Upcoming Events

All About Sheep Webinar Series

Join the OSU Extension Small Ruminant team for the 2026 All About Sheep Webinar Series

  • 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 the 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 such as coccidiosis, ringworm, pneumonia, and sore mouth. She will also offer her insight on how to foster the build the best relationship with your veterinarian.
  • This is a free program offered by the Ohio State University Extension. Webinars are hosted via Zoom (7-8 p.m. EST).
  • Register at: go.osu.edu/allaboutsheep26

Registration for the 2026 Ohio Woodland, Water, and Wildlife Conference is open!

This conference brings together natural resource professionals/land managers from across the state to learn about the latest issues impacting our natural resources, current and applied research, and practical management strategies for both public and private lands.

  • Date: March 4, 2026
  • Location: Mid-Ohio Conference Center
  • Time: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
  • Early registration: $70
  • Late registration: $85 after 2/16
  • Registration deadline: 2/23/2026
  • Register HERE

Continuing education credits are being applied for and typically include ISA, SAF-CFE, and pesticide credits. Check out the official conference schedule and flyer 2026 Woodland Water Wildlife Brochure.

NW Ohio Beef Cattle Feedlot School on February 23

Why attend?

This year’s Cattle Feeding School will focus on improving feedlot cost of gain by evaluating alternative feedstuffs and diet formulation and consistency of the diet when using a TMR mixer. Dr. Haley Linder, Assistant Professor of Ruminant Nutrition in the Department of Animal Sciences, will discuss alternative fiber and protein options, including the role of cover crops in beef nutrition. To wrap up the program, Allen Gahler, Educator with OSU Extension Sandusky County, and Jason Hartschuh, Dairy Management and Precision Livestock Field Specialist, will discuss how mixing a diet affects the consistency of feed delivered to the bunk. They will also discuss the impact of nitrogen application and fungicides on corn as a feedstuff. Check out the official flyer NW Feedlot School

Details:

  • Date: February 23, 2026
  • Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
    Location: Northwest Ag Research Station, 4240 Range Line Rd., Custar, OH 43511
    Contact: Nick Eckel, ANR Educator, OSU Extension- Wood County
    Cost: $10 registration fee to attend.
  • Refreshments are provided.
  • Space is limited to 50 participants.
  • Please RSVP to the Wood County Extension office, 419-354-9050.
  • Deadline to register is February 20.

2026 OSU Winter Beef Series

On behalf of Garth Ruff, Extension Beef Specialist, join Extension and Industry professionals in the 2026 webinar series starting on January 8. Webinars are hosted via Zoom from 6:30 – 7:30 PM EST. Contact Garth Ruff at ruff.72@osu.edu for questions. Register for one or all sessions at http://go.osu.edu/beefschool26. Check out the official flyer  2026 Beef Webinar Flyer.

Topics and Dates:

  • Dairy Beef 101 – January 8: During this session, Extension Specialist Jason Hartschuh will review proper care for dairy beef animals and explain how to help keep them healthy and
    continue production.
  • Biosecurity for the Beef Herd – January 22: John Yost, OSU Extension Wayne County, will discuss the importance of biosecurity, an often forgotten component of herd health.
  • Hay Quality Challenges in Ohio – February 5: Making quality hay continues to be a challenge in Ohio. Where do we go from here? How do we go into hay season better prepared? Ted  Wiseman and Stan Smith will lead the discussion.
  • Mineral for Beef Cows – February 19: Dr. Haley Linder is new to OSU Animal Sciences. Join her as we dispel some myths regarding mineral supplementation and
    updates on recent mineral research.
  • Buyers’ Guide to Bull Selection – March 5: Throughout this session, Extension Educator Allen Gahler will cover the value of a bull in 2026. The days of the $2500 herd sire are gone.
  • How Profitable is that Cow? – March 19: OSU Beef Specialist, Garth Ruff, will cover the economics of cow-calf production and dive into ways to optimize cow herd profit potential.

Commercial Pesticide Applicator Crash Course

Are you preparing to become a commercial pesticide applicator in Ohio? Join OSU Extension for two focused training sessions designed to help you gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to apply pesticides safely, effectively, and in compliance with state regulations.

These trainings are ideal for individuals seeking a commercial applicator license for the first time or preparing for certification exams. Led by pesticide safety and education experts from OSU Extension, each session will cover essential topics for agronomic commercial pesticide applicators. Paulding County Extension is partnering with the Mercer County Extension Office to offer these two different sessions. November 20 will only be offered in Mercer County, and December 18 will be offered in both counties. Flyer and Registration Link

📅 Training Dates & Topics

November 20, 2025 – Commercial Core Training

Learn the foundational principles every commercial applicator needs to know:

  • Laws and regulations
  • Applicator safety and environmental protection
  • Calculations and formulations
  • Label interpretation

December 18, 2025 – Agronomy Pesticide Basics Training

Take a deeper dive into agronomic pest management:

  • Weed control principles and herbicide terminology
  • Disease management in agronomic crops
  • Insect management in agronomic crops

📍 Location: Mercer County Agriculture Center Conference Room, 4978 Mud Pike, Celina, OH

Note: The December 18 session will also be hosted in Paulding County, but all registration will be coordinated through the Mercer County office.

