Buckeye Briefs

FFA Camp Muskingum is proud to announce Jeremy Grove as its new Director. Jeremy brings over a decade of experience in agricultural education, including eight years in administration and five years as an agriculture teacher at Logan High School and East Technical High School. His passion for agricultural education is complemented with his academic background, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural and Extension Education from The Ohio State University (2012), a Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction (2018), and a Master’s in Educational Leadership (2020). Jeremy was an active FFA member where he has served as District 10 President (2008-09) and Ohio FFA State President (2009-2010). A lifelong resident of Ohio, he is married to Heather, and have three sons as well.

Jeremy is excited to lead FFA Camp Muskingum in creating meaningful, enriching experiences for Ohio FFA members. He looks forward to collaborating with agricultural educators across the state to continue advancing the mission of Ohio FFA.… Continue reading

Ohio legislators joined the Ohio Agriculture Conservation Initiative (OACI) on a farm tour earlier this month in Findlay, Ohio, to hear firsthand how local farmers are leading the way in conservation and protecting water quality.

Held on June 9, the tour highlighted three Northwest Ohio farms implementing science-based conservation practices and demonstrated the real-world impact of the H2Ohio program.

“H2Ohio funding is critical for farmers who are just getting started in implementing conservation practices,” said Jeff Duling, grain and livestock farmer from Putnam County and OACI Chairman. “Farmers need time to understand how these systems impact their own operations before fully committing. Without sustained funding, we risk slowing down or even reversing the adoption of these practices.”

The farms included on the tour are part of the Blanchard River Demonstration Farms Network, a 10-year, $2 million collaboration between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.… Continue reading

Legislation which would result in the creation of Farm Bureau Health Plans, giving access to affordable, personalized health care plans for Ohio farm families has passed out of the Ohio House.

SB 100, introduced by Sen. Susan Manchester (R-Lakeview) and passed the Ohio Senate in early April, was approved by the Ohio House today with the support of Rep. Bob Peterson (R-Sabina). The bill would help provide health care opportunities, close the gap in health care coverage and improve the well-being of current Ohio Farm Bureau members.

“The direct positive impact of the creation of Farm Bureau Health Plans cannot be overstated,” said Ohio Farm Bureau President Bill Patterson. “For this legislation to be passed in the span of only a few months clearly indicates just how significant the issue of the lack of attainable and customized health coverage is for rural Ohioans. We appreciate the work of Ms. Manchester, Mr.… Continue reading

During the opening session of the 97th Ohio FFA State Convention on May 1, Sunrise Cooperative, Inc. officially recognized its 2025 class of the RISE FFA Career Program. Joined on stage by George D. Secor, President/CEO of Sunrise, 14 graduating seniors were honored for landing full-time employment with Sunrise following their graduation. 

Slated to join the Sunrise team are Caleb Tener from Greenon FFA, Cooper Zunis from Western Reserve FFA, Diton Farnsworth, Savannah Morrison, Landon Koch and Landon Gamble from South Central FFA, Drake Copeland of Waynesfield-Goshen FFA, Josie Stiner and Kayla Thobe from Miami Valley CTC FFA, Matthias Yelton of Sidney FFA, Willow Funk from Hillsdale FFA, Steven Opaliski from Firelands FFA, Sophia Sharp of Upper Valley CTC FFA and Zee Baker from Sentinel CTC FFA. 

In addition to full-time employment, Cooper Zunis was selected as the top recipient and will receive a 2024 Jeep Gladiator, that the 2024-2025 Ohio FFA President Anna Moeller drove during her tenure, as a signing bonus.… Continue reading

Apple Farm Service is proud to announce the addition of Great Plains Ag equipment to their Washington Court House, Ohio location. This addition will allow Apple Farm Service to carry equipment, parts, and handle service warranty at all of their five locations.

“We have a positive relationship with Great Plains Ag and are excited to support our area farmers further at our Washington Court House store” said Kent Holmes, marketing manager at Apple Farm Service. “The addition of Great Plains at all five locations will benefit our customers with more available parts, quicker turn around, and less drive time for some.”

Great Plains is an American based and built company headquartered in Selina, Kansas. The company’s origins began in 1976 with their introduction of seeding equipment. Today, the company manufactures innovative tillage, seeding, and planting equipment. They proudly stand behind their slogan of “Harvest Starts Here”.

