Ohio Ag Net | Ohio's Country Journal Ohio Ag Net | Ohio's Country Journal The 16th annual Cultivating a Cure welcomed more than 320 attendees and raised $151,053 to support cancer treatment and prevention research through The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute and the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES).
Established in 2011 by the Porteus family, Cultivating a Cure was founded to honor their passion for cancer research and prevention while also remembering those who have fought and continue to fight cancer. Cultivating a Cure recognizes the value realized when the agricultural community joins forces to address issues and challenges facing the industry, such as finding cures for cancer. Since its inception, Cultivating a Cure has raised more than $1.5 million.
“You’re hearing it more and more than you’ve heard it before that food and nutrition is an important part of our health,” said Bill Patterson, president of Ohio Farm Bureau. “Let’s figure out the crossroads of agriculture and medical health, and let’s start doing something to make for a healthier population.”
This year’s event was held at Leeds Farm in Delaware County. Patterson moderated a panel discussion featuring four agricultural leaders: Adam Sharp, executive vice president of Ohio Farm Bureau Federation; Brad Liggett, president of Nationwide Agribusiness; Brian Baldridge, director of Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA); and Dr. Cathann A. Kress, Ohio State vice president for Agricultural Administration and CFAES dean.
The discussion explored how partnerships among these organizations are amplifying the impact of three major investments into Ohio agriculture: the CFAES Multispecies Animal Learning Complex (MALC); the new imAGine Ag exhibit and Ohio Agriculture Center at the Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds, and ODA’s Ohio Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory.
Together, the panelists shared how investments in education, public engagement and research are helping prepare the next generation, safeguard Ohio’s food system and build stronger connections between agriculture and consumers.
“What’s really unique to me is the passion that everyone in this room has,” said Porteus. “Every year I hear about a conversation that happens at Cultivating a Cure that spurs a meaningful conversation within the agriculture community that revolves around this important cause.”
Cultivating a Cure is made possible through collaboration among Ohio Farm Bureau, the agricultural community, Nationwide and The Ohio State University. Donations to this event can be made at CultivatingaCure.org.
Save the date for the 17th annual Cultivating a Cure, which will be held Sunday, Aug. 22, 2027, at Bob and Lisa Peterson’s farm in Fayette County.
