Letting a partnership bloom

CFAES has a longstanding partnership with Green Circle Growers, one of North America’s largest greenhouse operations. The collaboration involves student internships, research projects, and faculty engagement, providing hands-on experience for students and valuable insights for both the university and the industry. Learn more.

Columbus Zoo hires its first conservation biologist

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has appointment of Greg Lipps as its first Conservation Biologist, a newly-created position that underscores the Zoo’s ongoing commitment to biodiversity and wildlife conservation. This expands the Zoo’s significant partnership with The Ohio State University (OSU), focusing on the protection of species, habitats, and ecosystems. Learn more.

Are TK Dandelions a future crop for Ohio Farmers?

Ohio State University has been awarded $26 million by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish the TARDISS Engineering Research Center (ERC), aiming to boost natural rubber production in the U.S. and develop a skilled workforce. Learn more.

Community Connector Q&A: Haley Shoemaker

October’s Community Connector Q&A is with OSU Extension Educator Haley Shoemaker: “Throughout the last year and a half, we’ve had a unique opportunity to serve our community in a particular time of need following the unexpected train derailment in East Palestine. During the early response phases, and to this day as we navigate the long-term response, the relationships and genuine trust that were built long before the event are the foundation of how our team has approached each step and conversation.” Learn more.

Inspiring young minds: Ohio State’s 4-H mobile classroom brings STEAM to youth

Under the sunny skies at the Grove City Parks and Recreation’s Back-to-School Kickoff, a lively crowd of children buzzed with excitement around colorful booths and activities. Among them stood an eye-catching bus offering hands-on STEAM experiences. Learn more.

The Dry, the Wet, and the Ugly: Ohio Soybeans Suffer ‘One-Two Punch’ From Drought, Helene

Ohio soybean farmers faced a challenging growing season in 2023, with severe drought conditions followed by excessive rainfall, leading to significant yield losses and quality issues. According to Laura Lindsey, a soybean specialist at CFAES, the drought stress during pod fill resulted in smaller seeds, while the heavy rains caused pod shattering and sprouting, further impacting both yield and quality of the soybean crop. Learn more. 

One Week at Waterman

Summer’s a busy time at Waterman. From fields to forests, the living laboratory bustles with activity. Researchers check crops, test theories, and collect data. Volunteers tend gardens full of fresh produce. Students wrap up summer internships and prepare for the fall semester. And this summer, we’re starting off hot with progress on the building site for two new facilities. Follow along as we share photographic highlights of One Week at Waterman every quarter. Learn more.

Ohio farmers are stressed. What’s stopping so many from seeking help?

Ohio farmers are facing significant stress due to various challenges, including financial pressures, unpredictable weather, and market volatility, yet many are hesitant to seek mental health support. To address this issue, Ohio State University Extension is working to raise awareness about mental health resources and reduce stigma, offering programs like “Mental Health First Aid” to help farmers and their communities better understand and respond to mental health challenges. Learn more.

City of Columbus and Ohio State launch pilot food waste reduction campaign

CFAES has partnered with the City of Columbus to launch a pilot food waste reduction campaign, which is part of a larger $2.5 million USDA-funded initiative. Led by Professor Brian Roe, the project aims to test and evaluate various food waste reduction strategies in Columbus households, with the goal of informing a broader national campaign to curb food loss and waste across the country. Learn more. 

Feeding for a bright future with beef

The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association recently hosted its annual Beef Expo, showcasing the state’s thriving beef industry and providing educational opportunities for youth participants. Ohio State University Extension played a key role in the event, offering workshops and demonstrations on topics such as cattle nutrition, health management, and marketing strategies to help young producers develop their skills and knowledge in the beef cattle industry. Learn more.

Ohio 4-H Spark EXPO inspires youth with pathway opportunities exploration

The Ohio 4-H Spark EXPO, an exciting event dedicated to exploring future career opportunities, concluded its summer session on a high note. Teens from across Ohio gathered on The Ohio State University campus for an immersive experience aimed at discovering pathways in agriculture and related STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) fields. Learn more.

Bad breath may be ‘cured’ with common snack - it’s particularly effective against garlic

After enjoying garlic bread, you might want to brush your teeth to combat bad breath, but Greek yogurt could be a simpler solution. CFAES researcher Sheryl Barringer, found that whole milk plain yogurt can neutralize garlic breath by reducing sulfur compounds responsible for the odor, with proteins in yogurt proving particularly effective. Learn more.

Can the Government Help Americans Waste Less Food?

The U.S. government is taking steps to address food waste through initiatives like the National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, which aims to reduce food loss and waste by 50% by 2030. Brian Roe, a professor at Ohio State University and leader of the Ohio State Food Waste Collaborative, emphasizes the importance of these efforts, noting that reducing food waste can have significant environmental and economic benefits while also helping to address food insecurity. Learn more.