn, “Esme” being shown by the Roehm sisters in the Southdown Sheep breeding show (Photo by Mindy Bobb), and the Highland County tractor pull will each be shown in the iFarm Immersive Theatre at the 2021 Farm Science Review.

 

 

 

 

 

Brooke Beam, Ph.D

Agriculture and Natural Resource/Community Development Extension Educator

Ohio State University Extension, Highland County

 

September 15, 2021

 

The Farm Science Review will be held next week at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center on September 21-23. The annual agricultural education and industry exposition offers attendees the ability to learn about a wide variety of agricultural and natural resource related topics, as well as see the latest in agricultural technologies.

Highland County youth and scenes from the Highland County Fair tractor pull will be featured as immersive experiences in the iFarm Immersive Theatre. Swine, sheep, poultry, cattle, and rabbits will be featured in the County Fair Showcase: Featuring Highland County. The Highland County Fair tractor pull will be featured in Truck and Tractor Pulling 101. Both of these virtual experiences were filmed at the 2021 Highland County Fair.

The iFarm Immersive Theatre is a new attraction that provides a similar experience to viewing a planetarium or an IMAX theater, where the video is projected around the viewer. In total, there will be 18 different virtual experiences attendees can participate in. Other immersive experiences include an aerial tour of part of Ohio, a variety of equipment demonstrations, crop dusting, hydroponics and aquaponics, specialty crops, and natural habitats.

Tickets for the Farm Science Review are available at the Highland County Extension Office. Contact the Highland County Extension Office by calling 937-393-1918. Tickets purchased in advance at the Highland County Extension Office are $7. Tickets purchased at the Farm Science Review gate are $10.

For those who are unable to attend the Farm Science Review next week, the virtual experiences will be posted online in the coming week. Those wishing to view the immersive experiences online will be able to find them at the Ohio State University Extension, Highland County YouTube Channel and Facebook. Additionally, many of the educational sessions will be available to view through the Farm Science Review YouTube Channel. A selection of presentations that will be broadcast through the Farm Science Review YouTube Channel include carbon credits, field demonstrations, and the latest Farm Office Live programming.

Farm Science Review to be held next week

Brooke Beam, PhD

Agriculture and Natural Resources/Community Development Extension Educator

Ohio State University Extension, Highland County

September 10, 2019

The annual Farm Science Review will be held September 17 – 19, 2019,  at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center, near London, Ohio. The Farm Science Review features a series of agricultural exhibits and research-based presentations to help agricultural producers make informed decisions for their businesses. The Molly Caren Agricultural Center is a 2100-acre facility featuring crop production, field demonstrations, and conservation practices.

Over the course of three days, attendees will have the opportunity to attend dozens of workshops, with topics ranging from precision agriculture to woodland management. A complete list of the presentation schedule is available online or through the Highland County Extension Office. Tickets are also available at the Highland County Extension Office or at the gate.

If you were unable to attend the Germinate International Film Fest, I will be teaching a session on Tuesday, September 17, in the Small Farms Center Building (corner of Equipment Ave and Beef Street) at 11:30 a.m.  The session will cover a series of highlights from the film festival and a brief lesson on how to create your own videos through mobile devices.

Additionally, I will be assisting with a new opportunity for job seekers. New for the 2019 Farm Science Review, there will be a Career Exploration Fair (Celebration Tent near Gate I) on Wednesday, September 18, from 10 a.m. to noon. Attendees of the Career Exploration Fair will have the opportunity to visit with companies about employment, or to learn about the necessary training to become employees in agricultural businesses. A few of the companies that will be participating in the Career Exploration Fair include Ag Pro, ODOT, Cargill, Ohio CAT, and Ohio Corn and Wheat.

Golf carts may be rented at the Farm Science Review, however prior reservations are encouraged. You may also bring your own golf cart with the appropriate paperwork from your physician. For more information about the Farm Science Review or any Extension programming, contact the Highland County Extension Office at 937-393-1918.

Man’s best friend provides added health benefits

 

Brooke Beam, PhD

Ohio State University Extension, Highland County

Agriculture and Natural Resources/Community Development Extension Educator

August 23, 2018

Wilma, Brooke Beam’s 3-year-old Collie dog, out for a walk on the family farm.

Dogs are great. They are generally loveable, have better attitudes than most humans, and are always glad to see you when you get home. The family dog is the most loyal confidant you could ever have. They are always eager to assist on crop scouting field trips, finish your leftovers, and make sure you are covered in their hair whenever you have someplace important to go to.

But did you know that your dog might be good for your health beyond putting a smile on your face? In the midst of the current trade wars, lower commodity prices, and a growing trend of mental illness in the United States’ agricultural community, farmers may want to consider their dog as a valuable asset for their mental and physical health.

According to Miltiades and Shearer (2011), individuals in rural areas have lower levels of depression when their pet plays a central role in their life and they are able to physically care for the pet. Another study found that dog ownership has been found to decrease the likelihood of depression in people with infectious diseases (Muldoon et al., 2017).

Dogs have the ability to combat depression because they keep their owners moving, are a good distraction from the daily challenges they face, and dogs are active listeners. Being outside with your pets is also a way to increase your intake of vitamin D. “The body makes vitamin D when skin is directly exposed to the sun” and it helps maintain strong bones and immune systems fight bacteria and viruses (National Institutes of Health, 2016).

Dollie, the Beam family’s last Collie, was an active participant in the daily activities on the farm. In this case, she was helping with spring planting.

Walking your dog can help you achieve the Physical Activity Guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is “recommended that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity, or an equivalent combination each week. The guidelines also recommend that children and adolescents be active for at least 60 minutes every day” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018, p.1). By achieving these goals while walking your dog, it decreases your risk for heart disease, cancer or diabetes.

