Agriculture News & Events
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‘The Power of Community’ film showing and discussion

Learn how you can create positive change at a local level and help people feel more hopeful about the future. Join Local Roots and Wooster Area Transition for the screening of the film, "The Power of Community" at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Wayne County, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m.

Steiner retires after 51 years

Carlton K. Steiner celebrated 51 years of service as he retired from Lowe and Young in December. A recognizable character in the community, Steiner prides himself on staying actively involved with young people through participation in FFA, fairs and the schools.

Learn just how sweet it is with Brix workshops

Anyone interested in learning about Brix values in determining the sweetness of vegetables, fruits and juices is invited to two February workshops, hosted by The Ohio State University OARDC.

Agricultural programs face real challenges

Right now, the wheels of federal farm programs are running smoothly, which may not bode well for the farm bill and agricultural funding amid the tight budget situation.

OSU experts to share their knowledge on the upcoming agricultural year

The 2012 OSU Extension Ag Outlook Meeting will be held Feb. 3, on the OARDC campus.

Plan to attend the 2012 Ohio Beef School

Beef school will focus on optimizing efficient beef production in a rapidly changing business and consumer environment.

Baker elected to Ohio Farm Bureau board

Baker elected District 8 trustee, to fill the seat of Bob Slicker, who retired.

Active time for deer means extra caution for Ohio drivers

White-tailed deer provide abundant recreation opportunities for hunters and wildlife watchers, but they can also cost millions of dollars every year through deer-vehicle collisions.

Find fresh winter produce at Local Roots

Even though the outdoor farmers' market season is over, you can still find fresh, locally-grown winter produce at Local Roots.

Farm bill proposals mark evolutionary change in safety net

While it might be easy to point to a tight federal budget as the key driver in the current Farm Bill debate, an Ohio State University farm policy expert said a narrow focus on cost ignores the importance of the underlying philosophical changes in the debate.

Buckeye Shepherd’s Symposium programming to concentrate on small ruminant nutrition

Intense small ruminant nutritional education program with all segments of the sheep and goat industry in mind scheduled for Dec. 10.

Join Local Roots in thanking your local farmers this Thanksgiving

You can find almost everything you need for your holiday feast at Local Roots including plenty of produce, locally-made snacks, cider and baked goods. You can also order a locally raised turkey and pre-order specialty pies.

Corn show and dinner to take place Nov. 12

Valley College Grange in Wayne County will hold its annual Corn Show and Dinner on Saturday, Nov. 12.

City/OSU seek funding for Phase 2 of BioHio

Phase 2 of the development of the BioHio Research Park is ready to get underway if the city of Wooster and The Ohio State University are successful in their bid to receive grant funding under the Ohio Job Ready Sites grant program.

ATI welcomes students to campus

Introducing students to life on campus in a fun way is what ATI's Welcome Days is all about.

Local Roots welcomes OEFFA Farm Tour

The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association's annual series of free public tours heads to Wooster to showcase Local Roots and South Market Bistro, two excellent area resources for local foods.

A community united

A year to the day from the date when a powerful tornado carved a path of destruction through the OARDC campus, university officials and community members gathered at the Shisler Center to celebrate the strides the university has made in its recovery efforts.

Secrest Arboretum celebrates renewal efforts

The John Streeter Garden Amphitheater at Secrest Arboretum was filled as donors and community members marked the one year anniversary of the tornado that devastated Secrest a year ago with a celebration for all that has been accomplished in just 12 short months.

Solemn flag raising ceremony marks opening of fair

A moment of silence and the raising of the American flag marked the opening of the 162nd Wayne County Fair Sept. 10.

Helping children find a better life

Joe Heatwole is selling coffee to help build a boarding school in Nicaragua.

Tomatoes are at their peak at Local Roots Market & Café

There is still has plenty of delicious local produce coming in, so try this recipe for Roasted Ratatouille using ingredients that can be found at Local Roots Market.

Amazing Migration

Their numbers are decreasing, their sustenance is disappearing, and their breeding grounds are being destroyed. See what simple things you can do to help preserve one of nature's most miraculous migrators during Ohio's peak migration period.

COW freshmen lend a hand at Secrest

The College of Wooster students spent the morning planting more than 250 native trees in what will be known as the Buckeye Forrest at Secrest Arboretum.

Win up to $1,000 in the ‘My Ohio Ag' video contest

Contestants can submit videos to YouTube for a chance at some big money in the "My Ohio Agriculture" video contest.

Local Roots encourages you to celebrate local agriculture

The Wayne County Fair is an excellent showcase of local farmers and gardeners hard work. You can support these important members of our local economy by shopping at Local Roots year-round.

Start controlling next year’s disease problems now

Taking steps this fall to clean up your garden and fruit plantings can help deter problems next year.