“Apple Farm Service also wants to share our appreciation for Anderson Equipment, who unfortunately had to close their doors earlier this spring,” stated Bill Apple, president and CEO of Apple Farm Service.… Continue reading

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins today announced the latest slate of presidential appointments for key positions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) including the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Rural Development (RD).

“President Trump is putting Farmers First, and so is the incredible team we are building at the Department of Agriculture. Our latest additions to the USDA family are personally invested in ensuring farmers and rural America prosper. I look forward to seeing the work they will do supporting farmers, ranchers, and producers across the country by implementing President Trump’s America First policies,” said Secretary Rollins.

FNS is focused on expanding access to healthy foods grown and raised by American farmers. FSA State Directors help implement President Trump’s America First agenda and execute USDA’s policies in planning, organizing, and administering FSA programs through state offices across the country. RD State Directors help affirm the mission of the Trump Administration by focusing on finding ways to empower rural America and unleash economic prosperity.… Continue reading

Chris Zoller has been named assistant director of Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) for Ohio State University Extension in The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) effective May 12.

Zoller has served as interim assistant director of ANR since December 2023 and brings more than 32 years of experience with OSU Extension, having served as an Extension educator in Tuscarawas County since 1992. In that role, he conducted programming in farm management, succession planning, livestock production, farm financial management, forage and agronomic crop systems, and energy use on livestock farms.

In his new position, Zoller will provide leadership, administration, guidance, and vision for OSU Extension’s ANR program. His responsibilities also include managing the ANR state office, overseeing financial and human resources, and serving as a member of the OSU Extension administrative leadership team.

He will also collaborate with CFAES department chairs, deans, and unit leaders, as well as other colleges, agencies, and organizations, to support research-based outreach and engagement throughout Ohio.… Continue reading

The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association’s (OCA) Beef Exhibitor Show Total (BEST) program wrapped up the 2024-2025 BEST season on May 3 at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus at an awards banquet attended by over 700 participants and their families. Over 350 BEST exhibitors were awarded for their show success, cattle industry knowledge, photography skills, community service efforts and more.

This year’s BEST program featured nine weekends of sanctioned shows held throughout the state. Over 700 youth participants showed 1,000 head of market animals and heifers throughout the season.

This year’s sponsoring partners were Ag-Pro Companies, Bob Evans Farms, Diamond T Land and Cattle Co., Dickson Cattle Co., Robbins Show Steers, Performance Training Solutions, M.H. EBY, Inc., The Folks Printing, Jones Show Cattle, R.D. Jones Excavating, Ricer Equipment, 6R Farms, Shepard Cattle Company and Weaver Livestock.

BEST committee

The OCA BEST program is coordinated through the leadership of the BEST Committee. Serving on the BEST Committee are Chairman – Shane Riley, Fayette County; Executives – Linde Sutherly, Clark County & Lindsey Hall, Highland County; Program Coordinator Assistant – Macie Riley, Fayette County; Ben Dickson, Marion County; Rob Calaway, Meigs County; Chloe Lambert, Fayette County; Sarah Hunker, Huron County; Sally Puzacke, Tuscarawas County; Mckenzie Riley, Fayette County; Amber Shoemaker, Stark County; Cora Gillespie, Highland; and Ryan Sorensen, Montgomery County.… Continue reading

The Ohio Agricultural Council (OAC) is set to honor the 2025 awardees who have significantly contributed to the advancement of Ohio’s agricultural industry. The 2025 OAC Hall of Fame ceremony will celebrate the achievements of John H. Davis of Carrollton, the late Bill Isler of Prospect, John Linder of Edison, and the late Steven D. Maurer of Botkins. Each has uniquely impacted Ohio agriculture through service, innovation, and commitment to community. “Each of these individuals have left a meaningful and lasting imprint on Ohio agriculture,” said Tadd Nicholson, president of the Ohio Agricultural Council and executive director of the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association. “With representation from the farm gate to education and state agencies, our 2025 inductees have given of their time, talent and leadership to advance the interests of our Industry and have served with distinction.” The ceremony, marking its 59th year, is expected to draw over 600 attendees, including community leaders, industry professionals and family members who will gather to pay tribute to the inductees’ lifelong dedication and service to Ohio’s agricultural industry.… Continue reading

Ohio’s Country Journal and Ohio Ag Net are pleased to welcome Allison Kinney of Logan County as the 2025 summer intern.

