COLUMBUS, Ohio — Relentless rain and lingering chill have stalled the start of Ohio’s 2025 planting season, leaving many farmers scrambling to make up for lost time in fields that were too wet to work.
With corn planting at 72% as of June 2—still trailing the five-year average of 87%—Ohio farmers are racing against time and field conditions as they make crucial decisions about the 2025 growing season.
To help navigate this difficult start, researchers and educators with The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) and its outreach arm, Ohio State University Extension, are stepping up efforts to provide timely, research-based guidance.
From crop selection and nutrient management to insurance options and long-...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — That jar of homemade jam or crunchy home-canned green beans might look delicious on the pantry shelf, but if it wasn’t preserved using tested, science-backed methods, it could pose serious health risks.
Improper food preservation techniques can lead to the growth of harmful pathogens, including Clostridium botulinum, the toxin that causes botulism, a potentially fatal illness. To help Ohioans preserve food safely this season, Ohio State University Extension is offering a suite of free webinars, hands-on pressure canner testing, and science-based resources across the state.
Kate Shumaker, an OSU Extension educator and registered dietitian, leads the statewide Extension Food Preservation Team. Together, the team provides trusted guidance to help families...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ticks are creeping into more corners of Ohio every year — and with them, the threat of serious illnesses.
Now, a new service from The Ohio State University is helping protect people and pets by identifying ticks and the diseases they carry.
Ohio State has launched the Buckeye Tick Test, a new pathogen testing service that offers comprehensive identification and disease screening for ticks found on humans and animals.
The Buckeye Tick Test, Ohio’s first service allowing residents to mail in ticks for analysis, is an interdisciplinary project led by Ohio State’s Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) and Ohio State’s College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM). The lab is directed by Risa Pesapane, an associate professor with joint appointments...
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Chris Zoller has been named assistant director of Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) for Ohio State University Extension in The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) effective May 12.
Zoller has served as interim assistant director of ANR since December 2023 and brings more than 32 years of experience with OSU Extension, having served as an Extension educator in Tuscarawas County since 1992. In that role, he conducted programming in farm management, succession planning, livestock production, farm financial management, forage and agronomic crop systems, and energy use on livestock farms.
In his new position, Zoller will provide leadership, administration, guidance, and vision for OSU Extension’s ANR...
COLUMBUS, Ohio –As Ohio celebrates In-Demand Jobs Week from May 5–9, Ohio State University Extension’s 4-H Career Cards exemplify how The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) is preparing youth for high-demand careers that support the state’s evolving workforce needs.
Ohio 4-H, the youth development arm of CFAES through OSU Extension, empowers young people with leadership, citizenship, and life skills across all 88 counties in Ohio.
Many of the careers highlighted—such as agricultural economists, food scientists, and precision ag specialists—connect directly to fields where Ohio employers are actively seeking qualified professionals. By introducing these pathways early, Ohio 4-H encourages youth...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — It wasn’t your average day of leadership training.
There were no lectures, no slideshows — just 23 high school students, nine agricultural professionals, and a high-stakes simulation designed to challenge how the next generation of agricultural leaders think, collaborate, and lead.
The result?
A bold new approach to learning, where Ohio 4-H youth joined forces with industry mentors to tackle real-world issues in agriculture during the first youth-focused “Wargame” event at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES).
The March 7 event was led by Campbell Reese, a 17-year-old Geauga County 4-H member and National 4-H Council Roth Scholar, as part of her capstone project with the...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — What do the clothes we wear have to do with saving the planet?
For Earth Day 2025, The Ohio State University’s Environmental Professionals Network (EPN) invites the public to explore the answer — by tracing the journey of natural fibers from farm to fashion.
Hosted at the Fawcett Center on April 21, the evening before Earth Day, the EPN Signature Earth Day Event will highlight the sustainability stories of four key natural fibers: wool, cotton, hemp, and flax. The event, “Farm to fashion: Natural Fiber Footprints and Futures,” is free and open to the public, with both in-person and livestream attendance options.
“I’m thrilled to host the 2025 EPN Signature Earth Day Event — my first as EPN director,” said...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio’s agricultural producers could soon be feeling the sting of escalating global trade tensions, as U.S. tariff policies evolve and foreign retaliation ramps up.
Ian Sheldon, a professor in The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) and holder of The Andersons Endowed Chair in Agricultural Marketing, Trade, and Policy in the CFAES Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics, is closely monitoring the unfolding situation.
