Experts Share Tips on Pest and Disease Control in Ohio

By Andi Anderson

A free educational event focused on agriculture and natural resources will take place in Hardin County on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the Daniel Hostetler Farm in Mt. Victory, Ohio.

The event will feature leading experts from The Ohio State University who will provide valuable insights into specialty crop production, pest control, and disease management.

Dr. Ashley Leach, an expert in Specialty Crop Entomology, will share strategies for "Keeping Pests Down in Vegetable Production." Her session will guide growers on how to manage insects that affect vegetable crops in Ohio.

Dr. Gary Gao, a Small Fruit Production Specialist, will speak about “New and Existing Raspberry Production Options for Ohio.” His presentation will cover the latest techniques and varieties for raspberry farming suitable to the region.

Dr. Andres Sanabria-Velazquez, from the Vegetable Crop Pathology department, will discuss “Best Practices in Integrated Vegetable Disease Management,” offering advice on managing plant diseases in a sustainable and effective way.

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for seating comfort. A diagnostic table will be available on-site, where participants can bring plant and insect samples for expert identification and management recommendations.

This event is open to the public and is ideal for farmers, gardeners, and anyone interested in Ohio agriculture.

For more details, attendees can contact Nic Baumer, OSU Extension Educator for Hardin County, at 419-767-6041 or via email at baumer.15@osu.edu.

This event offers a great opportunity to learn directly from specialists and connect with others in the agriculture community while getting practical, research-based advice.

Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic