CFAES brings learning to life at the Ohio State Fair

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 environmental education, we use the fair to help Ohioans see how  The Ohio State University is supporting families, farmers, and the future of the state.”

At the heart of that mission was Ohio 4-H, the youth development program delivered by Ohio State University Extension, the outreach arm of CFAES. Over 9,000 4-H members from 88 counties participated in this year’s fair, showcasing their projects across livestock rings, judging halls, and the Lausche Youth Exploration Space.

These projects—spanning robotics, global studies, animal husbandry, nutrition, and more—weren’t just about competition. They were about helping youth explore careers, master new skills, and grow into leaders.

“This isn’t just about blue ribbons,” said Jeff McCutcheon, Extension interim assistant director of 4-H Youth Development and state 4-H leader “It’s about giving young people the tools and confidence they need to be ready for work and life.”

Each day, a different CFAES department took over the Youth Exploration Space to engage fairgoers with hands-on learning:

• Ohio AgrAbility and Ohio 4-H kicked off the week with sensory-friendly tips and demonstrations of adaptive farm equipment, supporting agricultural workers with disabilities and promoting inclusive farming practices.
• Horticulture and Crop Sciences helped children pot flower cuttings and make floral rings while teaching basic plant care.
• Animal Sciences and Veterinary Science offered lessons on animal anatomy, bandaging techniques, and demonstrations of veterinary tools.
• Food Science and Technology showed how freeze-drying works using candy as a fun and educational example.
• Meat Science and Agricultural Safety teamed up to demonstrate grilling techniques, safe food temperatures, and practices to prevent cross-contamination and injury.

“Good food starts with good science,” said Lyda Garcia, associate professor and Extension meat specialist. “We used real-time cooking scenarios to teach critical safety principles—lessons that help families protect their health every time they cook.”

Other daily exhibits highlighted CFAES academic programs and career pathways—from agricultural communication and leadership to turfgrass science and construction management. Visitors tested putting greens with the Turfgrass Team, explored CFAES degree options with student recruitment staff, and saw how career discovery often begins with a single hands-on moment.

CFAES students and alumni also played key roles.

In the Gilligan Complex, animal sciences majors led public barn tours, explaining animal care, nutrition, and welfare practices. In Natural Resources Park, Master Gardener Volunteers answered visitor questions about pollinators, invasive species, and sustainable gardening.

Behind the scenes, more than 200 CFAES employees and 1,200 adult volunteers contributed over 14,000 combined hours to support youth events and educational activities across the fairgrounds.

“Programs like these help introduce complex agricultural and environmental topics to Ohioans of all ages in an approachable way,” said David Civittolo, interim associate dean and director of OSU Extension. “They show how OSU Extension supports lifelong learning—and how CFAES connects science to everyday life.”

The fair also spotlighted Ohio AgrAbility, a program that helps farmers with disabilities or chronic health conditions remain productive and independent through education and adaptive tools. With farming ranked among the most hazardous U.S. occupations and 1 in 14 Ohio farm families experiencing an injury each year, the need is critical.

“Programs like Ohio AgrAbility exemplify how we extend knowledge and resources to all Ohioans,” said Kress. “Whether it’s a child learning how to plant a seed or a lifelong farmer learning how to stay in the field safely, we’re here to support them.”

For many families, encountering Ohio State at the Ohio State Fair is just the beginning—an introduction to resources, programs, and possibilities that can shape their futures. Whether it’s learning to safely grill chicken or exploring a career in environmental science, the fair remains a powerful platform for Ohio State to fulfill its mission.

“As a land-grant institution, this is what we’re here to do,” Kress said. “We meet Ohioans where they are—and at the fair, that means making science accessible, celebrating youth achievement, and sharing our passion for sustaining life.”