Kinney hails from the Indian Lake area and is currently a student at The Ohio State University, where she is majoring in agricultural communication with a minor in agronomy. An active member of OSU’s Collegiate Farm Bureau Chapter, Sigma Alpha – Professional Agricultural Sorority, and Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, Kinney brings a strong background in both agriculture and communication to the role.

Her previous experience includes an internship with Mercer Landmark in their Communications and Marketing department. However, it was her experience as a two-time Ohio’s Country Journal/Ohio Ag Net student reporter during the Ohio FFA State Convention that sparked her passion for broadcast journalism.

“My time as a student reporter gave me the opportunity to explore radio broadcasting, and I instantly knew I had found my calling,” Kinney said.… Continue reading

By Izabelle Bowman, Ohio State ATI graduate

The Ohio State ATI Livestock Judging Team recently completed a successful 2024-25 judging season, bringing home more than 50 awards from competitions nationwide.

The team’s top accomplishments include the Champion Junior College Team Overall from The “Darby” Memorial Contest in Calhoun, GA, and the Reserve Champion Team Overall at the Prof. Lidvall Memorial Contest in Tennessee.

In addition to the team awards, one team member placed High Individual, having the best overall score in the entire contest from both senior and junior colleges combined.

“It has been so rewarding to watch the countless hours of dedication pay off,”  said Kalliope Ivari, a sophomore agriscience education major on the team. “This team works so hard to push each other every single day. Our team’s success brings lifelong benefits such as relationships, professional skills, and the invaluable science of evaluating livestock.”

The judging team teaches more than just how to evaluate quality livestock, but participation on the team  heavily contributes to the overall personal, professional, and academic growth of everyone on the team.… Continue reading

As part of the America 250-Ohio celebration, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is hosting a special competition for Ohio students who love the outdoors. ODNR’s America 250 Field Trip competition offers students in grades 3 through 12 a chance to participate in an exclusive field trip of their choice with ODNR staff.

“These field trips are one-of-a-kind activities that truly highlight some of the most unique aspects of Ohio and our natural resources,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “I look forward to seeing all the submissions from our young people across the state and seeing what nature means to them, especially in this celebratory year!”

Students can submit art or a written essay as part of ODNR’s America 250 Field Trip Competition.

Contest applications for ODNR’s America 250 Field Trip are now being accepted online. To enter the contest, students will submit either a piece of artwork or short essay about how Ohio’s natural resources have played a role in their life.… Continue reading

Bruce Ackley, lecturer in weed science at The Ohio State University, has been awarded the Distinguished Achievement Award in Education by the North Central Weed Science Society (NCWSS). The award honors individuals who demonstrate innovation and excellence in weed science education, particularly through methods that improve learning and outreach.

Ackley, who grew up on a fourth-generation farm in Marion County, Ohio, has brought a practical, forward-thinking approach to teaching throughout his career. After earning his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Ohio State, he began as a program specialist before transitioning into a full-time lecturer role in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science.

Ackley’s contributions include the development of digital weed ID books, time-lapse herbicide mode-of-action videos, and fully online lab materials, resources that have increased accessibility for students and professionals alike. He also co-developed a European weed iBook with Czech University of Life Sciences Prague and has made several tools publicly available for wider industry use.… Continue reading

Ty Higgins has been named incoming General Manager of Ag Net Communications, taking over the duties of Dale Minyo following his retirement at the end of this year.

“I am beyond excited about this incredible opportunity and I look forward to building upon the solid foundation of farm media excellence that Dale and his team have created,” Higgins said. “Dale’s mark on Ohio agriculture will be long lasting and I will strive to carry on the work ethic and values that he has given to the state’s farming community throughout his career.”

Higgins has an extensive career in agricultural media in Ohio. For the past 6 years, he has served as Senior Director of Communications at Ohio Farm Bureau, where he has led the organization’s media relations and social media efforts. Prior to joining Ohio Farm Bureau in 2019, Ty served as network director, broadcaster and journalist at Ohio Ag Net and Ohio’s Country Journal.… Continue reading

Trevor Kirkpatrick of Dellroy has been named director of health services for Ohio Farm Bureau, a newly created role aimed to enhance the lives of Ohio Farm Bureau members.

In his new position, Kirkpatrick will help design, coordinate and implement member-focused health benefits programs. In addition, he will also support the Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan and manage the workers’ compensation programs offered through the organization, ensuring these and other key benefit programs meet the needs of Ohio Farm Bureau members.

