Cultivating Convos: An ODA Podcast: Recent Episodes
Ohio Department of Agriculture
Cultivating Convos is a podcast about all things agriculture in Ohio. Created by the Ohio Department of Agriculture's communications team, the podcast will cover what’s happening at ODA and in the Ag world
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Learn more about the Ohio Department of Agriculture at https://www.agri.ohio.gov.
Valentine’s Day is almost here and love is in the air!
Ohio small business Bliss in a Bottle joins us along with Ashley McDonald from Ohio Proud to talk about the perfect gift for that special someone.
Ohio fairs rock because of the Ohio Fair Managers Association! Hear what goes into making these community staples so wonderful, and the work ODA is doing behind the scenes!
ODA is doing more than just wishing our military members overseas a happy holidays. Hear how we teamed up with the Ohio Christmas Tree Association to send trees to bases in Kuwait.
Our new Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory will benefit anyone who eats, and we think that means you! Hear how the new lab will strengthen Ohio’s top industry.
Experts with the Ohio Farm Bureau and The Ohio State University join ODA to discuss a new alliance and help offered through an anonymous survey, plus resources for you and your community.
Survey – https://osu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9pHMUc1n2IMMkgm?Q_CHL=qr
Ohio Mental Health Resource Guides - Ohio Mental Health Resource Guides | Center for Public Health Practice (osu.edu)
We’re back!
After a little break, our podcast, Cultivating Convos, is revamped and ready to go!
We decided to kick things off with a growing program that is exciting for both farmers and ODA – H2Ohio expansion!
Director Baldridge has been a busy man since joining ODA. He joins us to talk about Ohio agriculture, and a pig story that will have you squealing with delight!
Our Victory Gardens program continues to sprout. We're working with Ohio State University to give out garden seeds in 50 counties. Get some gardening tips and learn more about how you can get in on the action.
https://u.osu.edu/ohiovictorygardens/
ODA’s Division of Animal Health works to keep all animals healthy, and that includes deer. State Veterinarian Dr. Dennis Summers a new program that is a win-win for all Ohioans.
Ohio is one of the top pork-producing states in the country. State Veterinarian Dr. Dennis Summers explains the steps being taken to make sure what you eat stays healthy from farm to table.
The new Beginning Farmer Tax Credit is here to help! Our staff explains how this can benefit all farmers, not just those getting started.
More info: https://agri.ohio.gov/programs/farmland-preservation-office/Beginning-Farmer-Tax-Credit-Program/Beginning-Farmer-Tax-Credit
ODA’s Animal Health team is ready for anything! Our veterinarians explain the plan in place when potential problems strike.
ODA’s Animal Health team is working to keep Ohioans, including our animals, safe. Dr. Kristy Shaw and Dr. Angela Rospert explain something that’s a top priority for them and our state’s top industry.
A new program is off and running. Ohio CAN (Community + Agriculture + Nutrition) connects Ohio producers with foodbanks. Find out how you can get involved!
We’re reminiscing about 2022. Director Pelanda joins us to discuss her top events and memories as we welcome in 2023!
The holidays are here and Ohio is shining bright. Learn from Tourism Ohio and Steubenville’s Nutcracker Village about the top attractions in the state!
It’s the week of Thanksgiving, so you know what’s going down! Bowman & Landes Turkeys and Chef Adam Hagar from Columbus State highlight the bird that’s at the center of so many holiday meals.
Operation Evergreen is a go! ODA and the Ohio Christmas Tree Association are teaming up to send Christmas trees overseas. Hear how it’s done and all the work Ohio tree growers do behind the scenes.
Ohio is one of the leading states in apple production and we can’t get enough of them! This week Quarry Hill Orchards and the Ohio Apple Marketing Program explain there’s still time to pick the perfect one for your next recipe. Plus, Director Pelanda has a great apple treat for your next gathering in our newest Dishing with Dorothy!
