Addressing Local Agricultural Priorities Through Collaborative, Needs Driven Education in Morgan County
Extension Education
Jordan Penrose
Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator
Ohio State
McConnelsville
Abstract
The Morgan County Ag & Livestock Field Day is a long-standing event that has been hosted by Ohio State University (OSU) Extension and local ag partners for the past 25 years. In response to the 2024 county-level needs assessment, farm risk management, livestock, and forage production were identified as critical areas for producer education. To address these needs, OSU Extension designed and implemented a hands-on educational program to increase producer confidence in management decisions and best practices across beef and forage systems. The Field Day was delivered in partnership with the Morgan County Soil and Water Conservation District. Along with updates from Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, and Farm Bureau. These agencies collaborated to provide comprehensive content, integrate conservation and perspectives, and broaden access to resources for local producers. The program included an on-farm tour and discussion of multiple on-farm management components, including cow–calf and finishing operations, fencing systems, water distribution infrastructure, winter feeding strategies, crop production practices, and quality hay production. Following the tour, formal educational sessions featured Risk Management and a Beef Industry update. Overall, the program supports a needs-driven, partnership-based educational event to help producers decision-making and support their long-term farm sustainability. The success of the Field Day highlights the value of experiential learning and multi-agency collaboration in addressing agricultural priorities within Morgan County.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted only for display at AM/PIC. Poster is not to be judged, but the abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Jordan Penrose, Garth Ruff, Eric Richer
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Penrose, J. Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 43756
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Ruff, G. Assistant Professor, Field Specialist, Beef Cattle and Livestock Marketing, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 43724
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Richer, E. Associate Professor and Field Specialist, Farm Management, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 43545