Kirkpatrick graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in animal sciences, specializing in animal industries, and a minor in meat science. He spent the past four years as an organization director for the Ohio Farm Bureau, serving Carroll, Harrison, Jefferson, and Tuscarawas counties. He also runs Kirkpatrick Livestock with his wife, Emily, and their son, Owen.… Continue reading

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) elected new officers and board members — including two Ohioans — to lead the organization through the 2025-2026 term.  
2025-2026 NPPC Board Officers include President Duane Stateler from McComb, Ohio and Vice President Pat Hord of Bucyrus, Ohio.

A fifth-generation pork producer, Duane operates Stateler Family Farms alongside his son, Anthony. He has been actively involved in national and state-level agricultural policy discussions and serves as a strong voice for producers on sustainability and environmental stewardship. 

As CEO of Hord Family Farms, Pat has led a diversified agricultural operation, overseeing the growth of the family business while remaining involved in industry policy. Pat has been a key advocate for U.S. pork producers, shaping policy at the national level through his work with NPPC committees.

“The strength of NPPC lies in the leadership and vision of those who serve,” said Bryan Humphreys, NPPC CEO. “Our newly elected officers and board members bring decades of experience and a deep commitment to advancing and defending the interests of U.S.… Continue reading

Nine Ohio agribusiness leaders were recognized as the latest graduates of Ohio AgriBusiness Association’s LAUNCH program. Hosted by the Ohio AgriBusiness Association, in partnership with Shift-ology Communication, the LAUNCH program is geared to help Ohio agribusinesses Elevate People, Elevate Ideas and Elevate the Industry. Participants were identified by their companies as emerging agribusiness leaders: individuals with a desire to meet higher level goals than the scope of their current positions, who seek to rise within their companies. The nine OABA member graduates who successfully completed the 2025 LAUNCH program include:

• Bryce Clary, Nutrien Ag Solutions

• Jacquie Daniel, Morral Companies, LLC

• Nichole Daniel, Centerra Co-op

• Abigail Hurst, Consolidated Grain & Barge Co.

• Samantha Johnson, Deerfield Ag Services, Inc.

• Bryce Mosher, Nutrien Ag Solutions

• Ryan Parthemore, Morral Companies, LLC

• Olivia Pflaumer, Global Impact STEM Academy

• Nathan Simon, Legacy Farmers Cooperative

“OABA is committed to developing strong leaders who will drive the future of Ohio agribusiness,” said Melinda Witten, OABA president & CEO.… Continue reading

Ohio’s Country Journal is excited to announce that Brianna Smith has joined the team as our new editor. Smith, formerly referred to as Brianna Gwirtz in her freelance work with Ohio’s Country Journal, has been a valuable contributor to the publication, writing insightful articles in the past. Smith now brings her expertise and passion for agricultural communications to lead our editorial team.

Smith is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communication and an Associate of Science in Livestock Sciences from Ohio State ATI. Smith also recently received an MBA with an emphasis on marketing from Youngstown State University.

Smith’s career highlights include serving as the North Region Marketing Manager for OhioHealth, where she led marketing campaigns for the Mansfield, Shelby, and Morrow County Hospitals. Previously, Smith worked as the Marketing Manager for Certified Angus Beef LLC, where she developed and executed marketing initiatives for independent meat companies and played a key role in event planning, sales promotions, and customer relations.… Continue reading

The Ohio Veterinary Medicine Association (OVMA) awarded its highest honors, while its newest president assumed leadership during the association’s annual Midwest Veterinary Conference Feb. 20-22 in Columbus.

Dr. Liesa Stone, of Cedarville, was named OVMA’s 2024 Veterinarian of the Year, Dr. Kevin Corcoran, of Xenia, received the Distinguished Service Award and Dr. Michelle Harcha, of Grove City, received the president’s gavel from outgoing OVMA President Dr. Diana Cron.

Veterinarian of the Year is considered OVMA’s highest honor, and is bestowed annually to one individual in recognition of outstanding contributions to veterinary medicine.

Stone has served on the OVMA board of directors, including president in 2018, for over a decade. She has also served as president of the Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine alumni association, and has represented OVMA on the American Veterinary Medical Association’s house of delegates for the past 6 years.

Stone has worked for The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine’s advancement team since 2012.… Continue reading