News tips and events for the week of Feb. 18

Tip 1: Farming in Ohio cities: In formerly vacant city lots across Ohio, urban farms are increasingly sprouting up. Ohio State University Extension, the outreach arm of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), partners with urban growers to increase the production of local foods and to create jobs. Columbus now has an estimated 30 urban farms, and Cleveland has 45. OSU Extension offers training and resources to help members of urban agriculture operations get their farms up and running, and then sell their produce. An article on Ohio’s urban farms, which can be republished, is available at: go.osu.edu/urbanaginohio.

Tip 2: Help for beginning and small farms: Running a farm of any size can be challenging but, for small farms, the hurdles can be particularly steep because of the scale of their operations. Two conferences, one in northwest Ohio and another in southern Ohio, will be held in March for beginning and small farm owners wanting to learn more about how to make their farms work better for them. A variety of topics will be offered to help landowners expand their operations. Workshops and seminars will be taught by OSU Extension professionals and industry leaders on a wide variety of agricultural enterprises. The conferences are March 16 in Archbold and March 29-30 in Piketon. Information on both conferences is available at go.osu.edu/Cpkn, or contact Clinton County Extension educator Tony Nye, nye.1@osu.edu or 937-382-0901.
 

February 2019 events

20 Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) Training, 12:30–3:30 p.m., Henry Hostetler Farm, 9876 Firestone Road, Homerville, Ohio. Covers GAPs that reduce the risk of on-farm produce contamination. A no-technology training especially for members of the Plain community. Preregistration by Feb. 14: $30. Details: 330-264-8722, go.osu.edu/ChQb.

20 Guided Winter Walk, 2–3 p.m., Seaman Orientation Plaza, Secrest Arboretum, OARDC, CFAES Wooster Campus, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, Ohio. Featuring plants including witchhazel, Lenten rose, conifers, native grasses, and parrotia. Free. Details: 330-263-3761, go.osu.edu/Ch3D.

22 Ohio Commercial Pesticide Applicator Recertification Conference, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Kalahari Conference Center, 7000 Kalahari Drive Sandusky, Ohio 44870. Preregistration for conference only: $89 by Feb. 15. Preregistration for conference with lunch: $109 by Feb. 15. On-site registration for conference only: $100. No lunch available with on-site registration. Details: go.osu.edu/pestrecert.

22 Shrubs for the Landscape, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Jack and Deb Miller Pavilion, Secrest Arboretum, OARDC, CFAES Wooster Campus, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, Ohio. Details about the many kinds of shrubs and how to combine them for beautiful, sustainable landscapes. Registration TBA. Details: 330-263-3761, go.osu.edu/Ch3B.

23 Spring Workshop: Gardening at Your Doorstep, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Williams on the Lake, 787 Lafayette Road, Medina, Ohio. Presentations on herbs, hostas, and keynote by author Debra Knapke called “Simplifying Your Garden Without Diminishing Joy!” Registration: $55; includes continental breakfast, buffet lunch, and refreshments. Details: 330-725-4911, go.osu.edu/Ch29.

26 Ohio AgrAbility Workshop: Building Independence Through Agriculture, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, 2201 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus, Ohio. This workshop will focus on agriculture and horticulture as viable work options for individuals with developmental disabilities. Speakers and panelists will provide insight on adaptive employment models and will identify resources and assistive technology to support workers in these settings. Registration: $50 by Feb. 20 deadline. Details: 614-292-0622, go.osu.edu/CnZX.

26 State of the Lake: A Tri-State Water Quality Discussion, 5–8 p.m., MSU Extension Hillsdale, 20 Care Drive, Hillsdale, Michigan. Presentations related to agriculture and nutrient management, including “Nutrient Management Effects on Lake Erie” by Chris Winslow, director of Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Laboratory. Co-organized by OSU Extension. Registration is $20, which includes dinner and resources. Registration deadline is Feb. 22. Details: go.osu.edu/TriStateFeb26.

26 Ohio Commercial Pesticide Applicator Recertification Conference, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High St., Columbus, Ohio. Preregistration for conference only: $89 by Feb. 19. Preregistration for conference with lunch: $109 by Feb. 19. On-site registration for conference only: $100. No lunch available with on-site registration. Details: go.osu.edu/ChQg.

27 An Evening with Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Laboratory, 7–9 p.m., Longaberger Alumni House, Ohio State 2200 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio. Presentations about Ohio Sea Grant and The Ohio State University Stone Laboratory, silent auction and merchandise sales supporting student scholarships, and cash bar and hors d’oeuvres. Free admission. Details and registration: 614-247-6684, go.osu.edu/CnJV

28 Your Woodland Management Options and Legal Responsibilities, 6–8:30 p.m., the Crawford County office of OSU Extension, 112 E. Mansfield St., Bucyrus, Ohio. Workshop designed to help woodland owners manage their timber, wildlife, and more. Registration: $15. Registration deadline: Feb. 25. Details: 614-688-3421, go.osu.edu/Ch27.

