COLUMBUS, Ohio – Virgil Strickler, who retired in February 2024 as the longest-serving general manager in the history of the Ohio Expo Center and Ohio State Fair, was honored with The Ohio State University’s 2024 Distinguished Service Award during autumn commencement exercises Sunday, December 15, 2024, at the Jerome Schottenstein Center.
Strickler’s career has been defined by his unwavering commitment to Ohio’s agricultural youth. He is best known for his leadership of the Ohio State Fair and for creating the nationally recognized Youth Reserve Program, which has awarded more than $4.6 million in scholarships to over 44,500 youth exhibitors since 1995. In 2023, the program was renamed the “Virgil L. Strickler Youth Reserve Program” to honor...
WOOSTER, Ohio — What’s in a Christmas tree?
For researchers at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), it’s decades of exploration and study, tree breeding, and a deep commitment to growing the perfect conifer. This holiday season, their hard work is taking root in a new initiative: the Ohio State CFAES Demonstration Christmas Tree Farm on the CFAES Wooster campus.
While the farm is still in the works, excitement is already growing.
Spanning 6.5 acres at Secrest Arboretum, this new farm will serve as an educational hub for Ohio’s Christmas tree growers. The project will focus on helping new and experienced growers alike learn best practices for tree farming, from planting to pruning. It’s a place...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — As Ohio’s agricultural community prepares for 2025, many farmers, growers, producers, and agribusinesses face continued economic pressures, including declining commodity prices, rising production costs, and ongoing uncertainty in trade and labor markets, according to agricultural economists from The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES).
Adapting to these challenges will require strategic planning and proactive steps, said Ian Sheldon, CFAES professor and holder of The Andersons Endowed Chair in Agricultural Marketing, Trade, and Policy in the CFAES Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics (AEDE).
“Farmers will face a tough year as commodity prices remain low and...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Mary Gardiner, a professor in the Department of Entomology at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), has been named a 2024-2025 Distinguished Professor of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.
The honorific title, awarded annually on a competitive basis to full professors, recognizes outstanding contributions and significant impact in teaching, research, outreach, and engagement.
“Mary Gardiner is an exceptional researcher, mentor, and leader whose work exemplifies the best of CFAES and Ohio State,” said Cathann A. Kress, Ohio State vice president for agricultural administration and CFAES dean. “Gardiner’s research has transformed urban ecology, focusing...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — For many older adults in Ohio, navigating the complexities of prescription medications can be a daily challenge. Thanks to a partnership between The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) and the university’s College of Pharmacy, vital education is helping older Ohioans safely manage their medications and live healthier lives.
Through Ohio State University Extension, CFAES’ outreach arm, educators are delivering Generation Rx programming to communities across the state, providing critical resources and tools to prevent medication misuse among older adults. The program was established in 2007 at the College of Pharmacy to teach safe medication-taking practices across the lifespan.
The results have...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Turkey pot pie anyone?
As you think of clever ways to serve up those Thanksgiving leftovers, remember to keep food safety in mind. After all, you and your guests eagerly awaiting Nanna’s famous sweet potato casserole or other holiday leftover favorites, deserve to enjoy these dishes safely and worry-free.
Sanja Ilic, food safety expert with The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), emphasizes the importance of understanding how to handle and store Thanksgiving leftovers.
“The recommended refrigerated storage time for different foods can vary, but in general, the time is quite short,” said Ilic, who is a food safety state specialist with Ohio State University Extension, CFAES’...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Amanda Bowling, associate professor and honors coordinator in The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership (ACEL), has been named a recipient of the prestigious early-career teaching award by the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU).
The award, which includes recognition from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, honors her outstanding contributions to teaching and student success. Bowling was honored Nov. 10 by the Washington, D.C.-based research, policy, and advocacy organization at their annual meeting.
Bowling, who joined CFAES in 2017, was recognized for her innovative and student-centered teaching methods. She teaches...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — With Thanksgiving just around the corner, many families are looking forward to gathering around the table for a festive feast. For those purchasing a frozen turkey, however, it’s essential to plan for safe preparation, according to experts at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES).
Sanja Ilic, food safety state specialist with Ohio State University Extension, CFAES’ outreach arm, emphasizes that properly thawing a frozen turkey is not just a matter of convenience; it’s essential for preventing foodborne illnesses.
“Thawing a turkey correctly helps minimize the growth of bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses,” she says. “While a turkey is safe indefinitely when...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — For many student veterans, transitioning from military life to college can be a daunting experience. But at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), a supportive team is available to help them succeed.