🕗 Time: 8:00 – 11:30 a.m.

💲 Cost: $35 per training (Pay at the event with cash or check, or Pay by credit card when registering online)

📝 Registration: Pre-registration is required. Scan the QR code on the flyer or register online at go.osu.edu/commpest.

📞 Questions? Contact Sarah Noggle at 419-399-8225 or noggle.17@osu.edu

 

NW Ohio Women In Agriculture to Meet on Thursday, November 13

Are your personal and farm finances working together—or pulling in different directions? 🤔

Join the Northwest Ohio Women in Agriculture Roundtable on November 13 at 6:00 PM to learn strategies for blending family and farm budgets for long-term success. The event will take place at the Black Swamp Nature Center, located at 753 Fairground Drive, Paulding, OH 45879. (Please note this is a last minute location change.)

This welcoming event offers local female farmers, farm wives, female agribusiness professionals, or anyone interested in agriculture a chance to connect over dinner while staying informed about the latest agricultural trends and local updates. While the program is geared towards adults, we do appreciate bringing youth along to learn. Each person attending must complete a separate registration. 🗓️ Register by Monday, November 10 🔗 https://go.osu.edu/25NWOhioWIANovember

While the event is a roundtable discussion, this month’s featured speakers are Paulding County Extension Educators, Melissa Rupp and Sarah Noggle, who will teach a session on Your Money Goals: Adding Personal Finances into the Farm Budget. Participants must RSVP to receive materials and a meal by Monday, November 10, 2025. 

SPECIAL THIS MONTH: If you have something you would like to trade or barter related to kitchen supplies, or even a potential white elephant gift for the holidays, bring that along.  Continue reading NW Ohio Women In Agriculture to Meet on Thursday, November 13 →

Horticulture Hot Topics At Cooper Community Library on November 6

Horticulture Hot Topics: Cover Crops for Your Garden
Join us on Thursday, November 6, at 5:30 PM at the Cooper Community Library in Oakwood! Learn how cover crops can improve your garden’s soil health and reduce weeds—all while adding beauty and biodiversity. 🌾

Hosted by the Paulding County Carnegie Library and OSU Extension Paulding County.
💬 RSVP appreciated — call 419-399-8225 and ask for Katie.
👩‍🌾 Presented by Sarah Noggle, OSU Extension Educator.

Don’t forget to get your Pre-Sale Farm Science Review Tickets

Farm Science Review tickets are on sale now at the Paulding County Extension Office!

🚜FSR is the premier agricultural education and industry expo in the area. With new ag technology, hands-on exhibits, field demonstrations, conservation practices programs, commercial exhibitors, and research showcases, it is one of the biggest agricultural events of the year!

📲FSR dates are Tuesday through Thursday, September 16, 17, and 18, and are located at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center, 135 SR 38 NE, London, OH 43140.

🎟 Single-day tickets are $10 presale, $15 at the gate, and children 5 and under are free.

Presale tickets are on sale until 4:00 pm on September 15 and are in limited quantity. Stop by the office today!

Upcoming Ohio Farmland Leasing Update Webinar

🌾 WEBINAR ALERT 🌾
Ohio Farmland Leasing Update
📅 August 15, 2025 | 🕙 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Hosted by OSU Extension – Farm Office Live

Join us for a special Farm Office Live webinar focused on key updates and insights for farmland leasing in Ohio!

🔍 Topics include:
✅ 2025 Cash Rent Outlook
✅ Legal Issues with Farm Leases
✅ Tips for Drafting Strong Leases
✅ Resources for Landowners & Tenants

🎤 Speakers:

  • Peggy Kirk Hall, Attorney – OSU Ag & Resource Law Program

  • Robert Moore, Attorney – OSU Ag & Resource Law Program

  • Barry Ward, Leader – Production Business Management

🆓 Free to attend – perfect for landowners, tenants, ag professionals, and anyone involved in farmland rental!

📌 Register now and stay informed at this link!

#OhioAg #FarmlandLeasing #FarmOfficeLive #OSUExtension #AgLaw #CashRent #FarmManagement

Farm Science Review Tickets are Now Available!

