The Ohio State University will lead a $2.5 million USDA-funded effort to help reduce food loss and waste. Brian Roe, professor in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), will manage a pilot consumer campaign designed to reduce the amount of food that is wasted in U.S. households.
Roe, the Fred N. VanBuren Professor of Farm Management in the Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Development Economics (AEDE), will partner with Sara Elnakib, associate director of Cooperative Extension at Rutgers University. They will develop educational messages and campaign materials that can meaningfully reduce the amount of U.S. household food waste.
“About one-third of all food is wasted, with about half of that occurring in homes...
Tracy Kitchel has been reappointed as senior associate dean and director of faculty and staff affairs in The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES). The reappointment is effective July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
“I appreciate Dr. Kitchel’s dedicated efforts and continued pursuit of excellence in these important areas,” said Cathann A. Kress, Ohio State vice president for agricultural administration and dean of CFAES. “Congratulations on a well-deserved reappointment. I look forward to seeing what his accomplishments will be during the next four years.”
Kitchel earned his BS and MS at Ohio State, and his PhD at the University of Missouri, all in agricultural education. Prior to his first term as...
Tim Haab has been named professor and director of the School of Environment and Natural Resources (SENR) in The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES).
His new position is effective July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028, subject to the appropriate review process, and Ohio State Board of Trustees approval of both appointments.
Haab has served as interim director of SENR since August of 2023, and in 2019 was named the Dean’s Chair for Transformative Initiatives. Prior to these roles, Haab served as professor and chair of the CFAES Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics (AEDE) for 13 years. He is one of the few individuals to lead two different units within CFAES.
Haab is an environmental economist...
When growing crops, fertilizer is a critical component. Too often, however, knowing what type of fertilizer to use, how much to apply, where, and when for peak crop production can be a major challenge for growers.
Soil scientists and agronomists at The Ohio State University are part of a national team of over 100 agricultural professionals that has launched a new tool to pave the way for future advancements in crop nutrient management. The team represents nearly 50 universities, USDA, not-for-profit organizations, and one private sector partner.
Manbir Rakkar, assistant professor of soil fertility and nutrient management in Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, is part of the team and is excited about the new online national soil...
When it comes to farmland losses in Ohio, the three metropolitan areas of Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati, not surprisingly, lead the way.
A new report by The Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) took a deep dive into the decline of Ohio farmland acres between the 20-year period of 2002 and 2022.
The counties of Cuyahoga, Franklin, and Hamilton had among the largest percentages of decline in farm numbers, land in farms, and agricultural land lost to development. Cuyahoga County, part of the Cleveland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), experienced the largest decrease in number of farms, with the number dropping by 35%. Franklin County (part of the Columbus MSA), had one of the highest percentages of agricultural land...
One of Ohio’s most vibrant agricultural regions will be the recipient of a “one-stop shop,” developed by The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), to help food, fiber, and fuel value-added agriculture producers set themselves up for success.
The Northeast Ohio Agriculture Innovation Center (NEO-AIC) is the result of an almost $1 million new grant from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development, with matching in-kind funds of nearly $500,000 from Ohio State. The three-year investment was awarded through the USDA Agriculture Innovation Center Program.
“Northeast Ohio is a great agricultural region with rich prime soils and is home to a diversity of businesses and farms, including the highest...
Severe weather, now confirmed as six tornados by the National Weather Service, moved through central Ohio early in the morning of Feb. 28, 2024, causing significant damage at The Ohio State University’s Molly Caren Agricultural Center in Madison County.
The center, in London, is the site of the annual Farm Science Review, hosted by the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES).
No individuals or animals were in the impacted buildings at the time of the storm, and no one was injured. The university is continuing to assess the extent of the facility and equipment damage at Molly Caren and will determine contingency plans once the evaluation is complete.
It has already been announced, however, that CFAES is fully committed to hosting Farm Science...
Seven state and national agricultural experts spoke at the first CFAES Farm Bill Summit, held on Friday, Feb. 23, at The Ohio State University.
Hosted by Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), the speakers unraveled the complexities of Farm Bill legislation and discussed how the bill shapes the future of farming and related industries.
Cathann A. Kress, vice president for agricultural administration and CFEAS dean, welcomed participants to the summit before Amy Ando, chair of the Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics (AEDE), shared examples of policies, in addition to the Farm Bill, that have had major impacts on agriculture.
She highlighted, as examples, the federal immigration policy, trade policy...
Comedian Rodney Dangerfield often said, "I don't get no respect." The same catchphrase also perfectly applies to one of our most persistent wildlife predators—the coyote. The nation’s foremost expert on coyotes and a professor at The Ohio State University, Stanley D. Gerht, offers a new perspective in his just-published book, “Coyotes Among Us.”