28 CFAES Alumni & Friends DC Networking & Happy Hour, 5–8 p.m., Penn Commons, 700 6th St., NW, Washington, D.C. Free. Networking, socializing, and updates for CFAES alumni and friends. Free. Registering in advance is helpful but not required. To register, email CFAESalumni@osu.edu or call 614-292-0250. Details: badger.50@osu.edugo.osu.edu/CnJN.
 

March 2019 events

2 Ohio Charter Captains Conference, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Cedar Point Conference Center, Bowling Green State University Firelands Campus, University Drive, Huron, Ohio. Updates on Lake Erie’s 2019 fishing outlook, environmental conditions, licensing, regulations, and business management. Specifically geared to Lake Erie charter captains and their businesses, but open to the public. Preregistration is required by Feb. 22. The fee is $45. Details: 419-607-4046, go.osu.edu/CnNv.

5–6 Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. March 5, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 6, at the McIntosh Center, Ohio Northern University, 402 West College Ave., Ada, Ohio. Annual conference for farmers and producers. Registration: $65 by Feb. 21 for one day or $85 for both days. Late registration: $80 for one day or $105 for both days. Details: 419-674-2297, ctc.osu.edu.

6 Ohio Woodland, Water, and Wildlife Conference, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Mid-Ohio Conference Center, 890 W. Fourth St., Mansfield, Ohio. Annual conference designed for natural resource professionals and land managers. Registration: $60 by Feb. 21; $80 after Feb. 21. Details: 614-688-3421, go.osu.edu/Ch23.

7 Pruning Workshop, 9 a.m. to noon, Jack and Deb Miller Pavilion, Secrest Arboretum, OARDC, CFAES Wooster Campus, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, Ohio. Introductory workshop covering basic pruning techniques, including timing, tools, and proper cuts. Outdoor practice included. Focus will be on landscape trees and shrubs; fruit trees will not be covered. Registration: $25 for members of Friends of Secrest Arboretum; $30 for nonmembers. Details: 330-263-3761, go.osu.edu/Ch2v.

9 Wool Judge Workshop II, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Animal Science Building, 2029 Fyffe Road, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. This training workshop has been developed to assist sheep show ring judges in their evaluation of fleece quality with the wool breeds of sheep. Registration: $20 by March 1; includes lunch. Open to the first 35 registrants. Details: go.osu.edu/CkyV.

11 Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) Training, 1–4 p.m., Washington County office of OSU Extension, 202 Davis Ave., Marietta, Ohio. Covers GAPs that reduce the risk of on-farm produce contamination. Registration by March 4: $30. Limited to 20 participants. Details: 740-376-7431, go.osu.edu/CnN5.

12 Livestock Mortality Composting Certification Training, noon to 2 p.m., Robert Fulton Agriculture Center, 8770 State Route 108, Wauseon, Ohio. Registration: $15; includes lunch. Details: 419-337-9210, go.osu.edu/CnKB.

13 Western Ohio Corn College, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Upper Valley Adult Applied Technology Center, 8811 Career Drive, Piqua, Ohio. Hear the latest research and recommended production practices. Preregistration and prepayment required. Fee of $20 per person includes breakfast, lunch, and materials. Registration deadline is March 6. Details and registration form: go.osu.edu/Cphq.

13 Better Together: Connecting Invasive Plant Management and Research, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, Ohio State, 2201 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus, Ohio. Research conference and annual meeting of Ohio Invasive Plants Council. Registration: $35; includes morning refreshments, lunch, and conference materials. Details and link to register: go.osu.edu/CnJg.

13 Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) Training, 1–4 p.m., hardware store north of County Line Auction, 10150 Spencer Road (State Route 301), West Salem, Ohio. Covers GAPs that reduce the risk of on-farm produce contamination. A no-technology training especially for members of the Plain community. Registration by March 6: $30. Details: 330-264-8722, go.osu.edu/Ch2g.

13 Tree Walk, 1–2 p.m., Seaman Orientation Plaza, Secrest Arboretum, OARDC, CFAES Wooster Campus, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, Ohio. Featuring a variety of topics including selection, planting, diseases, and pests. Free. Details: 330-263-3761, go.osu.edu/Ch2S.

14 Blueberry, Bramble, and Wine Grape Pruning School, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., OSU South Centers, 1864 Shyville Road, Piketon, Ohio. Learn proven pruning techniques to help maximize production and quality in your vineyards and fruit plantings. Registration: $25 by March 8; includes lunch. Details: go.osu.edu/Cpjj.

16 Seeds for Success: Northwest Ohio Small Farm Conference and Trade Show, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Northwest State Community College, 22600 State Route 34, Archbold, Ohio. Designed for beginning and small farm owners. Workshops and seminars taught by OSU Extension professionals and industry leaders will be offered on subjects related to horticulture, farm management, livestock, specialty crops, and more. A trade show will feature vendors unique to small farms. Registration: $60 by March 1; $30 for those under 18; includes lunch. Details: go.osu.edu/Ckyq.