Back to school food ideas at Local Roots

As summer winds down, you may be looking for healthy foods for your students to pack in their lunches. Look no further than Local Roots as they offer a great selection of nutritious, locally produced snacks and foods.

Salsa time at Local Roots

Gardeners are harvesting plenty of tomatoes, peppers and onions right now which means it's time for salsa! Join Local Roots to learn how to make some traditional South American dishes using fresh ingredients, as well as how to salsa dance.

Financial crisis delivers indirect blow to agriculture

With falling stocks in the news, one has to wonder how the weak economy affects the agricultural industry.

ECO Farming: A new farming system for the 21st century

A new concept for farming has been developed by the Ohio State University Extension in conjuction with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Ohio No-Till Council.

Farm Science Review wheat harvest yields well despite weather extremes

Wheat planted for The Ohio State University's Farm Science Review yielded a successful farm average of 85 bushels.

Prevent annual weed seed production in fallow fields

Although the summer winding down, there is still time to control weeds in fields that were not planted for crops this year due to wet weather.

Follow the rules and regulations when directly marketing meat

Locally-produced foods are gaining in popularity, but selling meat to the general public requires several considerations.

August heats up at Local Roots

Local Roots is now open 6 days a week and will be offering canning and other classes to prepare you for the end of the harvest season.

ATI welcomes community to Artistry in the Garden

The works of the great masters interpreted in flowers was the theme of the ATI Artistry in the Garden open house.

Small ruminant pastures, parasites and profits: Putting it together

Internal parasite control important and difficult health issue for sheep and goat farmers.

Growing Local Roots in Ashland

Local Roots has begun to sprout! A group of interested community members in Ashland have begun the work of creating a new market for local growers based on the successful model that Local Roots has become.

Baiwoop Art Festival celebrates the recovery of Secrest Arboretum

Art and nature blended seamlessly during the Baiwoop Art Festival at Secrest Arboretum.

Old-time dance at Local Roots

Local Roots Market & Café will host an old-time dance Saturday, July 30. The dance will include live music from Pocketful O' Gimmick and calling by dance instructor Susan English.

Antique Steam and Engine Show powers up Holmes County

Holmes County Steam & Engine Association to hold 19th annual Steam & Engine Show at the Mt. Hope Auction Grounds in Mt. Hope August 4, 5 and 6.

Johnny Appleseed Festival has fun baked right in

Johnny Appleseed Festival celebrates the heritage of the Apple Creek community.

Doughty Valley Steam Days offers reunion atmosphere as patrons take a trip back in time

A bridge to days gone by will take place July 21-23 at Charm, where the 11th annual Doughty Valley Steam Days takes place.

OSU Extension’s Farm Science Review to be held Sept. 20-22

The 49th annual Farm Science Review will be held at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London, Ohio, Sept. 20-22.

Local Roots farm tour continues

Learn more about where your food is grown or raised by taking the Local Roots farm tour.

Getting rid of mushrooms in your yard

Ron Becker, Ag Management at OSU Extension, Wayne County, gives some tips on how to get rid of mushrooms in your yard.

Growing the perfect garden, one brick at a time

The recent benefit garden tour sponsored by the Orrville Dalton YMCA highlighted five Orrville-area homes. One in particular tied history to the gardens.

Café now open at Local Roots

Local Roots Café is now open for business. The café's main focus is the use of healthy, locally-grown ingredients to cook delicious soups, sandwiches and salads. Stop in and get a taste of Local Roots.

Include low fat milk and cheese in your healthy lifestyle

Drinking milk benefits your health and the local economy. Ohio is a leader in milk and cheese production in the nation. Consuming dairy products low in fat can be a part of a healthy lifestyle.

Condition the soil the old fashioned way with dairy cow manure

Conditioning the soil and adding nutrients the old fashioned way is easily accomplished by applying dairy cow manure to the soil. Unlike other animal manures, dairy cow manure has fewer weed seeds and can be applied fresh or composted.

Dairying provides a peaceful life for Winesburg area farm family

The Mervin Hershberger family appreciates the opportunities for working together as a family that dairy farming provides for them, including a dip into the farm pond as a reward for a day of satisfying work.

Milk in many forms can ‘do a body good’

Although a large, black and white Holstein cow might be the first thing that pops into the mind of the average American when they hear the word, 'milk,' cows do not have the corner of the world's milk market.

Planting efforts hampered by unusually wet spring weather conditions

Although Ohio farmers welcome rain as a necessity for growth of crops and livestock, extremely wet weather conditions, as experienced in the region through April and May, can have a detrimental effect on the planting and harvesting calendar.

From fresh milk to delicious Swiss cheese – quality control every step of the way

One of the most loved products created by milk is cheese. And in this region of Ohio, Swiss cheese reigns as the number one favorite.