Ben Carignan, CFAES academic counselor and a U.S. Air Force veteran, understands the unique challenges veteran students face.
“Having a shared experience in serving our country in the military has influenced my approach on a couple of levels,” Carignan said. “Students I meet with typically know that I’m a veteran, which makes starting our conversations very easy and easy-going, no matter their pathway and their background with military experience.”
Carignan, who served in the...
COLUMBUS, Ohio —Declining grain and oilseed prices will be just one of the important issues impacting Ohio farmers, producers, and agribusiness professionals discussed at the 2024 Agricultural Outlook and Policy Conference on Nov. 19 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center on The Ohio State University Columbus campus.
This premier forum gathers agricultural and economic experts from the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics (AEDE) and Nationwide to discuss crucial issues affecting producers, agribusinesses, and elected officials.
The conference offers an important opportunity to examines Ohio’s evolving agricultural landscape, discussing...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — As Halloween approaches, The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) is bringing a festive spirit to Star House, a drop-in center for teens and young adults experiencing homelessness in central Ohio.
With a donation of approximately 60 pumpkins from Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory, a 261-acre living laboratory for innovation and engagement on Ohio State’s Columbus campus, local youth will have the opportunity to decorate their own pumpkins, fostering community spirit and creativity, said Matt Sullivan, assistant director of Waterman.
“We are proud to support our local communities through initiatives like this pumpkin donation,” Sullivan said. “By providing these...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The spotted lanternfly, a non-native invasive insect, captures attention with its stunning appearance — grayish wings adorned with black spots and vibrant red underwings — but beneath this beauty lies a significant threat to agriculture and local ecosystems.
Franklin County is among 12 counties in Ohio currently under quarantine as the pest spreads rapidly across the state. Since its identification in 2020 in Ohio, the spotted lanternfly has been reported in 17 states, with monthly sightings exceeding 3,000 according to the Ohio Department of Agriculture. The pest was first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014.
In response to this growing threat, The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) is actively...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Patricia Brundige, the largest individual benefactor in the history of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), has been inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame for her transformative contributions to Ohio 4-H Youth Development.
Brundige’s lifelong support, volunteerism, and philanthropy have empowered countless youth, ensuring 4-H’s continued growth and success across the state. She grew up in Franklin County and participated in 4-H as a youth, maintaining a deep connection to the program throughout her life. After attending Ohio State to study home economics education, she began an extensive career in the food science industry.
With the untimely passing of her late husband, Thomas Brundige...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) has partnered with the City of Columbus to pilot a consumer-focused food waste reduction campaign, with Columbus serving as the first test site for the initiative.
The project, led by Brian Roe, the Fred N. VanBuren Professor of Farm Management in the CFAES Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Development Economics, aims to reduce the amount of food wasted in Columbus households and contribute to broader national efforts to address food waste.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Columbus on this important pilot project,” Roe said. “Columbus’s diverse population and commitment to sustainability make it an ideal location to test and...
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The recent combination of drought conditions and a deluge of heavy rainfall from the remnants of Hurricane Helene has left many Ohio soybean farmers grappling with compromised crop quality and uncertain futures.
Severe drought has weakened soybean pods throughout the state, and the subsequent rain has led to an even more challenging situation—seed sprouting within compromised pods, a phenomenon rarely seen at such a scale in Ohio’s farming history, said Laura Lindsey, field crops expert with The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES).
“Farmers were already concerned about dry soybeans,” said Lindsey, a soybean and small grains specialist with Ohio State University Extension, CFAES’...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — As Ohio grapples with its most extreme drought in years, farmers are facing an alarming rise in the risk of combine fires, experts from The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) warn. The record drought, which has left 95% of the state experiencing abnormal dryness or worse, is exacerbating conditions that can easily ignite fires in dry fields.
The issue is especially significant this year as harvest activities are starting two to three weeks early this year due to record dry conditions, said Aaron Wilson, state climatologist and field specialist with Ohio State University Extension. OSU Extension is the outreach arm of CFAES.
“The forecast for the next week to two weeks shows few signs of significant...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) is intensifying its efforts to support farmers after the U.S. Department of Agriculture declared 23 Ohio counties as natural disaster areas this week due to severe drought. This federal designation enables farmers to access emergency loans and other federal aid programs.
Drought conditions that began in Ohio in mid-June have worsened throughout the summer. The majority of Ohio is now grappling with drought conditions that are wreaking havoc on local agriculture.
The recent stretch of hot temperatures combined with scant rainfall has resulted in at least 95% of the state affected by abnormal dryness or worse, with 31% in severe drought, 22% in extreme drought, and 7% in...