Explore the Future of Farming at the 2025 Farm Science Review

Mark your calendars! The 2025 Farm Science Review returns to the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London, Ohio, from Tuesday, September 16 through Thursday, September 18, running daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

This annual event brings together agriculture professionals, enthusiasts, families, and students of all ages to explore the latest in farm technology, education, and hands-on demonstrations. With 100 acres of exhibits, 150+ educational seminars, and live field demonstrations—including corn and soybean harvests, tillage, baling, drone technology, and drainage techniques—there’s something here for everyone, from seasoned farmers to curious kids.

Tickets are available now! Kids 5 and under get in free, and parking is also free.

Whether you’re looking to grow your farm, expand your knowledge, or just enjoy a day outdoors with the family, the Farm Science Review is the place to be this fall.

Questions or accessibility needs? Just call 614-292-4278 or email fsrinfo@osu.edu.

Learn more and get your tickets today online or in local county offices!

Join OSU Extension at the Small Farms Conference in Wooster, Ohio

Ohio State Extension announced plans to host a Small Farm Conference in Wooster, OH on March 8th. The theme for this year’s Small Farm Conference is “Sowing Seeds for Success.”

Conference session topics are geared to beginning and small farm owners as well as to farms looking to diversify their operations. There will be five different conference tracks including Horticulture and Crop Production, Business Management, Livestock, Natural Resources, and Diversifying Your Enterprise. Check out the official program guide here. Continue reading Join OSU Extension at the Small Farms Conference in Wooster, Ohio →

Success Stories of Conservation program to be held February 20th

Ohio State University Extension and Northwest State Community College are partnering to provide a regional event focused on successful implementation of agricultural conservation practices, called “Success Stories of Conservation”.  The event will feature farmers giving 5-minute “lightning talks” that will discuss how specific conservation practices have benefitted them on their operations, followed by a panel-type question and answer session. In addition, Dr. Jim Uphaus, Professor and Chair of the Agriculture program at Rhodes State College, and Dr. Vinayak Shedekar, Assistant Professor of Agriculture Water Management at The Ohio State University, will host breakout sessions focusing on the return on investment of conservation practices and the benefits of utilizing farm drainage, respectively. The event’s keynote speaker will be Greg LaBarge, Field Specialist in Agronomic Systems at The Ohio State University, discussing his research in the Powell Creek Watershed and what watershed-scale implementation of conservation practices can do. Continue reading Success Stories of Conservation program to be held February 20th →

Join us next week for three ag-focused events!

Paulding County Extension is set to host THREE programs next week! Continue reading Join us next week for three ag-focused events! →

Planning the Future of your Farm program options for In-Person or Online Classes

Each year, OSU Extension holds “Planning for the Future of Your Farm” workshops to help families with farm transition planning.  We offer both a webinar and in-person workshops at several locations across Ohio.  This farm transition workshop challenges farm families to actively plan for the future of the farm business.  Learn how to have crucial conversations about the future and strategies and tools that can help you transfer your farm’s ownership, management, and assets to the next generation. Teaching faculty for the workshop are David Marrison, OSU Extension Farm Management Field Specialist, and Robert Moore, Attorney with the OSU Agricultural & Resource Law Program.

Topics discussed during this series include:

  • Developing Goals for Estate and Succession
  • Planning for the Transition of Control
  • Planning for the Unexpected
  • Communication and Conflict Management During Farm Transfer
  • Legal Tools and Strategies
  • Developing Your Team
  • Getting Your Affairs in Order
  • Selecting an Attorney

We encourage parents, children, and grandchildren to attend together to develop a plan for the future of your family farm. Continue reading Planning the Future of your Farm program options for In-Person or Online Classes →

Join Paulding County Extension for January 7th Cover Crops Roundtable Meeting

Join OSU Extension Paulding County and escape the cold with some hot topics at our January 7th Cover Crops Roundtable meeting! Continue reading Join Paulding County Extension for January 7th Cover Crops Roundtable Meeting →

Battle for the Belt – Is Corn or Soybean King hosted in Paulding County

Join us for the Battle for the Belt agronomy event in Paulding, Ohio, an exciting competition designed to showcase and enhance your skills in crop management and agronomy practices, including the hot topic of whether soybeans or corn are king. This regional OSU Extension program features Ohio State and field Extension specialists (Horacio Lopez-Nicora, Osler Ortez, and Laura Lindsey) who will address the question, “Is it better to plant corn or soybeans first?”

Participants will engage in hands-on activities, challenges, and educational sessions led by experts in the field. Speakers will provide valuable insights and data from two years of university research conducted at the OARDC research stations in Wood County, Clark County, and Wayne County as well as in county research during the 2023 and 2024 growing seasons. This event not only offers an opportunity to learn about the latest advancements in agronomy but also encourages friendly competition as participants vie for the coveted championship belt. Whether you are a seasoned farmer or new to the field, the Battle for the Belt promises to be an informative and entertaining experience that will elevate your agronomic knowledge and practices. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with fellow farmers and industry leaders while having fun!