The book is based on more than 20 years of research by Gehrt, professor of wildlife ecology in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES).
Co-authored with former journalist, Kerry Luft, the book draws from decades of experience to dispel coyote myths, highlight the benefits of living with coyotes, and embrace the coyote as a brilliant survivor...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The most prestigious undergraduate award at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) will be presented to 23 seniors in April.
The Distinguished Senior Award honors top graduating seniors on the Ohio State Columbus campus who exemplify the CFAES mission in areas such as academics and scholarship, research and innovation, service and involvement, and influence and leadership.
“We hope these 23 award recipients feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment in their success as a student in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences,” said Ann D. Christy, CFAES professor and associate dean for academic programs. “It’s remarkable how they have succeeded in the classroom,...
At a ceremony on Jan. 30, 2024, The Ohio State University broke ground on the $52 million Multispecies Animal Learning Center (MALC), which will advance student learning and workforce development in animal agriculture.
The College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) will build the state-of-the-art facility at Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory on the Columbus campus.
Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr., who spoke at the groundbreaking on his 30th day on the job, said, “Agriculture is critically important, not only for states like Ohio, but for our nation and our world.”
“This Multispecies Animal Learning Center is going to benefit our students by providing hands-on training that leads to...
Cathann Kress, vice president for agricultural administration and dean of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), was recently named a Friend of the Ohio Sheep Industry.
The recognition was presented at the 2023 Buckeye Shepherd’s Symposium, held in December at the CFAES Wooster campus, from the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association (OSIA) and the Ohio Sheep and Wool Program (OSWP).
“In CFAES, we strive to develop partnerships that are transformational, increasing opportunities for meaningful participation from our stakeholders and alumni, and creating additional pathways for lifelong learning,” said Kress. “Our partnership with OSIA and OSWP is enduring – together, we prepare the next generation...
COLUMBUS, Ohio—The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) has named Chieri Kubota, Jeff Firkins, and Lingying Zhao as its 2023–2024 Distinguished Professors of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.
The honorific title, selected annually on a competitive basis among members at the rank of full professor, recognizes excellent work and significant impact in teaching, research, outreach, and engagement.
“We congratulate these outstanding faculty members, and all of the nominees, for their impactful contributions—to their fields, to their students, to our college, university, and the public,” said Cathann A. Kress, Ohio State vice president for agricultural administration and CFAES dean....
Let’s assume that you and your significant other have already hashed out the real vs. fake Christmas tree debate. If the real tree won, raise a glass of eggnog to that!
Nothing says happy holidays quite like the amazing scent of a live tree in your house. And, if you cut down your tree on an Ohio Christmas tree farm, you’re helping to support local farmers, many of whom have been growing trees on family farms for generations.
It’s probably no shock, but choosing and cutting your own Christmas tree guarantees the freshest tree possible and can be a great family holiday tradition when you hike out in the fields to pick your perfect tree. Christmas trees are even a sustainable resource since they clean the air, and the tree farms are usually on land that's...
BroadbandOhio has awarded $125,000 in grants to help establish high-speed internet connectivity to The Ohio State University’s Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London, Ohio.
The center is part of Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) and is home to the annual, three-day farm show, Farm Science Review, which drew almost 117,000 visitors earlier this month.
The agricultural connectivity will ensure that the center can be used as a demonstration area and proving ground for autonomous farming equipment, which promises increased efficiencies, reductions in environmental impacts, and enhanced overall productivity in the agricultural sector.
“As we continue through the digital agricultural revolution, reliable...
Patricia Brundige, a generous benefactor and life-long supporter of Ohio State University Extension and Ohio 4-H youth development, received a national 2023 Friend of Extension Award from Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP) at its annual conference in Billings, Montana. ESP is the largest organization of Extension professionals.
Brundige, of Dublin, Ohio, has been generous with her vision, talent, and funding to benefit The Ohio State University and especially the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), home to OSU Extension with its offices in all 88 Ohio counties. An active volunteer, an engaged stakeholder, and a visionary donor with $11 million in support in the last several years, she is the biggest individual benefactor in the history of CFAES.
“Pat has...
Farmers gather each year to see the latest in agricultural innovations at The Ohio State University’s Farm Science Review (FSR). The annual show, sponsored by Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), will be held Tuesday through Thursday, Sept. 19-21, at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London, Ohio.
Demonstrations, beginning at 12:30 daily, will showcase ag technology innovations including an autonomous tractor, drone spraying, high-clearance robotic irrigation system capable of applying animal nutrient sources to row crops, and wireless communications options for connecting these devices.
