Ohioans can start planning visits to all of their favorite fairs across the state. The Ohio Department of Agriculture recently released the official dates for the 2018 fair season, which includes Ohio’s 94 county and independent fairs plus the Ohio State Fair.

The Paulding County Fair will kick off the 2018 fair season on June 11, and the season will wrap up on Oct. 13 with the Fairfield County Fair. For a complete schedule, click here.  

In addition to setting and approving the dates for the independent and county fairs, the department is responsible for helping to assure the safety of fair amusement rides, monitoring livestock shows to help assure honest competition, and coordinating animal health efforts with local veterinarians.

Ohio man part of ASA young leaders program
The 34th class of American Soybean Association DuPont Young leaders recently began their leadership journey at DuPont Pioneer headquarters in Johnston, Iowa. The class includes Justin Cowman of Ohio.

The Johnston training session was the first phase of a program designed to identify new and aspiring leaders within the agriculture community, and provide them with opportunities to enhance their skills and network with other growers. Representatives from 19 states and Canada participated in the program.

This year’s class of Young Leaders will complete their training from Feb. 25 to March 1, 2018, in Anaheim, Calif., with training held in conjunction with the annual Commodity Classic Convention and Trade Show

Ohioans win national award from American Farm Bureau
Greg and Rose Hartschuh of Sycamore, Ohio, are winners of the 2018 American Farm Bureau’s Excellence in Agriculture competition. Their win was announced during the AFBF annual meeting in Nashville. The Crawford County couple competed with young farmers and ranchers from around the country for the award.

The Hartschuhs received a new Ford truck, courtesy of Country Financial, and paid registration to the AFBF YF&R Leadership Conference in Reno, Nev., in February.

The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who do not derive the majority of their income from an agricultural operation, but who actively contribute and grow through their involvement in agriculture, their leadership ability, and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations.

Rose Hartschuh is a seed adviser, contributes to the family farm and manages their additional family businesses. Greg is employed full time on his family’s farm, raising corn, soybeans and operating a dairy. The Hartschuhs partnered with two other farm families to revitalize a neglected farm property in Bucyrus, Ohio, which now offers a farm market in one barn and an event venue in another. In 2017 they launched Acres of Adventure, a nonprofit organization designed to connect consumers with opportunities to experience modern agriculture.

In 2017 the Hartschuhs also organized a caravan of aid for farmers and ranchers devastated by the wildfires in Kansas. They traveled with other Ohio farmers to help those in need and stayed in Kansas for several days.

Mark your calendar for February events
Feb. 5 — Planning for the Future of Your Farm Workshop, OSU Extension Williams County, 1425 East High St., Bryan. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information: u.osu.edu/ohioagmanager/farm-management-workshops. $10 per person. Includes lunch. Register by Jan. 26. 

Feb. 6 — Southern Ohio Specialty Crop Conference, Oasis Conference Center, 902 Loveland Miamiville Road, Loveland. 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. More information: agnr.osu.edu/sites/agnr/files/SoOhioSpecialtyCropConfBrochure2018.pdf. $50 per person Register by Feb. 4. Includes continental breakfast and lunch.

Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27 — Farm Management Series, Robert Fulton Ag Center, 8770 State Route 108, Wauseon. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. More information: go.osu.edu/2018FarmManagementSeries.

Feb. 8-9 — Greenhouse Management Workshop/Hydroponics, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster. More information: fabe.osu.edu/greenhouse. $125 per person by Jan. 25. $150 per person after Jan. 25. Includes lunches, continental breakfasts and tour transportation.

Feb. 23 — Planning for the Future of Your Farm Workshop, Coshocton County, Montgomery Hall on the Central Ohio Technical College Coshocton Campus, 200 North Whitewoman St., Coshocton. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information: u.osu.edu/ohioagmanager/farm-management-workshops. $20 per person. Includes lunch. Register by Feb. 16.

Feb. 27 — Planning for the Future of Your Farm Workshop, Darke County, Romers, 118 East Main St., Greenville. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information: u.osu.edu/ohioagmanager/farm-management-workshops. $20 per person. Includes lunch. Register by Feb. 20.