CFAES Give Today
Extension Operations

Ohio State University Extension

CFAES

News and Notes: June 27, 2025

Helpful hint: You can view each News and Notes issue in its entirety by clicking on the Printer-Friendly Version red button on the right side of that issue's landing page.

OUR VISION: Ohioans have the knowledge and resources they need to actively engage in creating conditions in which they thrive.  

OUR MISSION: We create opportunities for people to explore how science-based knowledge can improve social, economic, and environmental conditions.  

In This Issue:

Leadership Notes

  1. Note from David Civittolo
  2. CFAES Fiscal Update
  3. Save the Dates: Regional Conversations

College Connections

  1. Grain Handling Systems Open House – July 24

Programming Perspectives

  1. Specialty Crops In-Service – July 11
  2. Ag Law In-Service Planned – Sept. 11

Operations/Business of Extension

  1. Extension Marketing Meetups – continue July 2
  2. Adobe Express Trainings – continue July 9

Celebrating Colleagues

  1. CD Professionals Participate in NACDEP Conference
  2. SNAP-Ed Recognizes Staff at Mid-Year Conference
  3. Ohio 4-H Book Authors Participate in National 4-H Meet the Author Webinar
  4. Neikirk Accepted into NACAA Leadership Academy

Professional Development Opportunities

  1. North American Manure Expo Accepting Poster Submissions
  2. OSP Office Hours

Health and Wellness

  1. Ohio Mulberries – Wild and Nutritious
  2. Mental Health Effects of Type 1 Diabetes

  1. Note from David Civittolo

    I hope summer is off to a great start for all of you. With camps in full swing and county fair season officially underway, we're now gearing up for the Ohio State Fair that starts next month.  

    Amid all the summer activity, I hope you've had a chance to connect with your county team on the County Highlights initiative. We're excited to bring this project back to life, and your collaboration is key. Capturing the impact of our outreach across all counties in a consistent way is incredibly valuable as we continue to bring even more visibility to the impact we have in communities throughout the state.

    I look forward to reading through the highlights and learning more about the creative, meaningful work happening in your communities. While I know this is a big ask during an already packed season, I hope the resources and support we’re providing help make it a bit more manageable.

    Kindly, David 

  2. CFAES Fiscal Update

    We received news that the Ohio Legislature has voted on the final state budget for FY26-27. 

    Per the final bill, all three of our CFAES capacity funding lines have been returned to the FY24 funding level. OSU Extension will receive $25,504,468, the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center will receive $37,169,048, and Ohio Sea Grant will receive $308,000.

    While this is a reduction in funding from our current budget, it is not an indication of the importance of our work throughout the state. We appreciate the tremendous support of our many partners and stakeholders who advocated on our behalf during the budget process.

    We know that Ohio’s legislators are very supportive of our research and Extension programs, but we also acknowledge that there are many demands on state funds. 

    Despite this disappointment, we know you will continue to provide high-quality, impactful local programming and innovative research to fulfill our land-grant mission.

    At the federal level, the budget process remains dynamic, with changes emerging almost daily. We continue to share our impact with our federal legislators as the budget process continues to evolve. We are aware there are multiple factors at play, and we have some time to go before the federal budget is finalized. However, we remain optimistic that funding for our research and Extension programs will be supported. 

    Thank you for the important work you do to fulfill our purpose – together, we sustain life.

    Shared by email on June 26, from the dean’s office. 

  3. Save the Dates: Regional Conversations

    Save the dates for the 2025 Regional Conversations. These days are held every fall opposite the Extension Annual Conference. All OSU Extension employees are expected to attend one of the days. Offices have permission to close for the day if necessary. This is an important time for all of us to connect in person. 

    • Thursday, Nov. 13 – Bowling Green 

    • Friday, Nov. 14 – Urbana 

    • Monday, Nov. 17 – Chillicothe 

    • Tuesday, Nov. 18 – Wooster 

    • Wednesday, Nov. 19 – Zanesville 

    The full agenda and specific timing will be finalized in the coming months; but plan now to attend for a full day of conversation and informal learning (approximately 9 a.m.-3 p.m.). Additional information was sent via email May 19, and we will be sure to share more details in the coming months.

  4. Grain Handling Systems Open House – July 24

    There will be an open house at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center on July 24 (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) to showcase the new grain handling system. The event will feature displays highlighting the system’s technology and design. Extension staff and industry professionals will be available to explain how the system works and answer questions. More information can be found on the Agronomic Crops Network website.

  5. Specialty Crops In-Service – July 11

    There will be a Specialty Crops in-serve on July 11 (9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.) at the North Central Agricultural Research Station in Fremont. The day of learning will include an on-site farm tour that will focus on production and pest management of various crops. Numerous specialty crop state and field specialists will be on site to teach and answer questions. Register by July 3 at this link.

  6. Ag Law In-Service Planned – Sept. 11

    The Agricultural and Resource Law Program is organizing an in-service on Sept. 11 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) in Plain City. The day will focus on the current legal and farm management issues for agriculture, and participants will gain tools for integrating legal information into county programs and resources. More information will be shared at farmoffice.osu.edu.