  • General Information: Pre-registration is preferred for food count for this event. Walk-ins are welcome but may be limited by no lunch option.
  • Location: Paulding County Extension Office, 503 Fairground Drive, Paulding OH 45879
  • Cost: Free
  • Registration Information: RSVP by January 13. Limited seats for this meeting. Lunch included is provided with registration.
  • Contact: Sarah Noggle, noggle.17@osu.edu, (419) 399-8225
  • Registration Link: go.osu.edu/25BeltBattle

Join Us for Farm Office Live in 2025!

From the Farm Office Team

As we wrap up the year, the Farm Office Team would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in our Farm Office Live webinars over the past year. Your engagement and support make these sessions impactful and worthwhile.

We are excited to announce the dates for our 2025 Winter Series and invite you to mark your calendars for these upcoming webinars. Sessions will take place on Fridays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon on the following dates:

  • January 17
  • February 21
  • March 28
  • April 25

What to Expect

Farm Office Live webinars offer timely and essential updates for farm operations, from legislative changes to business management insights.

Here’s the Tentative Agenda for our first session on January 17, 2025:

  • Legislative Round-Up
  • Farm Business Analysis Program Update
  • Long-Term Care Update
  • Quarterly Fertilizer Update
  • Crop Input Outlook
  • Livestock Outlook
  • 1099 Reminders
  • Farm Policy & Farm Bill
  • Winter Program Update

Where to Find More Information

Stay up-to-date and access past recordings and slides on our website: Farm Office Live.

Save the Dates!

Don’t miss these opportunities to gain valuable insights and connect with experts who are here to help you navigate the ever-evolving agricultural landscape.

We hope you enjoy a wonderful holiday season, and we look forward to seeing you in 2025! As always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Warm regards,
The Farm Office Team

Breakfast with Santa

🎅🍳 Breakfast with Santa! 🍳🎅

Join us for a jolly good time this Saturday, December 7, at our Breakfast with Santa event provided by the County 4-H Clubs (Paws on the Wall, Livewires, Campground Kids, Flatrock Jr. Farmers, Livewires) and Wayne Trace FFA! 🎄✨

Bring the whole family to enjoy a delicious breakfast, festive activities, and a chance to meet Santa Claus himself!
📸 Don’t forget your cameras for photo opportunities with the big guy in red!
Free will donations will benefit the future new cattle barn on the fairgrounds.
📅 Date: Saturday, December 7
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
📍 Location: Paulding County Extension Office, 503 Fairground Drive, Paulding, OH 45879
This is a perfect way to kick off the holiday season with family and friends. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 🌟

#BreakfastWithSanta #HolidayFun #FamilyEvent #SantaIsComing

 

Paulding County Pesticide and Fertilizer Recertification is schedule for January 23, 2025

Paulding County Fertilizer & Pesticide Recertification Classes

Attention Paulding County farmers and applicators! Mark your calendars for the Fertilizer and Pesticide Recertification Workshop on Tuesday, January 23, 2025. This is an important opportunity to renew your certifications and stay compliant while learning about the latest in fertilizer and pesticide management.

Event Details:

📅 Date: Tuesday, January 23, 2025
📍 Location: Paulding County Extension Office
503 Fairground Drive, Paulding, OH 45879

⏰ Schedule:

  • Fertilizer Recertification: 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
  • Pesticide Recertification: 9:45 AM – 12:45 PM

💲 Cost:

  • Fertilizer Only: $10
  • Pesticide Only: $35
  • Combo (Fertilizer + Pesticide): $45

🍴 Light snacks will be provided with registration.

Important Information:

🚨 Pre-registration is mandatory.Spots are limited, and no walk-ins will be accepted.

🗓️ Registration Deadline: January 17, 2025

🔗 Register Here: go.osu.edu/PauldingPATFERT25
(Scan the QR Code below for quick access!)

Contact Information:

For questions or additional information, contact:
Sarah Noggle
📧 Email: noggle.17@osu.edu
📞 Phone: (419) 399-8225

Don’t miss this chance to recertify, connect with other producers, and gain valuable knowledge for the upcoming growing season. Reserve your spot today! 🌾

Cover Crops Roundtables – Join us monthly!

Join Paulding County Extension for their monthly, year-round series focusing on topics related to cover crops at their Cover Crops Roundtable meetings! These meetings are held on Tuesdays each month from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at the Paulding County Extension Office. Continue reading Cover Crops Roundtables – Join us monthly! →