In conclusion, dogs have many added benefits for your health beyond being your best friend. Reducing the risk for depression, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are all added benefits of spending time with your dog.

For Help

If you or a loved one is suffering or experiencing a crisis, or if you have a friend who is suffering or in crisis, you can call 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text “HOPE” to 741-741. Each of these options provides access to a licensed counselor 24/7. You may also contact your county’s mental health and recovery board. Ohio residents needing help in finding mental health resources in their county or interested in taking a class in Mental Health First Aid can contact Jami Dellifield at dellifield.2@osu.edu or 419-674-2297.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). Why Walk? Why Not! Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/walking/index.htm

Miltiades, H., & Shearer, J. (June 01, 2011). Attachment to pet dogs and depression in rural older adults. Anthrozoos, 24, 2, 147-154.

Muldoon, A., Kuhns, L., Supple, J., Jacobson, K., Garofalo, R. (2017). A Web-Based Study of Dog Ownership and Depression Among People Living With HIV. JMIR Mental Health, 4, 53. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5700404/.

National Institutes of Health. (2016). Vitamin D. Retrieved from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-Consumer/.

 

Upcoming Events:

Beef Quality Assurance Trainings:

  • Tuesday, August 28, 2018, 6:30 P.M., Union Stockyards, Hillsboro
  • Thursday, September 13, 2018, 6:30 P.M., Producers Stockyards, Hillsboro
  • Thursday, October 25, 2018, 6:30 P.M., Producers Stockyards, Hillsboro

Call your local Ohio State University Extension Office to register for the date and location of the BQA training of your choice. The Highland County Extension Office can be reached at 937-393-1918.

Tickets for the 2018 Farm Science Review are now available at the Highland County Extension Office. Tickets purchased at the Highland County Extension Office are $7, tickets will be $10 at the gate. Children 5 and under are free.

What’s on your plate tonight?

Brooke Beam, PhD

Ohio State University Extension, Highland County

Agriculture and Natural Resources/Community Development Extension Educator

 

Currently, the rolling landscapes of southern Ohio are filled with lush, green fields of crops that create a picturesque scenery for those who stop to enjoy the view. The same can be said for those who stop to enjoy the local products of agricultural producers as their plate will be filled with fresh, flavorful food. Local produce and meats have numerous benefits for both the consumer and agricultural producer. These benefits include economic stimulus, environmental, health, and quality of life benefits.

Did you know that the average family of three spends $9,000.00 annually on food? According to Brian Raison, from Ohio State University Extension, if the average family of three spent just 10 percent of their money on local foods, it would cause an economic impact of $900 to go to local producers. More consumers of local foods would lead to a greater economic impact for local agricultural producers. Currently, agricultural markets are in a challenging place for many farmers in the United States. Diversification into multiple commodities is one way to help alleviate some of the financial stress caused by lower commodity prices, but there also needs to be a strong local market for these products.

Local foods don’t travel thousands of miles to be marketed, and therefore do not have as many negative environmental impacts. “Food imported from far away is older and has traveled on trucks or planes, and sat in warehouses” before it gets to the consumer (Grubinger, 2010, p. 2). Due to the decreased travel time, the food is fresher, contains more nutrients, and is generally more colorful (Grubinger, 2010; Raison, 2014).

Additionally, local foods have positive health benefits. Going for a walk at a u-pick farm, eating fresh produce, and preparing meals at home with family all have added physical and mental health benefits. Going to local farm businesses can be a social experience. Meeting new people, trying new things, and learning about local food production can be a great opportunity for people of any age to become more active in the community.

What are some local foods and where can you find them? Great question! Apples, peaches, sweet corn, strawberries, lettuce, tomatoes, meat, and milk, among others, are all produced locally and available for your table (some things may only be available seasonally). There are multiple farm stands, farmers markets, orchards, and u-pick farms you can visit to purchase these (and more) local products. If you don’t want to go through the process of making a pie or salad with fresh fruit, there are bakeries and restaurants in Highland County that are using local products on their menu. So, try something new tonight and eat locally.

For more information about local foods contact the Highland County Extension Office at 937-393-1918.

References:

Grubinger, V. (2010, April). Ten Reasons to Buy Local Food. Retrieved from https://www.uvm.edu/vtvegandberry/factsheets/buylocal.html

Raison, B. (2014, October 17). Local Food. TEDxDayton. Retrieved from https://u.osu.edu/raison/local-food/

 

Upcoming Events

The next Monthly Extension Program will be held on August 27, 2018, at the Pondo Center in Hillsboro, Ohio. The guest speaker will be Dr. Scott Shearer, who will discuss Big Data and UAVs in Production Agriculture. Advanced registration is required as lunch will be included in the registration fee. Tickets are available for purchase at the Highland County Extension Office at 937-393-1918. The cost of registration is $20.00. The deadline to purchase a ticket in advance is August 23, 2018. For more information contact Brooke Beam at 937-393-1918 or beam.49@osu.edu.

 

Beef Quality Assurance Trainings:

  • Tuesday, August 28, 2018, 6:30 P.M., Union Stockyards, Hillsboro
  • Thursday, September 13, 2018, 6:30 P.M., Producers Stockyards, Hillsboro
  • Thursday, October 25, 2018, 6:30 P.M., Producers Stockyards, Hillsboro

Call your local Ohio State University Extension Office to register for the date and location of the BQA training of your choice. The Highland County Extension Office can be reached at 937-393-1918.

Tickets for the 2018 Farm Science Review are now available at the Highland County Extension Office. Tickets purchased at the Highland County Extension Office are $7, tickets will be $10 at the gate. Children 5 and under are free.