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WDLR Audio Presentation: Communicating the Importance of Delaware’s Agricultural Sector

Audio Recording

Rob Leeds
ANR Educator, Assistant Professor
The Ohio State University Extension
DELAWARE

Team Members: Leeds, R*1, Smith, J*2, Hornyak, K*3
  1. ANR Educator, Assistant Professor, OSU Extension, DELAWARE, Ohio, 43015-1707
  2. OSU Extension Educator AgNR/4H, OSU Extension, Delaware, Ohio, 43015
  3. AgNR Program Coordinator, OSU Extension, Delaware, Ohio, 43015

Abstract

2020 US census indicates the Delaware County’s population was up 22.9% and was again Ohio’s fastest growing county. As Delaware County and central Ohio becomes more populated, the understanding of agriculture and its value may not always be seen. There are 292,000 total acres in Delaware County and 175,897 acres are farm ground. With farming covering 40% of the county, the importance of agriculture is vital. The agriculture in the county is diverse, the northern part of Delaware County is rural, growing traditional crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat. The northern section of the county also comprises our livestock industry. The southern half of the county is more populous but still contains an array of agriculture including farm markets, greenhouses, wineries and agritourism operations.  Delaware County’s agriculture sector generated ag sales of $86.9 million in 2021. To keep the understanding and the relevance of agriculture in an ever-growing community, the agriculture story needs to be shared.  As part of sharing this message, OSU Educators were asked to be on the WDLR “In Your Backyard” radio segment. After recording, the radio station edited together a great segment showcasing our mission of sharing agricultural knowledge with our community. On January 22, 2023, central Ohio listeners were treated to the big picture of the current state of agriculture in Delaware County.  The current farmed acreage of the county, number of farms and acreage per farm are discussed along with the broader definition of agriculture. The economics of agriculture and its location within the county were also brought to light. When discussing agriculture, the niche marketing sector tends to be forgotten but is a true contributor to the economics of ag in the county. The audience the radio station reaches is a more contemporary younger group that would not traditionally understand agriculture. Throughout the segment you can truly appreciate the level of trust and the approachable nature within the Delaware Team. This engaging style is used to encourage our clientele to seek out an expand the relationship with Extension. Agricultural awareness is vital in these rapidly developing communities.

 

https://my967.net/in-your-backyard-1-22/  Evaluate 7:10-18:55