Farm Tour

Join Cricket and Cara for a pasture walk at Ten Cat Farm with Rural Action. Meet the sheep and their guardian llamas while touring their rotational grazing areas. Afterwards, take a closer look at fleeces and yarns from the different breeds. Learn what they have learned so far about raising sheep for both quality wool as well as breeding stock and freezer lamb. They raise heritage breeds that are part of the Livestock Conservancy’s Shave ‘Em to Save ‘Em initiative and can share more about that program as well as cooperative efforts within the local Fibershed. Register at the link below.

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.