Milk haulers – the link connecting the farm to the dairy

Hauling up to 4,500 gallons of fresh milk is no simple task. A local hauler gives the inside scoop on this very important task that is a vital link in the human food chain.

Is it really too late to put in a vegetable garden

When is it actually too late to put a certain type of vegetable crop in our garden? It actually depends on what crop you're working with.

Local Roots farm tour brings together farmers and consumers

Local Roots Market and Cafe in Wooster will host a series of farm tours, giving shoppers the opportunity to meet the farmers who grow or raise the food sold at Local Roots.

Farmers Market open for business

Main Street Wooster's summertime Farmers Market is back and more popular than ever.

Celebrate National Dairy Month at Local Roots

Celebrate National Dairy Month (June) with Local Roots' delicious selection of locally produced dairy products.

Cargill supports local FFA member through scholarship to national leadership conference

Local FFA member Nicole Steiner of Creston was recently selected by Cargill to receive a scholarship to attend the FFA's Washington Leadership Conference.

Ohio Holstein Association schedules events

The Ohio Holstein Association has scheduled several events for the upcoming months.

Wooster Farmers Market to open June 4

This year's downtown Wooster Farmers Market will open Saturday, June 4, and will continue each Saturday through Oct. 29.

Playing it safe down on the farm

Despite the peaceful setting, farming is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. Machinery, pesticides, chemicals, livestock accidents and disease are all areas of concern on the farm. Safety has to come first.

Plan ahead for the graduation party

Involve the whole family in the graduation celebration, and let them contribute their time and energy to make this event special, whether it's planting flowers, running errands, or helping to prepare the food.

The shorter the better

Regardless of the size and scope of your operation or your preferred time of year to calve, there is little economic justification for a lengthy calving season.

Get your garden growing with help from Local Roots at first-ever Plant Swap

Local Roots invites you to its first-ever plant swap, May 21. If you have an abundance of plants that you would like to swap with other gardeners, pack them up and bring them down to the swap and add something different to your landcaping or garden this year.

Spring is in the air

The 21st annual Wayne County Home and Garden Show was a one-stop shop for everything homeowners need to care for their single largest investment - their homes.

Soil moisture: A problem for everyone right now

Working the ground when it's too wet can actually cause problems for years to come.

Herb Day at Local Roots set for May 14

Join Local Roots Saturday, May 14, for Herb Day. Sample delicious foods and view demonstrations from local farmers and producer members.

Great Lakes Fiber Show to be held May 28-29

The 16th annual Great Lakes Fiber Show will be held May 28 and 29 at the Wayne County Fairground.

OSU showcases sustainability commitment

As Earth Day approached, the dean of Ohio State University's College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences paused to share the university's commitment to sustainability.

College and community come together for Wooster Jam Session

The College of Wooster and the community came together for the Wooster Jam Session.

Great soil equals healthy plants

Every great garden begins with great soil. If your garden soil contains too much clay or not enough sand, it can be amended with organic matter that will help create an environment that is healthy for plants and healthy for the creatures that live in it.

Find local flowers for special occasions at Local Roots

April showers bring May flowers... to Local Roots. Whether you're looking for a lovely arrangement for a special occasion or you prefer to buy your flowers by the stem and create your own original centerpiece, Local Roots has an abundance of locally and responsibly grown flowers for you to choose...

Scarlet and Gray with a tinge of Green

Discovering ways everyone can help protect the environment is what the fourth annual Scarlet, Gray and Green Fair was all about.

OARDC professor named Distinguished Scholar

OARDC Professor Dr. Parwinder Grewal has been named as one of just six Ohio State faculty members to receive The Ohio State University Distinguished Scholar Award.

OSU develops cow reproduction technique to boost industry efficiency, profits

Researchers at the OARDC have pioneered a new protocol for increasing pregnancy rates in beef cattle.

Wooster animal rehabilitation farm robbed

Local animal rehabilitation and rescue farm robbery will prevent the Willard Family from offering their free animal therapy services to people with special needs.Vital equipment was stolen in a cruel and senseless robbery.

OARDC director shares update on campus recovery with congressional representative

Though OARDC has come light years since the campus was heavily damaged in a powerful tornado last fall, challenges still lie ahead to get the campus back in shape.

How to tell when spring has sprung

There are several indicators that spring has arrived. Here are a few to look for according to OSU Extension Program Coordinator, Ron Becker.

Celebrate Earth Day with Local Roots

Local Roots will be at the Scarlet, Gray and Green Fair Tuesday, April 19 at OARDC in support of the efforts of those who are making a positive impact on our world in local ways. Stop by and see what's new at the market or enjoy a food demonstration from Local Roots producers.

Freshman Congressman Bob Gibbs passes first bill, making red tape disappear in Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2011

Congressman Bob Gibbs recently felt the thrill of success, passing his first bill in Congress. HB 872 received support from both parties.

