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News and Notes: October 24, 2025

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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.  

Leadership Notes

  1. This fall has been busy with conferences and professional development opportunities. A lot of our FCS professionals were in Michigan this week for the NAEFCS Conference; and next week, many of you will be traveling and participating in the NAE4-HYDP Conference.

  2. Extension’s Administrative Cabinet is hosting Regional Conversations in November. It is important that every Extension professional register for and attend one of five dates we’ve set aside to have these important conversations.

College Connections

  1. The Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics will host its annual Agricultural Outlook and Policy Conference on Nov. 18 ( 8 a.m.-3 p.m.) at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center.

Campus Connections/Partnerships

  1. Ohio State University Extension Buckeyes for Charity is happening Sept. 15- Nov. 3. This giving event is an opportunity to join other Buckeyes in supporting efforts that make a difference in the lives of Ohioans. Now is the time to give to organizations that matter to you.

  2. Ohio State is seeking nominations for the 2026 University Outreach and Engagement Awards, which honor faculty, staff and students for outstanding achievement in producing engaged scholarship and community impact.

  3. To support and promote high-impact engaged scholarship, the Office of Outreach and Engagement certifies programs of excellence in engaged scholarship.

Award Opportunities/Reminders

  1. Applications for the Marilyn Spiegel Excellence in Family and Consumer Sciences Award are due today, Oct. 24, by 5 p.m.

  2. The 2026 North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (NCR-SARE) Research and Education Grant Program Call for Preproposals is now available online.

  3. OneOhio Recovery Foundation is providing a second round of grants for outreach efforts that support evidence-based, forward-looking strategies for the purposes of prevention, treatment, recovery, and abatement of substance use and co-occurring disorders.

Operations/Business of Extension

  1. It is important that Extension materials (flyers, posters, brochures, etc.) reflect the following nondiscrimination statement, that is Senate Bill 1 (SB1)-compliant. 

  2. The next Extension Marketing Meetup will be on Nov. 5 (1:30-2:30 p.m.). During the session, we will talk about how to co-brand marketing pieces when other community partners or academic institutions are involved in programming or outreach.

  3. Whether you’re new to Extension or have been with the organization for a while, it is important to learn how to navigate Adobe Express to help with marketing efforts. Whether creating an event flyer, research poster, or brochure, this user-friendly graphic design tool (and the templates housed

Celebrating Colleagues

  1. Ohio State's Office of Outreach and Engagement recently featured Nicole Debose, area leader for Cuyahoga County, as a Community Connector. 

Professional Development Opportunities

  1. There will be a Livestock Ventilation Assessment 101 In-service on Nov. 7 (10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.) in Wooster.

  2. Extension’s Agricultural Safety and Health Program will host a Tractor and Machinery Safety In-Service on Nov. 12 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) at the Gwynne Conservation Area in London, Oh.

  3. There will be a Trauma-Informed Approach skills training Dec. 3-4 in Columbus. In addition to this session, there will be two more opportunities in 2026 (March 10-11 and Nov. 17-18).

  4. The Ohio Turfgrass Foundation (OTF) is hosting its annual conference and show in Columbus Dec. 9-11. Join them, and other turfgrass professionals, for this premier event that will feature cutting-edge research from Ohio State experts and networking opportunities with more than 1,000 turf and

Health and Wellness

  1. It's becoming more common to see people wearing weighted vests while walking, exercising at the gym, or even doing yard work. The added weight offers a range of health benefits, such as increasing bone density, improving heart health, building muscle, supporting weight loss, and enhancing