SANDUSKY, Ohio — Organic grain farming in Ohio is growing — but so are the risks. From complex certification requirements and volatile markets to mounting weed pressure and unpredictable weather, the decisions farmers make today can shape the future of their operations.
And making the wrong decisions can cost real money.
To help Ohio’s organic grain producers stay ahead, researchers and educators with The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) are working to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and on-the-ground production.
The 2026 Ohio State Organic Grains Conference, held Jan. 7-8 in Sandusky, is organized by Ohio State University Extension’s Farm Office and Ohio State’s Organic Food &...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — A rare but serious outbreak of infant botulism linked to powdered formula is prompting swift action from experts at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) and Ohio State University Extension.
ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula is now under nationwide recall. It’s the first time powdered infant formula has been implicated in an infant botulism case, said Nicole Arnold, assistant professor and food safety field specialist with OSU Extension, CFAES’ outreach arm.
“While infant botulism itself is rare, it poses a life-threatening risk to infants under 1 year old,” Arnold said. “That’s why communicating the facts and preventive steps quickly clearly during this ongoing...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ready to turn those Thanksgiving leftovers into next-day gourmet magic?
As you think of clever ways to serve Thanksgiving leftovers, remember to keep food safety in mind. After all, you and your guests who are 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 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...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — With Thanksgiving just days away, it’s time to start thinking about how to defrost your holiday turkey safely — especially if it’s still in the freezer.
Depending on its size, a frozen turkey can take up to six days to thaw in the refrigerator, making early preparation key to preventing foodborne illness, experts with The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) say.
“There are three safe ways to thaw a turkey: in the refrigerator, in a container of cold water or in a microwave,” said Nicole Arnold, assistant professor and food safety field specialist with Ohio State University Extension, CFAES’ outreach arm.
Of the three, thawing in the refrigerator is the safest and most...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — At a time when tariffs, international trade shifts and climate extremes are shaping the future of food and farming in Ohio, experts and decision-makers will gather Nov. 18 at the 2025 Agricultural Outlook and Policy Conference to share the latest insights and tangible solutions for Ohio’s agricultural community in Columbus.
Hosted by The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics (AEDE) at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, the annual event aims to illuminate research, policy and best practices on topics pivotal to Ohio’s agriculture and rural life.
The conference, supported by the Ohio Farm Bureau and Three Rivers Energy...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — For 75 years, Ohio State’s Poultry Science Club has made Thanksgiving a little more meaningful for the Buckeye community — and for the next generation of poultry industry leaders — with its annual Turkey Sale.
Whether you’re picking up a turkey, volunteering with friends or just soaking up the holiday spirit, students in The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) say the Turkey Sale is a true highlight of autumn.
As club members prepare for the sale, the event’s impact stretches far beyond selling birds: It fuels hands-on learning, builds lifelong friendships and funds future career opportunities for students.
Elizabeth Lott, a senior animal sciences major in the CFAES Department...
COLUMBUS — With more than 1.4 million Ohioans relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to put food on the table, a recent delay in benefits has cast a shadow of uncertainty across the state, impacting families statewide.
As many households face tough new realities, The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), through its outreach arm, Ohio State University Extension, is stepping up to offer practical solutions, guidance and connections to food assistance.
Throughout Ohio, OSU Extension is working tirelessly to link families to food resources; share education on healthy and affordable eating; and provide support through partnerships with local pantries, food banks and community organizations.
“...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — When the weather turns, farmers aren’t the only ones who need to know what’s happening on the ground.
In some of Ohio’s most rural counties — especially across the northwest, northeast and southeast — radar and satellite tools often scan too high or too far to detect what matters most: soil moisture at the root zone, wind gusts at field level or storms forming just above the tree line.
These regions also tend to have the weakest radar coverage, leaving dangerous gaps in the state’s ability to monitor flash flooding, damaging winds and fast-developing severe storms. Without localized data, farmers and emergency managers are forced to make critical decisions with limited information — putting crop yields and public...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — A high-stakes Supreme Court case about presidential tariff authority could dramatically influence U.S. trade policy, with immediate repercussions for Ohio farmers — especially soybean producers already facing tight margins during harvest.
In a recent legal and economic analysis, Is There a Legal Basis for ‘Liberation Day’ Tariffs?, Ian Sheldon, professor and holder of The Andersons Endowed Chair in Agricultural Marketing, Trade and Policy at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), examines the constitutional challenges surrounding the tariffs and their broader implications for trade and domestic agriculture.