Good news from the fields. The corn harvest is looking promising for Ohioans. ODA got a chance to see it in action in Fairfield County. Farmer Jon Miller and Ohio Corn & Wheat talk about EVERYTHING that’s keeping farmers busy right now.
The Ohio Farm Bureau Young Ag Professionals are doing big things! Two members join us to talk about their Winter Leadership Experience Conference (at a waterpark) and how you can get involved!
2023 YAP Winter Leadership Experience - Ohio Farm Bureau (ofbf.org)
A new Spotted Lanternfly sighting in Cincinnati. ODA Plant Health staff and Joe Boggs from OSU Extension join us to breakdown what this means for the Buckeye State and what you should do if you see one.
It’s a busy time of year at Ohio wineries. Workers are harvesting grapes for you to one day drink! Eddie McDonald from Hanover Winery in Hamilton, and Christy Eckstein, Ohio Grape Industries Committee Executive Director, join us to talk about the hard work that goes into each glass and the help available for winery owners.
It’s fall, y’all! And no home is complete without a few pumpkins to welcome in this magical season. On this week’s Cultivating Convos, Shelly Lehner from Lehner’s Pumpkin Farm in Radnor, OH joins us to talk about the family operation and how to pick the perfect pumpkin.
What is HPAI and what can you do to limit its spread? State Veterinarian Dr. Dennis Summers breaks down the very latest about the current situation in Ohio.
The Great Geauga County Fair has ‘Great’ in its name for a reason! Paul Harris, Secretary of the Fair, and Howard Call, Executive Director of the Ohio Fair Managers Association, tell us what makes this fair, and all Ohio fairs, so wonderful. Plus, the trivia question staff asked those trying to sneak in!
The Spotted Lanternfly won’t leave us alone! So we all need to be on the lookout. In this week’s Cultivating Convos, Dr. Constance Hausman, Senior Conservation Science Manager at Cleveland Metroparks, and Jonathan Shields, ODA Plant Pest Inspection Supervisor, go over not only how to ID these pests, but what to do if you think you see one.
John Smiley is a part of history in Ohio. The Smiley Farm in Adams County was established 250 years ago, making it the oldest in ODA’s Historic Family Farms Program. On this week’s Cultivating Convos, Smiley shares his story and what keeps him going.
Yes, it’s true. Ditches can help Ohioans and our water. On this week’s Cultivating Convos, Lucas County Engineer Mike Pniewski and H2Ohio’s Clark Huston explain what two-stage ditches are and why you should be excited about them!
Big changes are coming to Auctioneering in Ohio. ODA’s Auction Program Manager Donna Potter and Wade Baer of Baer Auctioneers and a program commissioner join us to talk about what’s new starting next month. Plus, we auction off yardwork duties! You’ll have to listen to understand!
ODA is at the Ohio State Fair and we can’t wait for you to join us! This week, we go over the can’t-miss foods and attractions!
It's National Ice Cream Month. On this week’s Cultivating Convos, ODA Dairy Inspector Sara Wilkins dishes up what it likes to visit frozen dessert producers in Ohio. Plus, an ice cream quiz that is sure to give anyone a brain freeze!
Imagine not having enough outlets. The world would end!
OK, a little over the top.
But that’s just one issue our current Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory faces. Now, a new lab will ensure Ohioans get the very best. Laboratory Operations Manager Melanie Prarat and Ohio Poultry Association’s Jim Chakeres tell us why this is a win-win for everyone.
Did someone say food?! On this week’s Cultivating Convos, we’re getting you ready for the Ohio State Fair. Sam Pellerito, CEO and Founder of CinSoy Foods, and Ashley McDonald, Ohio Proud Program Manager, join us to preview the fabulous Farmers Market that will be at the Expo Center. Plus, the awesome attractions you won’t want to miss when the gates open!
Agriculture and food is Ohio’s number 1 industry, but farmland is vanishing. On this week’s Cultivating Convos, Sarah Huffman, Executive Director for ODA’s Office of Farmland Preservation, and Lucille Hastings, a board member from Holmes County, share why their program is so vital for the future of the state.
