CFAES Impact: March/April 2025

  1. Reinventing your path at CFAES

    CFAES provides transformative opportunities for individuals seeking to upskill or reskill through specialized programs, hands-on learning, and professional development. At the heart of this mission is Ohio State ATI, located on the CFAES Wooster campus, offering innovative, two-year degrees and industry-focused training to prepare students for in-demand careers in agriculture, horticulture, environmental sciences, business, and engineering technology. 

    “Helping people and businesses succeed” is the guiding principle of ATI’s Business Training & Educational Services (BTES). BTES provides customized workforce training programs that address industry needs while empowering individuals to achieve personal and professional growth. 

    “We collaborate closely with businesses to develop programs tailored to their unique challenges,” said Kimberly J. Sayers, BTES director. “Our training ranges from technical certifications, like Snap-On Tools Multimeter Certification, to leadership development programs for emerging managers.” 

    One standout example is BTES’ leadership training initiative with Ohio manufacturers. High-performing employees nominated by their managers receive monthly classes and individualized coaching sessions to develop leadership skills and align personal growth with organizational goals. 

    ATI’s workforce development extends to programs like the Supervisor’s Toolbox Certificate Program, which equips frontline supervisors with skills to navigate workplace challenges. ATI’s TechCred-eligible certifications — spanning fields like hydraulics, industrial maintenance, and 

    turfgrass equipment management — prepare students for Ohio’s technology-driven economy. 

    ATI’s industry partnerships enhance its ability to prepare students for success. For example, Kubota Tractor Corporation partnered with ATI to establish the Kubota Tech College training program, providing students with hands-on training in diagnostics, preventative maintenance, and major repair using high-tech Kubota equipment. 

    “The tools provided through the program helped me get started without the high expense of purchasing them myself,” said Kyle Kibler, power equipment major and winner of the Kubota Toolbox Scholarship. 

    In another example, the Trimble Technology Labs at ATI and on the Columbus campus advance precision agriculture and construction technologies. Workforce development programs and training workshops are offered through OSU Extension to enhance productivity, sustainability, and industry skills. The labs also support faculty research, youth programs like Ohio 4-H youth development and FFA, and certifications for farm workers and businesses. 

    “These partnerships provide an impactful classroom experience and help us train the next generation of skilled technicians,” said Kris Boone, assistant dean and Ohio State ATI director. 

  2. The next chapter: Planning for retirement in agriculture

    As the agricultural workforce evolves, many farmers are approaching the end of their careers. 

    After decades of tilling the soil, managing livestock, and overseeing farm operations, the question arises: What does retirement look like for those who have dedicated their lives to farming? 

    Planning for a fulfilling, financially secure retirement is essential for farmers, but it requires thoughtful preparation. According to Robert Moore, an attorney and research specialist for Ohio State’s Agricultural and Resource Law Program, early retirement planning is key to minimizing tax burdens and ensuring a smooth transition out of the business. 

    Moore, who has decades of experience helping farmers with estate planning and succession issues, emphasizes the importance of starting the process two to three years ahead of retirement. 

    “Farmers are often adept at managing their income by deferring sales and prepurchasing inputs,” he said. “But upon retirement, they may face a large tax bill if they haven’t planned ahead. By starting early, farmers can implement strategies that reduce tax liability and provide greater flexibility when exiting the business.” 

    The emotional challenges of retirement are also significant, Moore said. For many farmers, leaving the land behind can feel like a loss of identity. 

    “Most farmers don’t want to truly retire,” he said. “They want to transition from being the decision-maker to being more hands-on, perhaps just driving the tractor.” 

    Successful transitions require clear communication, especially when a successor is involved. Expectations should be outlined early to ensure a smooth handoff of responsibilities, whether the farm stays within the family or is passed to a trusted neighbor or colleague. 

    For farmers without a successor, Moore suggests exploring new opportunities, such as working for a neighbor or shifting to a new venture. Regardless of the route, Moore underscores the importance of assembling a strong team of professionals, including attorneys, accountants, and financial advisors. 

    “A good team can help farmers identify the best path forward, whether that involves passing the farm on to the next generation or transitioning to a new chapter in life,” he said. 

    As farmers approach the end of their careers, thoughtful planning is essential to ensure they can enjoy a well-earned retirement while securing the future of their farms. 

  3. Competitive judging teams shape future leaders

    For agricultural communication third-year CFAES student Whitney Yerina, joining Ohio State’s Dairy Judging Team was more than an extracurricular activity; it was a transformative journey. “Giving a set of oral reasons is a stepping stone for personal communication — interviews, public speaking, and talking with different people daily,” she said. “It’s such a good experience. Go for it. It will change you for the better.” 

    Whitney’s experience is just one example of how Ohio State’s competitive judging teams leave a lasting impact on students. Across disciplines such as animal sciences, horticulture, and meat science, students dive into the hands-on learning that judging provides, developing vital skills like decision-making, critical thinking, and communication. 

    The competitions are rigorous. Students evaluate animals, weeds, or operations, rank them based on set criteria, and justify their decisions to industry professionals. These experiences not only prepare students for careers in agriculture, but also build their confidence and professionalism. 

    Garrett Hastings, a former Dairy Judging Team member and now a veterinary student, credits judging with helping him refine his observational and analytical skills. 

    “I came to Ohio State with a solid understanding of what dairy cattle should look like, but the team helped me hone my skills,” he explained. Those same skills now support him in vet school as he navigates a demanding academic environment. 

    Coaches like Bonnie Ayars, who leads the Dairy Judging Team, and Seth Ebert, who leads the Ohio State ATI Livestock Judging Team, play pivotal roles in student growth. Ayars describes judging as a gateway to real-world education: “When you join a judging team, you step into the real world.” Ebert adds, “It’s about accountability and teamwork. These lessons stick with students for life.” 

    Competitive judging at Ohio State is shaping the future of agriculture — one student, one competition, and one life-altering experience at a time. To learn about CFAES’ judging teams, visit the new competitive teams page at go.osu.edu/judgingteams. 

  4. Medication safety for seniors

    Do you know what’s in your medicine cabinet? Older adults across Ohio are gaining critical skills to manage medications safely thanks to Generation Rx, a program delivered by OSU Extension in partnership with CFAES and Ohio State’s College of Pharmacy. 

    This life-changing initiative educates participants on proper medication storage, disposal, and interaction awareness, significantly reducing risks of misuse. In 2022, over 843 older Ohioans benefited, with 87% committing to safer storage practices and 92% pledging to consult pharmacists about interactions. 

    By combining research and outreach, CFAES ensures healthier lives for Ohio’s aging population — strengthening families and communities statewide. Learn more here.