He’ll present his insights on April 18 during the Ohio Food Policy Network’s virtual convening in a talk titled, “Current U.S. Trade Policy: What Impact?” Sheldon, an internationally recognized expert in agricultural economics, will offer...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (FABE) within both the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) and College of Engineering at The Ohio State University has been ranked ninth in the nation among graduate programs by U.S. News & World Report in its 2025-2026 Best Biological /Agricultural Engineering Graduate Programs rankings, released this week.
This prestigious recognition reflects FABE’s continued excellence in advancing the science and application of engineering in systems involving food, agriculture, and the environment.
“The ranking is not only a sign of our dedicated faculty, but also a testament to the work that our students are doing,” said Scott Shearer, professor and chair...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — With the Neopestalotiopsis fungal disease — commonly called “Neo-P”—affecting strawberry supply chains and crop yields, Ohioans may notice a shortage of locally grown strawberries this year, said Melanie L. Lewis Ivey, associate professor of fruit pathology in the Department of Plant Pathology at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES).
“Consumers can expect that there will be a limited supply of Ohio-grown strawberries this year,” Lewis Ivey said. “Based on reduced supply, the price of strawberries may be higher than in previous years.”
With limited fungicide options and no resistant strawberry varieties available, growers are turning to CFAES for critical...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Backyard poultry keeping is gaining popularity across Ohio as more residents discover the benefits of raising chickens.
Whether for a fresh supply of eggs, the fun of caring for animals, or the satisfaction of growing their own food, many are finding chickens to be a rewarding addition to their homes. As more communities consider or implement regulations allowing urban and suburban homeowners to raise chickens, the trend is only expected to grow.
To address this growing interest, The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) is supporting new poultry keepers through an online educational resource.
Ohio State University Extension, CFAES’ outreach arm, has developed the Backyard Poultry Certificate Course...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Bruce Ackley, a lecturer in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science (HCS) at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), has been named a recipient of the 2025 Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding lecturers, senior lecturers, and associated faculty for their excellence in teaching and commitment to student success.
Ackley, who has been with Ohio State since 2008 and became a lecturer in 2021, received the award during a surprise visit to his HCS 5411 lab, Domestication and Utilization of Agronomic Crops, where university leadership, colleagues, and students gathered to celebrate his achievement.
“It’s hard to articulate...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — As Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) continues to impact Ohio’s poultry industry, experts from The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) and Ohio State University Extension are providing critical support to poultry producers.
From biosecurity guidance and economic impact assessments to mental health resources, CFAES is leveraging its expertise to help farmers navigate the impacts.
“This is a rapidly evolving situation, and our Extension team members have been working tirelessly to support those most affected,” said David Civittolo, interim associate dean and director of OSU Extension, the outreach arm of CFAES. “Our faculty and staff are providing crucial resources ranging from...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Twenty-four students have been selected as 2025 Distinguished Seniors at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), the highest honor awarded to undergraduate students in the college.
The Distinguished Senior Award recognizes exceptional graduating seniors from CFAES who have demonstrated excellence in academics, research, leadership, and service throughout their time at Ohio State. Recipients are selected based on their ability to exemplify the CFAES mission and their impact both within the university and beyond.
“This award celebrates the incredible dedication and achievements of our students,” said Ann D. Christy, CFAES professor and associate dean for academic programs. “These 24 ...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — With egg prices soaring due to supply chain disruptions and avian flu impacts, many consumers are looking for ways to stretch their egg supply while ensuring food safety. Experts at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) offer key insights into safe egg storage, viable substitutes, and the economic factors behind the price hikes.
Maximizing egg shelf life
Proper storage is essential to keeping eggs fresh for as long as possible. According to Ahmed E. Yousef, the Virginia Hutchison Bazler and Frank E. Bazler Chair in Food Science, refrigeration is critical.
“In grocery stores, eggs are kept refrigerated, and they should remain refrigerated at home,” Yousef said. “Eggs can be stored beyond...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s recent decision to ban Red No. 3 — a synthetic dye linked to cancer in animal studies — may leave some food manufacturers searching for safer alternatives. Groundbreaking research from The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) offers a promising solution.
Monica Giusti, a distinguished professor and associate department chair in the CFAES Department of Food Science and Technology, has pioneered research on anthocyanins — natural pigments responsible for the vibrant hues in fruits like blackberries, red cabbage, and grapes. These compounds present an exciting opportunity to replace synthetic dyes while potentially offering health benefits....
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...
