Events

Buckeyes Abroad: Megan Garrison

Office of International Affairs, The Ohio State University

Following suit from last week, Megan Garrison, another student on our Animal Sciences global education program, shares her experiences while abroad. I share these experiences here with you to highlight the work being done at The Ohio State University that is allowing our students to become more broad in their thinking while exposing them to new, innovative, and sometimes different production systems. These students are the future of our agricultural systems, with many gaining a new or deeper appreciation for the small ruminants that we all enjoy here. Megan’s original story can be found here. A big thank you all of our readers that support this program and myself. Without your support, opportunities like these would not be possible for our agricultural enthusiasts! Until next time, Happy Shepherding!

“What made my study abroad experience with Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Scotland’s Ruminants program truly memorable was the opportunity to explore Scotland through an agricultural lens. Getting to visit farms and research facilities allowed me to connect classroom knowledge with real-world practices in a completely different environment. Beyond the academics, it was Continue reading Buckeyes Abroad: Megan Garrison →

Buckeyes Abroad: Olivia Hillman

Office of International Affairs, The Ohio State University

 

For those that follow us here quite regularly, you may have noticed that about a month ago we were absent for a week. During that time period, I had the privilege to co-lead a group of 39 OSU Animal Sciences undergraduate students on our global education program – Scotland’s Ruminants. Olivia Hillman, one of our students that participated in the program, was asked to share her experience below. You may also view her original story here with additional photos. Enjoy!

“My study abroad experience with Ohio State’s College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences Scotland’s Ruminants program was truly unforgettable. The program combined my passion for animal sciences with a hands-on dive into Scotland’s agriculture. From visiting sustainable sheep farms in the Highlands to learning about Continue reading Buckeyes Abroad: Olivia Hillman →

The Ohio Agroforestry Summit

Meghan Edwards, School of Environment and Natural Resources Graduate Student, The Ohio State University

All are welcome to join us in Wooster on March 7th at 9am for the Ohio Agroforestry Summit, where you will hear from practitioners experienced in silvopasture, forest farming, and alley cropping, and have the opportunity to join roundtable discussions with other farmers on the future of agroforestry in our state. Register by February 20th to have a lunch reserved for you.

Registration is now open! Use the QR code above to sign up. For more information, visit go.osu.edu/AFsummit.

2025 OSU Extension Small Farm Conference to be Held – at The Ohio State University Wooster Shisler Center Wooster, Ohio

Carri Jagger, OSU Extension Educator ANR, Morrow County

Ohio State Extension announced plans to host a Small Farm Conference in Wooster, OH on March 8, 2025. 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 operation. There will be five different conference tracks including: Horticulture and Crop Production, Business Management, Livestock, Natural Resources and Diversifying Your Enterprise.

Some conference topic highlights include: Growing in a Hoophouse, Integrated Disease Management Strategies for Apple and Peaches, High Tunnel Tour, Using Cover Crops for Soil Regeneration, Creating Habitat for Beneficial Insects on the Farm, Growing Microgreens, Money to Grow: Grants 101, Growing Your Farm With Agritourism, Navigating Licenses/Certificates for your Small Farm Market, How Can Value – Added Help Your Farm, Vaccination Programs for a Small Farm, Grassfed Beef Tour. Continue reading 2025 OSU Extension Small Farm Conference to be Held – at The Ohio State University Wooster Shisler Center Wooster, Ohio →

Small Ruminant Webinars – Genetic Testing: When, What, and Why

Austin Brown, Extension Program Specialist, Small Ruminant Production and Management
(Previously published online with PennState Extension: February 4, 2025)

(Image Source: PSU Extension)

Learn about genetic testing for sheep and goats, including DNA collection, choosing the right tests, and when to test, all to meet your breeding and flock or herd health goals.

Come join the discussion on February 18th at 7:00 PM ET, as Penn State Extension continues its Small Ruminant Winter Webinar Series with an informative session titled “Genetic Testing: When, What, and Why”. This webinar will provide sheep and goat producers with critical insights into genetic testing tools, helping them make informed breeding and management decisions to improve flock and herd productivity.

Genetic testing plays an essential role in livestock selection, enabling producers to identify desirable traits, manage disease resistance, and enhance overall genetic gains. This session will cover key topics, including: Continue reading Small Ruminant Webinars – Genetic Testing: When, What, and Why →