Farm Tour

This event is in conjunction with OEFFA Organic Grain Growers Chapter Meeting. Jim Jacobs of John Jacobs & Son will host a farm tour for OEFFA’s Organic Grain Growers Chapter. The farm tour will begin at 1:30 p.m., following a meeting and potluck lunch. The tour will focus on emerging equipment, recent and current on-farm research, and future on-farm research needs with a primary focus on weed management. More information on the meeting and potluck lunch at grow.oeffa.org/event/oeffa-grain-growers-chapter-chapter-meeting-and-potluck. RSVP to Bridget Burgess at bburgess@hirzel.com for potluck. The farm tour is open to the public. This event is a part of the Organic Farmer Researcher Network's Fall Farmer Exchanges Series. The Organic Farmer Researcher Network is a group of organic and transitioning farmers, supported by agricultural professionals and researchers, who meet regularly to discuss emerging issues, possible projects, and recent or ongoing research. The group is facilitated by staff from OEFFA, Ohio State, and Central State University. Learn more or register at offer.osu.edu/fall-farm-exchanges.

Curious about how silvopasture could benefit your farm? Join Charlie Eselgroth on his dairy farm, Buckskin Valley Farms and Dairy, to learn why his family chose to plant trees into their pasture. Hear directly from Charlie on the factors that led to this decision, including providing shade, tree crops, and wildlife habitat, as well as how he designed his planting. Whether you're exploring silvopasture for the first time or planning your own planting, this tour offers on-the-ground insight and inspiration. You'll walk away with practical ideas for integrating trees into livestock systems, understanding design considerations, and key lessons from a farm in the early stages of implementation. Staff from Rural Action will also be present to answer questions about technical assistance and funding resources available for farmers exploring silvopasture. Learn more and register for free at the link below.

Rose Hill Farm is a 125-acre family farm and wildlife habitat in Roseville, Ohio. Their diversified vegetable operation cultivates about 10 acres. They emphasize soil health and use cover crops, no-till and minimal-till practices. This Farmer Exchange will focus on using cover crops as a pest management tool in vining cucurbits such as watermelon, pumpkin, and squash. Other seasonal and perennial crops will also be available to visit and discuss management techniques. Register at forms.gle/e3k92bcSwxaBdFUT8. Questions: Contact Denise Natoli Brooks at (937) 831-5995 or dbrooks@centralstate.edu. This event is a part of the Organic Farmer Researcher Network's Fall Farmer Exchanges Series. The Organic Farmer Researcher Network is a group of organic and transitioning farmers, supported by agricultural professionals and researchers, who meet regularly to discuss emerging issues, possible projects, and recent or ongoing research. The group is facilitated by staff from OEFFA, Ohio State, and Central State University. Learn more at offer.osu.edu/fall-farm-exchanges.

The Blue Owl is really two unique, but complementary, farming operations that fit nicely into the cycle of seasons: a small herb farm that produces culinary and crafting herbs, and heirloom fruits, flowers, and vegetables for sale at local markets; plus a 130-acre tree farm focused on log-grown culinary mushrooms, native nuts and berries, and a variety of woody crafting materials. We will focus our farmer exchange on forest farming and especially on mushroom production. Blue Owl owner Janell Baran and Andy Gedeon of Soul Shine Earth will discuss their current study to compare the costs and benefits of raising mushroom spawn on-farm vs. purchasing commercially available spawn. Register at forms.gle/aigtw5mWyZfqqV5z8. Noon-3 p.m. Technical Woods Walk - Overview of the Forest Farm 3-4 p.m. Refreshments and Discussion 4-6:30 p.m. On-Farm Mushroom Spawn Production Trial This event is being held in conjunction with Rural Action’s Technical Woods Walk. Participants may attend the Woods Walk, the Research Discussion, or both. Registration is limited due to parking constraints. Carpooling is strongly encouraged! Questions: Contact Cassy Brown at (330) 263-3634 or brown.1844@osu.edu This event is a part of the Organic Farmer Researcher Network's Fall Farmer Exchanges Series. The Organic Farmer Researcher Network is a group of organic and transitioning farmers, supported by agricultural professionals and researchers, who meet regularly to discuss emerging issues, possible projects, and recent or ongoing research. The group is facilitated by staff from OEFFA, Ohio State, and Central State University. Learn more or register at offer.osu.edu/fall-farm-exchanges.

Join the Ohio Organic Farmer Researcher Network (OOFRN) for an on-farm research seminar presented by Wayne County farmer and soil health devotee Matt Falb. Matt has a great mind for research and has partnered with several Ohio State researchers at the nearby Wooster campus and around the state and is currently on the executive board of Ohio State’s Agroecosystem Management Program. Matt has participated in several research projects to evaluate management approaches that build soil health while also improving the land, surrounding ecosystems, and community. He is currently exploring silvopasture establishment and the logistics of grazing cover crops on neighboring farms. Farmers, educators, researchers, and students are invited to come and learn through the sharing of both experience and data. This event is held at Constant Springs Farm in Orville, Ohio. Please park at Martins Mennonite Church, 14027 Church Road, Orrville, Ohio. Sponsored by the Ohio Organic Farmer Researcher Network, a collaborative effort between OEFFA, Central State, and Ohio State.

Explore the range of ways that farmer researchers can engage in regionally adapted seed work, from formal trials and breeding to simple selection and saving. Lindsay Klaunig of Trouvaille Farm will share past and present on-farm research as it relates to her journey in regionally adapted seed work. Brainstorm crops and varieties that are particularly in need of adaptation to our specific climate. Consider what types of trialing and other research might be needed to get started on this work. Learn methods to focus in on a particular project from start to finish. Please register here. Sponsored by the Ohio Organic Farmer Researcher Network, a collaborative effort between OEFFA, Central State, and Ohio State.

Interested in learning what it takes to operate a diversified produce farm? Want to learn the ins and outs of high tunnel tomato production? Adam and Tabby Blaney started Blaney Family Farm in 2019 and have been growing a diversity of vegetables and flowers. They sell their products through a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program where customers subscribe ahead of the season to receive a customizable box of vegetables each week. They also sell weekly at the Athens Farmers Market and to several wholesale accounts, including to Little Fish Brewery, Village Bakery, Lake Hope Lodge, and Kindred Market. This event will include both a farm tour and hands-on time learning about high tunnel tomatoes. Learn more and register here.