Veterinary Appreciation Day was Saturday and we're appreciating ODA's veterinarians! On this week's Cultivating Convos, Dr. Kristy Shaw and Dr. Angela Rospert are here with tales about tails!
It’s fair season and could we be any more excited?! Hypnotist Mike Bishop performs at multiple fairs across the state and tells us why you should be making plans to visit one. Plus, stick around for what he says is secretly, the most nutritious snack to get!
A beautiful summer night. A cool breeze in the air. And a glass of wine in your hand. Could life be any better? YES! It could be Ohio wine from a gorgeous Ohio winery. David Smith, Head Winemaker at Gervasi Vineyard in Canton, and Christy Eckstein, Executive Director of the Ohio Grape Industries Committee, tell us what makes the state’s wine scene so special.
We’re looking into one of ODA’s smallest, but mightiest, divisions – Enforcement! Jason Davis is not only our resident champion pancake eater, he’s also Chief of this division that is relied on by many. Hear about the lengths he will go to make sure animals are safe.
It’s the best test you’ll ever take! On this week’s Cultivating Convos, ODA Dairy Inspector Sara Wilkins tries to stump the hosts along with Andrea Siefring-Robbins, co-owner of Cincinnati’s Urban Stead Cheese. Plus, find out why Ohio is important to cheese-lovers everywhere!
We’re spraying to get rid of Spongy Moth (formerly Gypsy Moth). Dan Kenny, Chief of the Division of Plant Health, joins us with more on what it takes to get rid of this pest.
Interest in horse racing is peaking after a thrilling Kentucky Derby. On this week’s Cultivating Convos we look at Ohio’s blossoming horse racing scene. The Ohio Department of Agriculture conducts all the drug testing for the sport in the state. Lab Director Soobeng Tan joins the hosts as does Tanya Boulmetis, Deputy Director of the Ohio State Racing Commission.
On this week’s Cultivating Convos, Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Dorothy Pelanda joins us to talk about her latest Dishing with Dorothy segment. Yummy pork tacos are on the menu for Cinco de Mayo. Ohio Pork Association Executive Vice President Cheryl Day chats with Director and explains why pork should be on your table tonight. DISCLAIMER: This podcast will make you hungry!
On this week’s Cultivating Convos, we unveil the plan behind a ‘Zero Waste Space’ pilot program – to encourage less in the landfills and teach about sustainability! Mike Minnix from Good Land Ohio and Dave Foulkes from Ohio EPA join the team to break down why this is a win-win for everyone involved.
This week on Cultivating Convos we take a deep dive into a program that keeps, well, growing! Ohio Victory Gardens is now in 42 counties. The seeds are getting ready to be rolled out across the state. Colette Gabriel, Laboratory Scientist in the Ohio Department of Agriculture Division of Plant Health, joins us to talk about the project and the basics of starting your own garden.
The Asian longhorned beetle can wreak havoc on Ohio's trees and natural resources. But some good news is on the way. Find out in this week's Cultivating Convos.
This week on Cultivating Convos, we talk with Christy Eckstein, Ohio Grape Industry Commission Executive Director, and Ashely McDonald, Ohio Proud Executive Director, about a fun opportunity coming up in April! Join us for a virtual wine tasting and charcuterie paring on April 14th. Email Christy.Eckstein@agri.ohio.gov for more information.
This week on Cultivating Convos, we sit down with Dr. Leon, ODA Division of Meat Inspection Chief, and owners of Oiler Meats to talk about the Ohio Meat Processing Grant Program. Oiler Meats tells us how this grant will help them keep their family business booming by improving their equipment to serve more producers and reach more customers.
This week on Cultivating Convos, we get all the details on the 2022 Ohio Beef Expo. Listen to find out what you can experience this weekend, March 17 through March 20 at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus. Check out all that the enormous event has to offer at www.ohiobeefexpo.com/.
Next week marks Ohio Ag Week, and we are excited to promote some exciting things happening in Ohio agriculture, including the return of the Ohio State Fair! Tune in to hear from the Assistant General Manager of the Ohio Expo Center and Ohio State Fair about fun, new attractions you can expect at this year's Ohio State Fair. Make sure to check out ODA's social media pages each day next week to celebrate Ohio Ag Week!
ODA is recognizing National Invasive Insect Awareness Week and Bird Health Awareness week in this mashup episode of Cultivating Convos. Our plant and animal health experts share educational information about the invasive insects that pose a threat to Ohio's vegetation and the importance of being prepared for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.
We love celebrating FFA, and this week we have the best guest to tell us all about the phenomenal organization. Laura Wuebker, State FFA Officer, joins us to share her journey with FFA, what the student organization means to her, and where she plans to take her toolbox of skills she learned throughout her time being involved. Join us in celebrating National FFA week this week, and visit https://ohioffa.org/ for more information.
This week on Cultivating Convos, we are celebrating another national day with the Ohio Bonnie Plants 3rd Grade Cabbage Program Winner! Cameron Parks and his mom Shannon tell us how he grew an enormous cabbage to win a $1000 scholarship for college. “I really enjoyed growing this cabbage. My parents helped me plant it in our front yard in a mulch bed. I was worried about the deer eating the cabbage but no matter how big it got, they never ate it! I am going to eat my cabbage with dinner this week," said Cameron. Spring registration for the Bonnie Plants 3rd Grade Cabbage Program is now open! For more information, visit: https://bonniecabbageprogram.com/.
Grab your valentine because February 14 is National Ferris Wheel Day! Today we talk to Michael Wood, owner of the largest portable Ferris wheel in the USA. Michael tells us what goes into running America's largest portable Ferris wheel and how families across the nation enjoy making memories while aboard. Also joining us is Jon Kaufman, ODA ride inspector, who has the important job of ensuring amusement rides are safe for all to enjoy!
Our friends from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) join us on this week's episode of Cultivating Convos to talk about their H2Ohio efforts! An exciting grant opportunity is opening soon in the Ohio River Basin to continue important water quality work through the creation and restoration of wetlands. An informational webinar is scheduled for February 28 to learn all about this opportunity. Check it out on the H2Ohio website.
The office of Farmland Preservation hit a huge milestone by preserving 100,000 acres of Ohio farmland! This week on Cultivating Convos, we celebrate with ODA's very own Amanda Bennett who is part of the small, but mighty, Farmland Preservation team. We also welcome a Fayette county farmer who's land helped push the program to the exciting milestone.
This week's episode is all about water quality. We talk with an ODA H2Ohio team leader, and with a H2Ohio Putnam county farmer who plays many roles in the conservation and water quality world. Launched by Governor Mike DeWine in 2019, H2Ohio is a comprehensive water quality initiative that is working to strategically address serious water issues that have been building in Ohio for decades. Today, we dive in to learn about what farmers have been doing to reduce nutrient runoff, and how well the program has taken hold across the state. Visit the H2Ohio website to learn more.
It's a new year, but an old pest is still sticking around Ohio. The Gypsy Moth is an invasive bug that ODA is working to stop from damaging trees across the state. This week on Cultivating Convos, we speak with two of our plant health experts about what ODA is doing to fight this pest!
This week is the annual Ohio Fair Managers Association Meeting in Columbus! We chat with the OFMA 1st Vice President and the chief of the Division of Amusement Ride Safety and Fairs about what to expect for the upcoming season.
This week, the Chief of the Division of Weights and measures joins us to explain how to guarantee that your scale isn't lying if losing weight is one of your New Year's resolutions.
We are getting into the holiday spirit this week on Cultivating Convos! We chat with ODA veterinarians about how they help get Santa's reindeer ready to fly!
Winter is nearly here, so we dive in on this week's episode of Cultivating Convos to talk about how you can preserve the gardens you worked hard on all year! From plant health, to maintaining your gardening tools, we learn what to do to make sure your garden is protected and ready for planting next spring.
Not finished with your holiday shopping list? Don't know where to start? Well, we've got you covered! This week on Cultivating Convos, we sit down with Matt MacLaren, the Director of TourismOhio, and Duncan Forbes, one of the owners of North Country Charcuterie, to chat about all the fantastic local gifts you can go out and grab just in time for the holidays!
This week on Cultivating Convos, we step into Christmas with the details on Operation Evergreen, an annual event that takes place on ODA's campus. An amazing effort organized by the Ohio Christmas Tree Growers Association, Operation Evergreen sends Ohio Christmas trees overseas to US troops serving our country. Dan Kenny, ODA Chief of Plant Health, and Amy from Galehouse Tree Farm join us to explain how the operation works, and Amy tells us how, when, and where to purchase your own evergreen to celebrate the holiday this year.
This week we sit down with ODA Director Dorothy Pelanda to talk about her family Thanksgiving traditions, and we learn a few tips and tricks to cook the perfect turkey!
This week on Cultivating Convos, we talk with ODA Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory experts about World Antimicrobial Awareness Week. Tune in to find out what it is and why it's important.
It’s the holiday season! Gather ‘round to start the holidays with this week’s episode of Cultivating Convos. We dive in with Ohio Poultry Association Executive Vice President, Jim Chakeres, and Ohio turkey producer, Drew Bowman, about the prized Thanksgiving staple – turkey! Listen to learn how Ohio producers put food on our tables not only during our favorite holiday season, but all year long.
Visit ohiopoultry.org for cooking tips, tricks, and recipes!
Boo!
Unwrap your favorite piece (or more) of candy and learn about the scariest haunts across Ohio. We chat with Chief of Tourism Ohio Matt MacLaren and one of the state’s paranormal investigators, Greg Feketik about the spookiest places to visit in the state and what’s been documented.
Happy Halloween!
ODA's Division of Enforcement is charged with conducting both administrative and criminal investigations for all regulatory divisions of ODA. On this week's episode of Cultivating Convos, we sit down with Enforcement Division Chief, Dave Hunt, to talk about dog fighting, dangerous wild animals, and the effects of the 2011 Zanesville incident.
Ten years ago, more than 50 dangerous wild animals were set free from a property in Zanesville. That incident inspired legislation that ensured public and animal safety and created a program overseen by ODA. Listen in to this week’s Cultivating Convos episode as ODA’s Interim State Veterinarian and a Field Veterinarian reflect on the history and evolution of the Dangerous Wild Animal Program.
https://agri.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/oda/divisions/animal-health/resources/dangerous-wild-animals
On Cultivating Convos this week, we dive into one of our favorite topics - cheese! We sit down with John Reese of Black Radish Creamery, and Brian Wise, ODA Chief of Dairy Division, to talk about artisan cheese making, the upcoming annual Dairy Quality Conference, and how ODA plays a roll in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of everything from dairy cows, to the dairy products you buy in the local supermarket.
This week on Cultivating Convos, we dive into an important topic - grazing management! Listen to an ODA grazing expert, and a Perry county farmer tell us what grazing management is and why it is an important piece to a sustainable farm.
To watch ODA's Grazing Management Minute videos, check out our YouTube!
This week on Cultivating Convos we talk about another very important topic - water quality! We chat with H2Ohio program manager and a Northwest Ohio producer to learn about what farmers are doing to improve water quality and how the H2Ohio initiative is growing. To learn more about H2Ohio, visit the H2Ohio website.
This week on Cultivating Convos, we sit down with Ashely McDonald, Ohio Proud Program Manager, and Adam Ward, Director of Government Affairs at The Ohio State University, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences to talk about the 2021 Farm Science Review! Take a listen and get out to FSR September 21 through 23!
This week on Cultivating Convos, we talk about the invasive Spotted Lanternfly, which has been reported in northeast Ohio. Dan Kenny, Chief of ODA's Plant Health Division, and Tony Kosicek, Owner of Kosicek Vineyards, sit down with us to talk about this invasive pest, and what to do if encountered.
If you suspect a spotted lanternfly infestation, at any life stage, please report the finding to the ODA Plant Pest Control here: https://agri.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/oda/divisions/plant-health/invasive-pests/slf.
Annual cicadas are here to sing their songs of the summer! But wait, are these cicadas different than the Brood X species we saw earlier in the year? Find out as we chat with ODA plant health experts about annual cicadas, cicada pizza, and more.
This week on Cultivating Convos we chat with Interim State Veterinarian Dr. Dennis Summers about African Swine Fever and what ODA is doing to prepare in case this extremely contagious disease does end up on U.S. soil.
This week on Cultivating Convos, we chat with the owners of Martha's Bath & Body and Silver Bridge Coffee about how their local farmers' markets helped them grow their businesses and why it's so important to go out and support your local vendors.
Find a market near you.
On this week's episode of Cultivating Convos, we chat with Dr. Juan Leon, new Chief of the Division of Meat Inspection! Learn about the amazing path he's taken to get where he is in his career, and some of the big plans he has for DMI!
The Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) has been a pest in southwestern Ohio for the past 10 years - but we have some exciting news to announce about the infestation! We are joined by an ODA Plant Health Inspector with the ALB program and the USDA ALB Eradication Program Director to talk about how the public is helping experts find and get rid of this invasive bug.
Find photos of the ALB and info on how to report a sighting here.
This week on Cultivating Convos, we sit down with one of our Dairy Inspectors and the owner of Charlotte & Olivia's Sublime Ice Creams to celebrate National Ice Cream Month. We learn how to taste ice cream like you would a fine wine, how to cure brain freeze and what ODA does to make sure your ice cream is safe. Find out which flavor is our favorite!
Water quality is an important topic in Ohio, and this year, ODA is doing more to keep Ohio's waters safe for everyone. H2Ohio is expanding into 10 more counties in northwest Ohio! This week, we chat with the H2ohio Program Manager and the Ottawa County District Program Administrator about the expansion and how interested farmers can get involved.
Find more out about the H2Ohio Informational Meetings here.
The owner of Buccia Vineyards sits down with us to talk about his journey into the Ohio Wine industry and how the Vineyard Expansion Assistance Program (VEAP) helped his business and can help others. Christy Eckstein from OGIC also joins us to explain a little more about VEAP and how you can get involved if you're interested in growing your own Ohio grapes.
We've all been to a party where you go to grab a spoonful of someone's famous potato salad...only to wonder, 'how long has this REALLY been sitting out?' This week on Cultivating Convos, we get answers from ODA's Food Safety Division on how to safely have your Fourth of July Weekend cookout so no one gets sick! Listen here: https://anchor.fm/ohio-dept-of-ag/episodes/Summer-Cookout-Safety-e13np2t
ODA Division of Food Safety
Manure can be a stinky subject, especially when it comes to water quality across Ohio. Today we sit down with the Ohio Farm Bureau and learn about the progress being made to improve water quality across the state, as well as some common misconceptions people have about agriculture, manure, and water quality.
OFB Western Lake Erie Collaborative Agreement Progress
H2Ohio
Summer is practically synonymous with fairs and amusement parks in Ohio! Now that it's nearly officially summer, we check in with our Fairs & Amusement Ride Safety team to chat about some recent changes made to inspection rules to ensure you and your family stay safe while having fun.
These are exciting times at ODA - Dr. Richard French has been named Laboratory Director of the Ohio Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory! Dr. French is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with a Ph.D. and Residency in Neuropathology, and an MS in Parasitology, all from the University of Illinois. He completed a BS in Pathology at the University of Connecticut.
Today, we chat with Dr. French and one of the ADDL microbiologists about what the lab currently does and where we see it heading in the future.
Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory
What do the Spotted Lanternfly and Ohio Vineyards have in common? Listen in to find out! Report a Spotted Lanternfly Sighting here. Learn more about Ohio Wines here.
The weather is warming up and summer is almost here - that means one thing in Ohio: fair season is around the corner! We chat with the Executive Director of the Ohio Fair Managers Association and the Chief of the Division of Amusement Ride Safety and Fairs about how they plan on keeping all fairgoers safe, plus the food they're looking forward to eating this year.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this week, we chat with a farmer on the Ohio Farm Bureau and the Executive Director of the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation about why it's so important for people in rural areas to start conversations about mental health.
Ohio Department of Agriculture's Got Your Back
This week on Cultivating Convos, we chat with two of our Plant Health experts about ODA's Gypsy Moth Treatment Program. We learn about how one scientist's tiny mistake caused this big problem, why we want to get rid of the moth here, the damage they can cause and where we are treating this spring.
You can learn more about Gypsy Moths here.
Grab something to snack on before you hit play - this episode will make you hungry!
We talk with the Ohio Proud Program Manager and Tim the Mustard Man about how Ohio Proud has helped him expand his business - plus he shares some tips on the best way to use his mustard.
Ohio Proud
The Mustard Man
Think you can only have red wine with red meat and white wine with fish? Think again!
This week, we sit down with the Executive Director of the Ohio Grape Industries Committee and the owner of Rockside Winery and Vineyards. They talk about Ohio wines, how to enjoy a good glass and what makes Ohio grapes unique.
They are creepy-crawly, super noisy and will emerge in masses!
Over the next few weeks, the 17-year periodical cicadas will be digging their way out from underground and screaming across Ohio by the millions.
We chat with our plant health experts about these elusive bugs that we will be seeing - and hearing - soon.
Victory Gardens originated during World War I, an answer to a severe food shortage at the time. While we’re not in wartime, we can all commiserate the past few months have been tough, mood-boosters are welcomed. So the Ohio Department of Agriculture and Ohio State University are reviving the effort and once again inspiring people to get their hands dirty, realize the fruits of their labor and share with others if inspired. We believe a good day in the garden is good for the soul.
Find out more about Ohio Victory Gardens here: https://u.osu.edu/ohiovictorygardens/
We sit down with the Ohio Auctioneer Program Coordinator and one of Ohio's Bid Calling Champions to learn about Auctions in Ohio, what makes sales so hypnotizing, and of course, how they learn to talk so fast!
This week on Cultivating Convos, we sit down with two farmers from Northwest Ohio who joined the H2Ohio program. They talk about which best practices they're using and the results they're seeing, one year into the program.
We are talking water quality on Cultivating Convos this week! We get the ins and outs of the H2Ohio program, Governor Mike DeWine's initiative to ensure safe and clean water for all Ohioans.
You can learn more about the H2Ohio Program here: http://h2.ohio.gov/
Ohio has some gorgeous farmland, and we want to keep it that way when possible. We chat with the Executive Director of ODA's Farmland Preservation Program about the ins and outs for anyone interested in joining. We also interview a local farmer who has not one but FOUR easements, about why he decided the program was the right fit for his family.
Today we sit down with ODA Enforcement to talk about what they do, from keeping ODA's campus safe, to stopping dogfighting rings and even rescuing dangerous wild animals, such as lions, tigers, bears and the mysterious liger!
We’re talking Weights & Measures this week! Not sure exactly what that entails? Listen in as ODA’s Communications Director Shelby Croft and Media Outreach Specialist Meghan Harshbarger talk to ODA’s W & M Division Chief and Metrologist about what goes on in the lab, an amazing historic measurement event happening right now and little known facts about firewood.
Cultivating Convos is a podcast about everything agriculture in Ohio. The Ohio Department of Agriculture's Communications Director Shelby Croft and Social Media Outreach Specialist Meghan Harshbarger sit down with ODA Director Dorothy Pelanda in our inaugural podcast.