“The Court of International Trade ruled that imposition of the tariffs...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — After a growing season marked by delayed planting and dry conditions, Ohioans heading to pumpkin patches this fall may notice slightly smaller pumpkins — and possibly slightly higher prices.
Despite weather-related challenges, pumpkin quality remains strong, according to experts from The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES). But variability in yield and shifting market forces could impact availability and price as the season reaches its peak.
“Ohio’s pumpkin yield should be average to slightly below average this year due to hot, dry conditions during key growth stages,” said Jim Jasinski, a professor and integrated pest management program coordinator, agriculture and natural resources,...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Lyme disease is on the rise, invasive ticks are spreading and Ohio leads the nation in La Crosse virus cases caused by infected mosquitos. To help protect people and livestock, researchers at The Ohio State University have helped launch a new digital resource that delivers prevention strategies and science-based solutions directly to those who need them most.
Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) and Ohio State University Extension helped lead development of the new national VECTOR Library — short for “Vector Education, Communication and Training Online Resources.” OSU Extension is CFAES’ outreach arm.
The VECTOR Library is a centralized, publicly accessible digital platform offering more...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — What do soil health, food safety and honeybee survival have in common?
They’re just a few of the critical areas where faculty in The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) are driving global progress — and now, 23 of those researchers have been named among the most influential scientists in the world.
The 2025 World’s Top 2% Scientists list, compiled by Stanford University and Elsevier, ranks researchers whose work is among the most cited by peers worldwide. The recognition places CFAES faculty in an elite tier of global scholarship, where their discoveries are shaping the future of food, agriculture and environmental sustainability.
“This recognition is a prestigious feather in...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Cutting boards, countertops and conveyor belts in food plants can become hidden sources of bacteria, even after cleaning. These high-touch surfaces face constant rubbing, cleaning and abrasion, making it hard to keep bacteria at bay.
A new study from The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) shows that a specially designed antimicrobial coating can continue working on these high-touch surfaces even after repeated wear, offering a potential new tool to help stop foodborne illnesses before they start.
The study, led by Melvin Pascall, professor in the CFAES Department of Food Science and Technology, was published in the Journal of Food Safety in August. The research evaluated how long an antimicrobial coating...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — As consumers stock up on Halloween candy this fall, they may notice a little less chocolate in their trick-or-treat bags — and a little more strain on their wallets.
A complex global story of crop failures, climate change, international tariffs and price volatility lies behind this year’s Halloween treats — driving up costs and reshaping the economics of America’s favorite holiday indulgence.
In a recent market analysis, Trick-or-Treat Trends: U.S. Chocolate Market Panorama for Halloween 2025, Alexis Villacis, an assistant professor of agricultural economics in The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), outlines the pressures facing chocolate manufacturers this season and the broader...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Long before they step into a college classroom, thousands of young Ohioans take their first steps into higher education through a very different gateway: Ohio 4-H.
Each year, more than 155,000 youth across all 88 counties explore leadership, STEM, agriculture, and civic engagement through Ohio 4-H—making it not just a youth development program, but what many consider their very first class at The Ohio State University.
As National 4-H Week is celebrated Oct. 5–11, The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) is shining a spotlight on the powerful role 4-H plays in shaping Ohio’s future workforce and leaders.
“4-H is a vital part of our land-grant mission. It provides youth across Ohio...
LONDON, Ohio — Imagine a soybean farmer boosting yields and profits just by changing a planting date — and using artificial intelligence to know exactly when to make the switch.
That scenario is quickly becoming a reality thanks to Agroptimizer, a new AI-powered decision-support tool being tested by Laura Lindsey, soybean and small grains specialist with The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES).
Agroptimizer is just one of many innovations that embodied the theme of the 2025 Farm Science Review: “Transforming Tradition.” Held at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London from Sept. 16-18, Farm Science Review brought together farmers, industry leaders, educators and families to explore the future of...
LONDON, Ohio — With more than 96% of Ohio experiencing abnormally dry conditions and nearly half the state already in moderate drought, the risk of farm fires is climbing fast — and farmers are being urged to prepare before harvest accelerates. As dry crop fields and heavy equipment converge this fall, even a small spark could lead to devastating consequences for both agricultural operations and rural communities.
That’s one reason why fire safety and emergency preparedness will take center stage at the 2025 Farm Science Review, set for Sept. 16-18 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London, Ohio.
The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), along with Ohio State University Extension, will feature hands-on...
LONDON, Ohio — Where can you hike to a pawpaw orchard for a fruit tasting, learn to cast a fly rod, identify invasive plants and test your knowledge of tree species — all in one day?
