Ohio Farmer Led Research Featured in Fall Exchange Series

By Andi Anderson

Farmers across Ohio are taking the lead in research this fall through the Ohio Organic Farmer Researcher Network (OOFRN), which is hosting a series of Fall Farmer Exchanges.

These events highlight farmer-led projects focused on organic and regenerative practices, while giving other producers and educators the chance to learn, ask questions, and share experiences.

For three years, OOFRN has supported farmers in forming research questions, accessing resources, and sharing results with peers. The fall series continues this mission by showcasing projects that address soil health, pest management, and conservation practices.

The first exchange will take place on August 27 at Woodlyn Acres Farm in Dalton, Ohio (Wayne County). Host Scott Myers will discuss a project comparing plow-down versus harvest of leguminous cover crops, as well as other conservation practices tested on the farm.

This work is part of the multi-institution From the Ground Up Project, which connects farmer-led research across Ohio and Missouri.On September 3, Rose Hill Farm in Roseville, Ohio (Muskingum County) will highlight the use of cover crops for pest management in cucurbits such as watermelon, pumpkin, and squash.

Henry Peller will share his experiences and discuss both soil health and economic impacts with attendees.

The final exchange will be hosted on October 16 at Blue Owl Hollow in Newark, Ohio (Licking County) in collaboration with Rural Action.

This event will feature a tour of the farm’s forest operation, followed by demonstrations of a mushroom spawn production trial funded by a Warner grant from Ohio State University’s Agroecosystem Management Program.

A Technical Woods Walk and an evening research discussion with partners including Janell Baran, Andy Gedeon, and Erika Lyon will round out the day.

The OOFRN brings together farmers, professionals, and researchers to explore under-researched practices in organic and low-input agriculture. Participation in the exchanges is encouraged, though registration is required due to space limits. More details and registration information are available at go.osu.edu/oofrn-fall25.

Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic