Full Conference Registration $100.00

Register here for the 2025 Ohio State Small Farm Conference

8:30  Check-in / Registration

  Trade show is open all day!

Track 1:Horticulture and Crop Production

9:00-10:00 | Growing in a Hoophouse: Frank Becker, OSU Extension – “Growing in a Hoophouse” will cover planning, setup, production techniques, management goals, and strategies for long-term success.

10:10-11:10 | Greenhouse vs. High Tunnels: Impacts on Pesticide Use and Disease and Insect Pest Management: Melanie Ivey, Associate Professor, Plant Pathology CFAES-Wooster – This presentation will explore the differences between greenhouses and high tunnels and their impact on pesticide use, disease, and pest management.

11:20-12:20 | Integrated Disease Management Strategies for Apples and Peaches: Prevention and Control of Major Tree Fruit Diseases: Melanie Ivey, Associate Professor, Plant Pathology CFAES-Wooster – This presentation will cover major tree fruit diseases and strategies for prevention and control, focusing on integrated disease management in apples and peaches.

2:00-3:00 | What’s Required to Get the Most from High Tunnel Production?: Matt Kleinhenz, Professor& Extension Specialist- Vegetables – This presentation will explore why some high tunnel users fall short of their goals, offering strategies for success, followed by a tour of the OSU High Tunnel Research and Extension Facility in Wooster.

3:10-4:10 | High Tunnel Tour Matt Kleinhenz, Professor& Extension Specialist- Vegetables – The OSU High Tunnel Research and Extension Facility in Wooster features 18,000 sq ft of learning space across nine high tunnels; more details are available at https://u.osu.edu/vegprolab/research-areas/high-mid-tunnel-systems.

Track 2: Natural Resources and Conservation

9:00-10:00 | Sourcing Logs for Mushroom Production: Marc Amante, Central State University & Erika Lyon, Ohio State University Extension –  Considering log-grown mushrooms as a farm enterprise? This session covers mushroom types, log selection, and budgeting for laying yards.

10:10-11:10 | Soil Regeneration Utilizing Cover Crops: Chris Galbraith, Extension Field Specialist, Ohio State University – This session explores how cover crops can improve soil health as a regenerative practice and align with your farm’s goals.

11:20-12:20 | What’s in My Woodland? Basic Tree and Nut Identification: Carrie Brown, Ohio State University Extension – Join us for a crash course on identifying seeds and nuts from Ohio woodlands.

2:00-3:00 |Creating Habitat for Beneficial Insects on the Farm: Denise Ellsworth, Ohio State University– What do beneficial insects need to survive, and how can you enhance the habitat you already have to draw in more pollinators and other good bugs?

3:10-4:10 | Phenology:Using this Age-Old Science to Predict Bloom Time and Insect Activity:  Denise Ellsworth, Ohio State University– Phenology is the study of recurring biological phenomena and their relationship to weather and climate. Bird migration, hunting and gathering seasons, blooming of wildflowers and trees, and the seasonal appearance of insects are examples of phenological events that have been recorded for centuries.

Track 3: Diversifying Your Enterprise

9:00-10:00 | Growing Microgreens for Urban Growers and Small Farms: Kip Curtis, Associate Professor, OSU Extension – Scale, Scope, and Specialty: Overcoming Urban Grower and Small Scale Farm Marketing Challenges. 

10:10-11:10 | Money to Grow: Grants 101 for Food & Farm Businesses: Hannah Scott, Program Director, OSU South Centers  – This session covers the basics of grant funding for farms, addressing misconceptions, challenges, key considerations, and examples of available programs.

11:20-12:20 | Growing Your Farm With Agritourism: Christie Welch & Rob Leeds OSU Extension – Discover how agritourism can boost your farm’s business and profitability.

2:00-3:00 | Direct Marketing Your Food Through Online Sales: Christie Welch OSU South Centers – Explore online sales platforms to find the best fit for ag-based businesses.

3:10-4:10 | Navigating Licenses/Certificates for your Small Farm Market:  Emily Marrison, OSU Extension– Not sure what license, certification, or labels you will need to sell your products. This presentation will investigate what you will need to sell created cosmetics, granola, soaps, creamed filled pastries.

Track 4: Business Management

9:00-10:00 | How can value-added help your farm?: Kate Hodeges & Jessica Eikleberry, Northeast Ohio Ag innovation Center –  Learn what defines a value-added product, its benefits, and how the AIC supports farmers in starting or expanding their businesses, with insights from experienced professionals and optional one-on-one mini consultations.

10:10-11:10 | Behind the Brand: Heather Neikirk, OSU Extension Educator – Exploring branded programs and certifications for agricultural producers & products that I think would be a good fit.  

11:20-12:20 | Passing on Your Farm to the Next Generation: David Marrison, Professor and Field Specialist, Ohio State University Extension – Learn practical tips for passing your farm to the next generation, including ownership transfer, asset management, and navigating crucial conversations.

2:00-3:00 | Whole Farm Planning for the 21st Century: Integrating Childcare, Healthcare, and Health Insurance into Farm Planning.:  Sarah Noggle and David Marrison, Ohio State University Extension – This session equips farmers with an overview of tools to integrate childcare, healthcare, and health insurance into their farm business plans, addressing often-overlooked aspects of farm viability.

3:10-4:10 | SARE Topics and Grants:  Michelle Wallace, Central State – Learn about USDA-funded SARE grants for farmers, educators, and researchers, including funding opportunities, deadlines, and tips for improving your application.

Track 5: Livestock

9:00-10:00 | Vaccinations Program for a Small Farm: Kevin Jacque, Assistant Professor, College of Veterinary Medicine, OSU Large Animal Service –  What vaccinations should I be giving my livestock? Dr. Kevin Jacque will look at the vaccinations that are essential for a small farm.

10:10-11:10 | Small Scale Hay Making: Lee Beers, OSU Extension Educator – This session covers the hay-making process, equipment selection for small farms, and hay market insights to support sound financial decisions. 

11:20-12:20 | Biosecurity for Small Farms: John Yost, OSU Extension Educator – Learn how diseases can enter your farm and practical steps to protect the health and welfare of your livestock and poultry.

2:00-3:00 & 3:10-4:10 | Grassfed Beef Tour (Self-driving): John Yost & Dean Kreager, OSU Extension – Matt Falb, a 4th generation farmer near Orrville, Ohio, operates an 80-acre grass-fed beef farm focused on sustainable practices like managed intensive grazing, cover crops, and extending the grazing season.