At the Gwynne Conservation Area during Farm Science Review, set for Sept. 16-18 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London, Ohio, visitors can do just that while also discovering practical strategies for managing Ohio’s land, water and woodlands.
Hosted by The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), Farm Science Review draws more than 100,000 visitors annually and is a premier showcase of agricultural innovation, conservation and education.
Just a short shuttle ride from the main grounds, the 67-acre Gwynne Conservation...
LONDON, Ohio — As Ohio’s farming population ages, the most vital upcoming harvest for many families might not be corn or soybeans — it might be the successful transfer of the farm to the next generation.
According to the 2022 U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Census of Agriculture, the average age of U.S. farm producers has risen to 58.1 years, up 0.6 years since 2017. Ohio’s median operator age was 55.8 years in 2017 and has continued to climb to 56.3 in 2022, underscoring a pressing need for farm succession planning.
Without it, experts warn, the state risks losing not just family legacies, but the farmland and economic productivity that sustain rural communities.
“At the heart of succession planning is trust and clear communication,”...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — While not yet reaching the severity of last year’s growing season, drought conditions are once again taking hold across Ohio, raising renewed concern among agricultural experts and farmers about the health of crops, livestock and water resources.
According to Aaron Wilson, state climatologist and field specialist with The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), parts of northwest, east central, and south central Ohio are experiencing rapid moisture loss, with declining soil moisture and stream flows following weeks of below-average rainfall.
“We’re not currently near the severity of 2024, when parts of the state were experiencing exceptional drought,” Wilson said. “However, recent...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Stephen M. Techtmann has been appointed to a five-year term as the Engineering Entrepreneurship Professor in the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (FABE) at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), effective Aug. 15, 2025, through Aug. 15, 2030. This appointment is subject to approval by the Ohio State Board of Trustees.
Techtmann brings a deep interdisciplinary background in environmental microbiology, systems biology and computational biology to the role, along with a strong commitment to advancing student innovation and discovery.
“Dr. Techtmann’s expertise in microbial community engineering, coupled with his enthusiasm for discovery-based learning, makes him an...
LONDON, Ohio — Tractors that drive themselves, sprayers that use artificial intelligence to make decisions in real time and experts ready to answer farmers’ most pressing questions — it’s all taking center stage at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center this September.
Drawing more than 100,000 visitors and 600 exhibitors each year, Farm Science Review is one of the nation’s largest agricultural events and a vital hub for Ohio’s producers.
This year’s three-day event will immerse attendees in innovations such as autonomous tractors and AI-powered sprayers, all while honoring the traditions that have long shaped the industry.
The 63rd Farm Science Review, hosted by The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — A new soybean disease that can cut yields by more than half has been detected in Ohio for the first time, raising urgent concerns for the state’s top crop.
Red crown rot, caused by the soilborne fungus Calonectria ilicicola, which has devastated crop fields in neighboring states, was recently identified in Delaware County by The Ohio State University Soybean Pathology and Nematology Laboratory.
“This confirmation is a critical first detection,” said Horacio Lopez-Nicora, assistant professor of soybean pathology and nematology with Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES). “Once established, this pathogen is nearly impossible to eradicate, so integrated management is the only sustainable path...
COLUMBUS, Ohio —To The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), the Ohio State Fair is more than just a summer celebration—it’s a statewide classroom.
During the fair’s 12-day run, CFAES brought together faculty, staff, students, and volunteers to connect with thousands of Ohioans through science-based education, youth leadership development, and interactive outreach. While many came for the corn dogs and carnival rides, what they left with was new knowledge.
“Every interaction we have at the fair is a chance to educate, connect, and demonstrate the impact of our work,” said Cathann A. Kress, Ohio State vice president for agricultural administration and dean of CFAES. “From food safety to...
MARYSVILLE, OHIO — Attorneys interested in serving Ohio’s agricultural sector will have a new opportunity to build their knowledge at the Agri-Law Summit 2025 on Aug. 14 at Retreat 21 in Marysville.
The conference is co-hosted by the Agricultural and Resource Law Program at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) and the Ohio State Bar Association’s (OSBA) Agricultural Law Committee.
“Agriculture plays a major role in Ohio’s history and economy, and we want to ensure there are attorneys who can meet the unique needs of our agricultural businesses,” says Peggy Hall, director of Ohio State’s Agricultural and Resource Law Program.
The CFAES team partnered with the OSBA Agricultural Law...