18 Organic Vegetable School, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Moebius Nature Center, 929 E. Mennonite Road, Aurora, Ohio. Join industry experts and researchers for a full day of the latest information on organic vegetable production for your small farm. Registration: $25 by March 11; includes lunch. Details: go.osu.edu/Cky3.

21 Cool Season Annuals Sale, 3–6 p.m., Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens, Ohio State, Howlett Hall, 2001 Fyffe Court, Columbus, Ohio. Features cool-season flowers and vegetables. Proceeds benefit arboretum’s students, programs, and gardens. Free admission. Details: go.osu.edu/CnJZ.

22 East Ohio Women in Agriculture, 9:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., R.G. Drage Career Technical Center, 2800 Richville Drive SE, Massillon, Ohio. Program will feature 19 break-out sessions presented by OSU Extension educators, farmers, and partner agencies on topics ranging from business and finance to plants and animals. Keynote speaker is Jeff Dwyer, director of Michigan State University Extension and senior associate dean of outreach and engagement. Registration: $55, or $35 for students, by March 15. Details: go.osu.edu/eowia2019.

22 Agricultural Outlook Meeting, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Romer’s Catering, 118 E. Main St., Greenville, Ohio. Discussion of issues and trends affecting Ohio agriculture. Speakers will be Barry Ward, Ben Brown, David Marrison, and Ian Sheldon from OSU Extension and CFAES’ Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics. Registration: $20. Register by March 16 by calling the Darke County office of OSU Extension, 937-548-5215. Details: go.osu.edu/CjCz.

25 Ohio Agritourism Conference and Trade Show, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Maize Valley, 6193 Edison St. NE, Hartville, Ohio. Learn about the latest trends and topics impacting the agritourism industry, explore options for your farm, and visit a premier Ohio agritourism operation: Maize Valley Winery, Craft Brewery, Farmers Market and Family Fun Zone. Details: go.osu.edu/agritourismconference2019.

28 First Annual Impact Assembly, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Tri-Rivers Career Center, 2222 Marion-Mt. Gilead Road, Marion, Ohio. The assembly, which is being put on by the Marion County office of OSU Extension and United Way of North Central Ohio, will bring together land-grant universities, funders, community partners, and residents for a dialogue to tackle social issues. Topics to be discussed will include land-grant university involvement, results-based accountability, asset-based community development, and equity and inclusion. Registration: $50. Scholarships are available upon request. Registration is open from Feb. 15–Mar. 22. Details: Contact Whitney Gherman, gherman.12@osu.edu, 740-223-4040, or visit go.osu.edu/impactassembly.

29–30 Opening Doors to Success: Small Farm Conference and Trade Show, Ohio State University South Centers, 1864 Shyville Road, Piketon, Ohio. For small farm owners wanting to learn more about how to make their farms work better for them. Also offers optional hops workshop and Food Safety Modernization Act training. Registrations fees vary. Details: 740-289-2071, go.osu.edu/OSUFarmConference2019.
 

April 2019 events

10 Tree Walk, 1–2 p.m., Seaman Orientation Plaza, Secrest Arboretum, OARDC, CFAES Wooster Campus, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, Ohio. Features a range of tree-related topics including selection, planting, pests, and diseases. Details: 330-263-3761.

11 Farm Bill Summit, 6:30–9:30 p.m., Versailles High School, 280 Marker Road, Versailles, Ohio. An in-depth examination of policy and practical applications with agricultural economists from Mississippi State University, University of Missouri, and University of Illinois. Free, but registration is required. Details: go.osu.edu/Cpkg.

13 Guided Bird Walk, 9–11 a.m., Seaman Orientation Plaza, Secrest Arboretum, OARDC, CFAES Wooster Campus, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, Ohio. For birdwatchers of all skill levels. Led by members of Greater Mohican Audubon Society. Free. Details: 330-263-3761, go.osu.edu/CnH7.

13 Fruit Tree Pruning Clinic, 1–3 p.m., White House Fruit Farm, 9249 State Route 62, Youngstown-Salem Road, Canfield, Ohio. A discussion of tools and demonstrations of pruning both new and established trees. Preregistration required. $20 registration fee per person includes a set of hand pruners (or folding pruning saw for lefties only) and materials. Details: go.osu.edu/CpkQ.

24 Guided Spring Walk, 2–3 p.m., Seaman Orientation Plaza, Secrest Arboretum, OARDC, CFAES Wooster Campus, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, Ohio. Features early blooming plants and other signs of spring. Free. Details: 330-263-3761, go.osu.edu/CnHz.

27 Spring Gardening Workshop, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Canfield Fairgrounds, Arts and Crafts Building, 7265 Columbiana-Canfield Road, Canfield, Ohio. Registration: $40; includes lunch and proceedings. Register by calling 330-533-5538. Details: go.osu.edu/CpkZ.

28 Spring Migration Birding Event, 8 a.m., Shenango Wildlife Area, State Route 7, Kinsman, Ohio. Observe and photograph the variety of migratory birds at one of Audubon’s important bird areas in Ohio. Meet at Shenango Wildlife Area parking lot off of Milligan East Road. Free event held rain or shine. Details: go.osu.edu/Cpkd.

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