“We are beginning to see autonomy product offerings that solve challenging problems for farmers who want to stay ahead of the...
COLUMBUS—Final donations have been tallied and once again, goals were exceeded as $172,709 was raised by the Dean’s Charity Steer Show for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Central Ohio.
Held August 1 at the Ohio State Fair’s Voinovich Livestock & Trade Center, the show supported Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio while bringing people together to celebrate communities, agriculture, and children.
The event is focused on youth who benefit from the Ronald McDonald House, as well as the 4-H youth who provide their expertise and steers for the event. 4-H is the youth development program of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) through OSU Extension.
“The Dean’s Charity...
COLUMBUS—In one week, the Dean’s Charity Steer Show will be held at the Ohio State Fair to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Central Ohio. Don’t miss the opportunity to cheer on your favorite team and support a cause that helps families stay near to their hospitalized child with serious illness.
The annual event, hosted by The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), will be held Tuesday, Aug. 1, at 2 p.m. in the Voinovich Livestock & Trade Center on the Ohio Expo Center and State Fair grounds.
“This exciting event brings together our community to celebrate agriculture and children, both for our 4-H youth as well as children benefiting from the Ronald McDonald House,” said Cathann A....
The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) has announced leadership positions for three departments within the college: food science and technology, plant pathology, and food, agricultural and biological engineering.
Martha Belury has been appointed chair of the CFAES Department of Food Science and Technology effective July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2027.
Belury earned her bachelor’s in nutrition in 1987 and her Ph.D. in biological sciences in 1992 from the University of Texas, Austin. She joined Ohio State as the Carol S. Kennedy Professor of Nutrition in the College of Education and Human Ecology in 2002. Belury has served as interim chair of the Department of Food Science and Technology since July 1, 2022.
Pierce...
COLUMBUS—The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has named Greg Lipps of The Ohio State University as recipient of its 2023 Commitment to Conservation Award.
Lipps, a leader in Ohio amphibian and reptile conservation in Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Resources (CFAES), understands the vital role zoos play in conservation. He also serves as the amphibian & reptile conservation coordinator in the Ohio Biodiversity Conservation Partnership, a long-term relationship between Ohio State and the Ohio Division of Wildlife.
The professional herpetologist is the sixth recipient of the Commitment to Conservation Award which recognizes and rewards global conservation heroes who have made a measureable impact on wildlife conservation, and honors the lifetime...
COLUMBUS, Ohio—The Ohio State University has received a gift from Trimble, a technology company, to establish state-of-the-art technology labs for the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES). This gift of software and hardware represents the largest philanthropic gift-in-kind investment to support teaching, research, and outreach in the history of CFAES.
The multidisciplinary labs at Ohio State will enhance teaching, research, and outreach activities in food and agricultural engineering, construction management, and natural resources. The Trimble technology labs will be located on the Columbus campus and Ohio State ATI on the CFAES Wooster campus. The labs will be the first to include Trimble agriculture solutions.
The centerpieces of this gift are...
COLUMBUS, Ohio—The most prestigious undergraduate award at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) will be presented to 25 seniors in March.
The Distinguished Senior Award honors top graduating seniors on the Ohio State Columbus campus who exemplify the CFAES mission in areas such as academics and scholarship, research and innovation, service and involvement, and influence and leadership.
“We hope these 25 award recipients feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment in their success as a student in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences,” said Ann Christy, CFAES professor and associate dean for academic programs. “It’s remarkable how they have succeeded in the classroom,...
All parents know how challenging it is to balance children and work, especially when childcare options are limited. One group of parents in particular, farm and ranch parents, are being sought for a national study into their experiences.
Researchers at the National Farm Medicine Center and The Ohio State University are looking to better understand farm and ranch families operating in rural, urban, or suburban areas and their lived realities of balancing children and work.
“Childcare challenges (paid or unpaid) can have consequences for the farm business, the safety of children, and the well-being of the family as a whole,” said Shoshanah Inwood, rural sociologist and associate professor of community, food and economic development at Ohio State. “This is the...
COLUMBUS—Final donations have been tallied and an impressive $247,148 was raised by the Dean’s Charity Steer Show for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Central Ohio.
Held August 2 at the Ohio State Fair’s Cooper Arena, the show far surpassed all expectations. “This wonderful event brings people together to celebrate communities, agriculture, and children,” said Cathann A. Kress, vice president for agricultural administration and dean of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) who serves as host for the event.
The event is focused on youth who benefit from the Ronald McDonald House, which is the sole beneficiary of the funds, as well as the 4-H youth who provide their expertise and steers for...