  7. Extension Marketing Meetups – continue July 2

    The next Extension Marketing Meetup will be June 4 (1:30-2:30 p.m.) and will focus on photo use, selection, and resources. We will talk for 10-15 minutes on this topic and then open the informal meeting for any questions you have about creating marketing pieces in general. Marketing Meetups are for all Extension professionals who create any type of promotional pieces (workshop flyers, social media posts, research posters, yard signs, brochures, and more). Dates and topics for the 2025 Marketing Meetups are listed here.

  8. Adobe Express Trainings – continue July 9

    Due to continued demand, live Adobe Express trainings will continue through 2025. Express, a powerful graphic design tool for marketing pieces, is available to all Ohio State employees. Extension Communications has provided templates (for flyers, social media, newsletters, yard signs, and more) in brand folders for Extension and Ohio 4-H within Express.  

    Upcoming live training sessions are scheduled for:  

    A pre-recorded Express training is also available here.  

    If you have any questions about using Express or accessing the brand folders, contact Marissa Mullett (mullett.50@ou.edu). 

  9. CD Professionals Participate in NACDEP Conference

    Numerous OSU Extension professionals attended the annual National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals (NACDEP) conference earlier this month. Congratulations to the following individuals who led sessions, presented posters, or received national recognition for their contributions to the Extension profession.

    Concurrent Sessions 
    Nicole Arnold, Frank Becker, Tom Blaine, Nancy Bowen-Ellzey Shoshanna Inwood, Myra Moss, Amanda Osborne, Brian Raison, Gwynn Stewart, Jerry Thomas, Julie Wayman, Kyle White, and Jackie Wilkins 

    Poster Sessions 
    Jessica Burns, Gwynn Stewart, Kenneth Stewart, and Kathy Tutt 

    National Award
    Distinguished Career Award—Greg Davis 

    Congratulations to all, and thank you for your dedication to your careers as Extension professionals in community development. 

  10. SNAP-Ed Recognizes Staff at Mid-Year Conference

    At last month’s Ohio SNAP-Ed Mid-Year Conference; the following individuals were recognized with Keys Awards for their exceptional service and dedication to SNAP-Ed programming in their respective regions:  

    • Central Region – Ronda Van Den Bossche 

    • Northeast Region – Joyce Porter 

    • Northwest Region – Annie Crowder Reynolds 

    • Southcentral Region – Grace Peach-Storey 

    • Southeast Region – Lori Harris 

    • Southwest Region – Jocelynn Ryle 

    These awardees have gone above and beyond in advancing the mission of SNAP-Ed, building trust within communities, fostering inclusive environments, and demonstrating care, adaptability, and efficiency in their daily work. 

    Congratulations to all of the 2025 Keys Awardees. Your dedication continues to make a meaningful impact across Ohio. 

  11. Ohio 4-H Book Authors Participate in National 4-H Meet the Author Webinar

    In late May, Extension educators Emily Marrison and Christy Millhouse teamed up with Rhonda Williams—former Extension educator and current OSU Extension Publishing staff member—to present a National 4-H "Meet the Author" webinar. The webinar highlighted two 4-H project books: Kitchen Boss and Superhero You. Kitchen Boss, co-authored by Emily and Rhonda, encourages 4-H members to explore cooking techniques, tools, and equipment while experimenting with flavors. Superhero You, by Christy and Rhonda, helps youth understand what makes them, their family, and friends truly unique. The webinar recording is available for on-demand viewing by registering here. Congratulations to Emily, Christy, and Rhonda for extending their expertise to youth in Ohio and nationwide.

  12. Neikirk Accepted into NACAA Leadership Academy

    Heather Neikirk was recently accepted into the National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA) Leadership Academy. Congratulations Heather on your selection to participate in this professional development opportunity.

  13. North American Manure Expo Accepting Poster Submissions

    The North American Manure Expo is accepting submissions for its July conference. The deadline to submit a poster is July 1. Learn more and complete a submission form here.

  14. OSP Office Hours

    The Office of Sponsored Programs and the CFAES Office for Research and Graduate Education provide scheduled office hours tailored to Extension professionals. These biweekly sessions aim to provide guidance and support for your grant-related inquiries, spanning from proposal submission to the epa-005 process, and encompassing award management. Extension sponsored program officers (SPO), Extension cost center managers, and staff from the Grant Development Support Unit are in attendance to address your questions.    

    They have allocated dedicated time every other week to accommodate your needs, with office hours scheduled from 1 to 2 p.m., offered in 15-minute time slots.   

    To take advantage of this opportunity, follow these steps:   

    1. Register for your preferred time slot through Picktime. 

    1. Include the following information in your registration:

      • Your full name.

      • Your email address.

      • Your award or grant number.

      • Your specific question or inquiry.

      • Upon successful registration, you will receive an email confirmation from the CFAES Office for Research and Graduate Education with the Zoom link.   

  15. Ohio Mulberries – Wild and Nutritious

    Mulberries are plentiful in Ohio throughout the summer months, and they are packed with nutrients that have multiple health benefits. The Live Healthy Live Well Team recently shared information about mulberries on its blog.

  16. Mental Health Effects of Type 1 Diabetes

    Ohio State recently released information highlighting the mental health challenges of managing type 1 diabetes, including anxiety, depression, and burnout. The full article and accompanying video are available here.