Pictured (l-r) are Lisa Hord (SSCC), Elizabeth Burkard (SSCC), Sarah Fullenkamp (FSA), Jennifer Brown (RD), Pam Bushelman (SWCD), Lee Walker (NRCS), Remi Parry (NRCS) and James Morris (OSU Extension).
Submitted photo
Highland County OSU Extension and Southern State Community College partnered together to host the 2023 Agricultural Outlook: Planted with a Purpose program at the Southern State Community College’s campus in Hillsboro on Feb. 3. Extension also partnered with the staff from the local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and the USDA agencies of Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Rural Development (RD) and Farm Service Agency (FSA).
This multi-agency partnership was designed to provide local producers with answers to some the most important questions heading into the 2023 growing season: What do we need to know about carbon programs? How can I improve my grazing areas and what assistance is available? What are some of the other cost-share and farm management programs available for grain, forage, livestock and specialty crop producers this year?
Over 40 participants were given with the answers to these questions along with coffee and donuts provided by Southern State Community College.
While a wealth of information is available online and at each office, this program provided the opportunity for participants learn about the details and eligibility of numerous programs from a variety of agencies at the same time. If you are looking for more information regarding carbon farming and carbon programs, OSU Extension Specialist Peggy Kirk Hall provides a detailed introduction online at go.osu.edu/CarbonFarming.
The Extension would like to thank all the participants and partners for an extremely successful program. Thanks to Southern State Community College’s generosity, the Extension was able to offer this program to all participants for free. Given the success of the program, it is already making plans for a 2024 Agriculture Outlook meeting. If you’re excited to come back next year or just disappointed you missed out, be on the lookout for more information regarding next year’s program. The Extension hopes this equips you with the tools needed to get your growing season off to a great start. Be sure to reach out with any questions as the season progresses.
James Morris is an Extension educator, agriculture and natural resources, and community development, OSU Extension Highland County.