LONDON, Ohio — Ohio farmers facing a challenging 2024 growing season will have the opportunity to get their pressing questions answered at this year’s Farm Science Review, presented by The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES). Whether it’s dealing with weather extremes, understanding the impact of artificial intelligence on agriculture, or creating strategies for lean times ahead, the event looks to address the top concerns of the farming and agricultural community.
Faculty and staff from CFAES will tackle these issues and more during the 62nd annual farm show, which takes place Sept. 17-19 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London, Ohio.
“The 2024 growing season has been particularly stressful...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — From brittle, brown lawns and cracked soils to dry ponds and crops, the signs are clear: A large portion of Ohio is again officially in a drought.
Parts of central, southeast, and southern Ohio are grappling with drought conditions that are wreaking havoc on local agriculture. The recent stretch of hot temperatures combined with scant rainfall has resulted in at least 63% of the state considered abnormally dry or worse, including 24% considered severe drought and 12% in extreme drought, according to the Aug. 22 update from the U.S. Drought Monitor.
This prolonged dry spell has left pastures parched and forage availability critically low, forcing some farmers to confront a dire shortage of hay, said Garth Ruff, an Ohio State University Extension field...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Amid the tantalizing aroma of corn dogs, the refreshing swirl of lemon shake-ups, and the dizzying whirl of fairground rides, there exists a lesser-known but vital aspect of the Ohio State Fair: It’s a place where youth develop career skills. Each day of the fair, Ohio 4-H members share their projects, embodying the spirit of exploration, learning, and growth.
Ohio 4-H, the youth development arm of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), plays a pivotal role in empowering youth statewide. Annually, more than 9,000 4-H youth from all of Ohio’s 88 counties compete at the Ohio State Fair, carefully selected by their county program. In 2023, 9,301 4-H youth participated in Ohio State Fair events....
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Groundbreaking research conducted by a multi-state team, including Shoshanah Inwood, associate professor at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), has unveiled the caregiving experiences of households in the North Central and Northeast regions of the U.S.
The preliminary findings, released as two regionally focused “Research Snapshots,” offer insights into caregiver demographics, the financial and personal impacts of caregiving, and the types of support that caregivers seek.
“Our caregiving survey was designed to understand caregiving across the life course, including children, adults, and elderly,” said Inwood, who researches community, food, and economic development in the CFAES...
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State Fair is a summer tradition for many Ohioans, filled with fun, games, and, of course, food. But amidst the elephant ears and deep-fried ice cream, how can fairgoers make healthier food choices?
Jenny Lobb, a family and consumer sciences educator for Ohio State University Extension, the outreach arm of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), offers some advice.
“It’s not likely you’ll gain 12 pounds in a day of overindulgence, but that doesn’t mean it’s a great idea to have an elephant ear for breakfast, stromboli for lunch, bacon-on-a-stick for dinner, and deep-fried ice cream for dessert,” she said. “Your gastrointestinal system would probably have a...
CINCINNATI, OHIO — Professionals working to pass on farm businesses to future generations successfully might find valuable resources at the annual Cultivating Connections Conference August 5-6. The conference is hosted by the Agricultural and Resource Law program at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES).
This year’s conference will take place at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Law in Cincinnati. It will convene attorneys, accountants, appraisers, educators, and other farm transition planners from across the nation, said Peggy Hall, director of the Ohio State University Extension Agricultural and Resource Law program. OSU Extension is the outreach arm of CFAES.
The upcoming gathering...
Lal’s work focuses on carbon sequestration in agriculture, removing atmospheric carbon
A globally renowned soil scientist at The Ohio State University, Rattan Lal, has been awarded the 2024 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity for his significant contributions to global food security, climate resilience and ecosystem protection.
Lal, a Distinguished University Professor at Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) and the founding director of the CFAES Rattan Lal Center for Carbon Management and Sequestration, was also recently named the No. 1 scientist in the world and the United States in the field of plant sciences and agronomy by Research.com.
Lal was chosen for his pioneering work in promoting a soil-centric approach...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ann D. Christy, associate dean and director for Academic Programs at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), has been named a Fellow with the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE).
ASABE has also awarded Patrick Sours, CFAES assistant professor of professional practice, the 2024 Robert E. Stewart Engineering Humanities Award, and Jaden Tatum, CFAES graduate research Fellow, the 2024 Pharos of Alexandria Global Learning Award. ASABE is an international scientific and educational organization that works to advance engineering applied to agricultural, food, and biological systems.
Christy, who is also a professor in the CFAES Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological...