Karen Geiser, author of Local Choices will speak on local foods

Karen Geiser, a Kidron market gardener and local author, will speak on local foods Saturday, April 16, as a part of the April meeting of the County Line Historical Society of Wayne/Holmes, held at the Ken Miller Supply Oil, Gas, Car, Truck and Agriculture Museum.

“Food for Thought” film series at Local Roots

Two documentaries will be shown at Local Roots Market and Cafe, offering a depper look into their mission.

Learn to make wine at home

Local Roots Market will welcome Patrick Pierquet on Thursday, April 14, to introduce the priniciples and best practices for making wine at home.

Spring is here at Local Roots

After the cold and snowy winter we've just experienced, fresh produce is a welcome addition to everyone's diet. The first fresh herbs and tomatoes of the season have begun to arrive at Local Roots and gardening workshops are filling up with eager gardeners.

Gardening and preserving class scheduled for April 7

Consider coming to the Gardening and Preserving 101 class that The Ohio State University Extension Wayne County office will be having at the Wayne County library April 7. This class gets into the nitty-gritty of putting the garden out and caring for it throughout the summer.

Don't forget to nourish your marriage every day

Marriage is a commitment. It is important to get away and spend time together to nourish your relationship, to maintain a satisfying marriage.

Gardening workshops at Local Roots

Two workshops will be scheduled at Local Roots on Saturday, March 26, to help get this year's gardening started.

Study to determine best management strategy for burcucumber in corn

Scientists are actively looking for ways to manage burcucumber in corn. A new two-year study is showing promising results.

Home and garden show turns cabin fever into spring fever

The Amish Country Home and Garden Show held recently in Dalton inspired homeowners to begin the projects they have been contemplating all winter.

Educational horse program offered

The sixth annual Equine Open House, hosted by the Wayne Soil & Water Conservation District, will be held March 22.

Flooding sends historical society scrambling to rescue collection

As the flood waters rose, volunteers at the Wayne County Historical Society scrambled to save the collection.

Artisan Day returns to Local Roots

Local Roots' first Artisan Day of 2011 will be held Saturday, March 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A workshop on soil testing will take place at 2 p.m. (registration required) and all visitors can enjoy music by Sarah Goslee-Reed and samples from various producers.

Some best buys for cost and nutrition

Kate Shumaker gives tips on how to make your food dollars go farther than before.

What’s new at Local Roots

Local Roots Market gains new members each month and now has more than 150 Ohio-based producer members, each offering something special to the market's unique and ever-changing stock.

Career center students place first at FFA District 3 contest

Wayne County Schools Career Center Ag Mechanics/Power Technologies students placed first at the FFA District 3 Ag & Industrial Diagnostics contest at Ashtabula County Joint Vocational School in Jefferson.

Second ag security area established in Baughman Township

With the recent addition of a second Agriculture Security Area in Baughman Township, more than 3,700 acres of farm land in the township are protected from development for the next 10 years.

County park district requests proceeds from sale of timber

A reinvigorated Wayne County Park District has big plans for the future.

Tax exemption granted for construction of new agricultural building

Like their counterparts in industry, members of the agriculture sector with property located in agriculture security areas can request real property tax exemptions on investments made in their properties.

Digging deep to build Local Roots

With help from a grant provided by the Ohio Department of Agriculture and donations received from the market's successful fundraising, a new commercial kitchen is being installed which will help the Café develop and eventually offer seasonal lunch menus. Other improvements include updates to the...

First phase of BioHio officially complete

With the receipt of a check for nearly $2 million from the Ohio Department of Development, the first phase of the development of the BioHio Research Park is officially complete.

New dietary guidelines for Americans released

The recently released 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans places stronger emphasis on reducing calorie consumption and increasing physical activity. The guidelines suggest consuming less processed food and increasing the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low fat dairy...

County seeks bids on lease of stable, riding arena and pasture

With the dissolution of the organization that ran the Change Through Chance therapeutic riding program, the Wayne County commissioners are looking for a tenant for the stable, riding arena and pasture facility behind the Wayne County Care Center.

2011 grassland reserve program sign up deadline announced

The deadline for submitting Grassland Reserve Program applications is March 18, for applicants to submit offers for GRP easement and GRP rental contracts.

Financial relief from Mother Nature

During the last 25 years, the incidence of extreme weather has increased nearly 260 percent, while average crop failure rates in the 2000s have jumped 69 percent from what they were in the 1970s. All of this has given rise to a new phenomenon: weather insurance.

Time to start thinking about the garden

It's never too early to start thinking about your summer vegetable garden or home landscaping. An upcoming pair of workshops at Local Roots will help you explore new ideas.

Putting those New Year’s promises into action

It's time to put those New Year's promises into action.


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