News Releases

  1. Photo: Getty Images

    July 20 webinar focuses on long-term impact on farm operations

    COLUMBUS, Ohio—Farmers and producers who may now—or will soon—face questions regarding long-term care costs can learn how to fund such care by finding the best ways to mitigate long-term care risks during a July 20 webinar offered by an agricultural law specialist from The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES). The hourlong webinar will be presented from noon to 1 p.m. by Robert Moore, CFAES agricultural and resource law specialist with Ohio State University Extension’s Agricultural and Resource Law program. OSU Extension is the outreach arm of CFAES. The issue of planning for long-term care costs for farmers and producers is significant, considering that nursing homes can cost some $100,000 per year, a cost...
  2. The study was conducted on Austrian pines, which are native to southern Europe and used ornamentally in the United States. Photo: Getty Images

    As globe warms, infected pines starve and disease-causing fungi thrive

    COLUMBUS, Ohio–The high heat and low water conditions produced by global warming weaken pine trees’ resistance to disease by hindering their ability to mount an effective defense at the same time that pathogenic fungi in their tissues become more aggressive, new research suggests. The study is the first to simultaneously examine metabolic gene expression in both host trees and the pathogens attacking them under normal and climate-change conditions. The findings help explain the mechanisms behind what has become a well-known fact: The warming world makes trees more susceptible to disease. The study was conducted on Austrian pines, which are native to southern Europe and used ornamentally in the United States. Researchers tested climate change conditions’ effects on...
  3. Sandbags one way to keep manure on the field and out of the water

    CUSTAR, Ohio–The goal when it comes to spreading manure on a farm field is to provide nutrients for crops while preventing nutrient runoff to streams. This year’s Manure Science Review will include both a look at applying new technology to vary the rate of manure application and a talk about old technology—sandbags—to keep nutrients from washing away. These topics and more will be discussed July 26 during a daylong event focused on educating farmers and producers about the latest in manure science. Held by The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), Manure Science Review runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Ohio State’s Northwest Agricultural Research Station, 4240 Range Line Road, Custar. Talks and...
  4. Bloom severity index for 2002-2021, and the forecast for 2022. The index is based on the amount of biomass over the peak 30 days. (NOAA)

    Below-average harmful algal bloom predicted for western Lake Erie

    NOAA and its research partners are forecasting that western Lake Erie will experience a smaller than average harmful algal bloom (HAB) this summer, which would make it less severe than 2021 and more akin to what was seen in the lake in 2020. This year’s bloom is expected to measure 3.5, with a potential range of 2-4 on the severity index — whereas last year’s bloom was measured at a 6. The index is based on the bloom’s biomass — the amount of algae — during the peak 30 days of the bloom. An index above 5 indicates more severe blooms. Blooms over 7 are particularly severe, with extensive scum formation and coverage affecting the lake. The largest blooms occurred in 2011, with a severity index of 10, and 2015, with a severity index of 10.5...
  5. 2022 Dean's Charity Steer Show

    Dean’s Charity Steer Show partners with Ronald McDonald House at Ohio State Fair

    COLUMBUS—The Dean’s Charity Steer Show, an event that benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Central Ohio, returns to the Ohio State Fair in 2022 after a two-year COVID-inspired hiatus. Hosted by The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), it will be held from 2–4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 2, in the Cooper Arena at the Ohio Expo Center and State Fair. “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. Kress, Ohio State vice president for agricultural administration and dean of CFAES. “Every dollar we raise means families can stay together only...
  6. Photo: CFAES

    CFAES to recruit 5 research faculty focused on race and equity issues

    COLUMBUS, Ohio–Under The Ohio State University’s new RAISE Initiative, the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) will be recruiting five additional faculty members focused on addressing how race and equity issues intersect climate, urban health, environment, and engagement with urban communities. The new positions are part of Ohio State’s expansion of high-impact research, which will include the university recruiting additional faculty members focused on addressing how race and equity issues intersect with criminal justice, STEM education, economic opportunity, and engagement with urban communities. The Office of Academic Affairs has approved 25 RAISE (Race, Inclusion and Social Equity) initiative positions since the fall —...
  7. Cathann A. Kress, vice president of agricultural administration and dean of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES). Photo: CFAES

    Cathann A. Kress, reappointed as vice president and dean of Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences

    COLUMBUS, Ohio– Cathann A. Kress has been reappointed vice president of agricultural administration and dean of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) at The Ohio State University, effective July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2027, subject to approval by Ohio State’s Board of Trustees. Under her leadership, the college has advanced in important ways across its mission areas of research, teaching, and Extension. That includes the creation of a comprehensive new strategic plan; updated promotion and tenure processes; and strengthened and more representative shared governance structures for faculty, staff, and students. The college continues to have a robust research portfolio, including $44 million in research expenditures in FY21. The college...
  8. Photo: Getty Images

    Chow Line: Food safety during a power outage

    I’ve got a fridge full of food and our power went out for several hours due to severe storms. Is there any food that can be saved, or do I have to throw everything out of our fridge due to spoilage? It’s that time of year when severe weather can leave consumers without power for a few minutes to multiple days, in some instances. Rounds of severe weather and extreme heat have already impacted many consumers nationwide this spring, with thousands experiencing widespread power outages issues in Ohio and throughout the country.  It’s incredibly frustrating to think you must discard groceries that you’ve just purchased due to a power outage. Understanding the basics of food safety and how perishable foods are impacted when the temperature is 40 degrees...
  9. The U.S produces about 4.5 billion bushels of soybeans every year, but leaf-chewing insects can cause severe crop losses.

    Machine learning helps determine health of soybean fields

    COLUMBUS, Ohio–Using a combination of drones and machine learning techniques, researchers from The Ohio State University have recently developed a novel method for determining crop health and used it to create a new tool that may aid future farmers.  Published in the journal Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, the study investigates using neural networks to help characterize a crop defoliation, or the widespread loss of leaves on a plant. This destruction can be caused by disease, stress, grazing animals, and more often by infestations of insects and other pests. If left unchecked, whole crop fields can end up damaged, drastically lowering an entire region’s agricultural productivity. To combat this, researchers chose to analyze a cash crop considered to...
  10. Stephanie Karhoff named field specialist, agronomic systems at Ohio State

    COLUMBUS, OHIO–Stephanie Karhoff has been hired as the new field specialist, agronomic systems for Ohio State University Extension in The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES). Karhoff, who previously served as an Extension educator for agriculture and natural resources in Williams County since April 2019, will begin her new position June 1, said Jacqueline Kirby Wilkins, associate dean and director, OSU Extension. “We are extremely pleased to fund this important position, which will work in tandem with our other field specialists in agronomic systems, CFAES research faculty, producers, and our commodity and industry partners to translate and apply the newest university knowledge to meet the timely and most critical...

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