Note from David Civittolo

County fair season is winding down, Farm Science Review is in the books, and the days are already showing noticeably shorter daylight hours. Fall is officially here. While the season has changed, I want to pause and recognize the intensity of the last few weeks of summer.

Director’s Video Update – Oct. 1

Please plan to join a Director’s Video Update on Wednesday, Oct. 1 (1-2 p.m.). Registration is required.

Regional Conversation Reminder

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.

Nominations Now Open for CFAES Faculty and Staff Awards – Due Dec. 1

The nomination window for the 2025-2026 College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences faculty and staff awards is open through Dec. 1, 2025.

Ohio Regional Tick Symposium – Oct. 27

The Ohio Regional Tick Symposium will be Oct. 27 (8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center in Columbus.

2025 Ohio Floriculture and Nursery Conference – Oct. 16

Join Extension professionals and other industry leaders for the 2025 Ohio Floriculture and Nursery Conference on Oct. 16 (in-person and virtual options available).

Ohio Community Wildlife Cooperative Conference – Nov. 20

The Ohio Community Wildlife Cooperative Conference will be Nov. 20 at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center in Columbus. Join Ohio community leaders and planners for a conference focused on the role of local government in managing human-wildlife conflict.

Online Farm Transition and Estate Planning Course Now Available

The Farm Office Team has released a new online self-paced course titled Planning for the Future of Your Farm. This course is designed to help farm families navigate the complex process of farm transition and estate planning.

Upcoming A DAY in the WOODS Program to Focus on Shrub Identification – Oct. 10

The next A DAY in the WOODS program will be Oct. 10 (9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.) at the Bishop Educational Gardens in Hocking County, and it will focus on shrub identification.

Bee Tree Trails In-Service and Workshop – Oct. 23 or Nov. 13

Join Logan Minter, specialty crops field specialist, for this hands-on workshop. It is designed to train public-facing educators to use free digital infrastructure and resources in creating virtual and educational trails that highlight the importance of trees to pollinators.

2025 Ag Lender Seminars

Registration is now open for the 2025 Ag Lender Seminars. There will be four in-person workshops throughout the state in October.

Steve Ruhl County Agriculture Agent Award Nominations – Due Sept. 30

The Steve D. Ruhl Outstanding Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator Award is presented annually to the Ohio Agriculture and Natural Resources professional who has demonstrated exceptional achievement in their career.

ESP Accepting Award Applications – Due Oct. 1

Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP) is now accepting applications for its 2025 awards—including Special Chapter Awards, Creative Works, Team Teaching, Friend of Extension, and Excellence in Extension.

Charles Lifer Excellence in 4-H Award Nominations – Due Oct. 1

The Charles W. Lifer Excellence in 4-H Award is presented annually to an Ohio 4-H educator who has demonstrated exceptional achievement. The nominee must have made a major contribution to 4-H programs with new and innovative offerings or an effort that improves existing programs.

Raymond A. Schindler Excellence in Community Development Award Nominations – Due Oct. 10

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 Raymond A. Schindler Excellence in Community Development Extension Award.

Adobe Express Trainings – Continue Oct. 8

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.

Extension Marketing Meetups – Continue Nov. 5

The next Extension Marketing Meetup will be on Nov. 5 (1:30-2:30 p.m.). The October meetup is cancelled. In November, we will talk about how to co-brand marketing pieces with community partners.

Soil Erosion Best Management Practices In-Service – Nov. 20

Join Extension, the Ohio Division of Forestry, and the Ohio Forestry Association for a best management practices workshop that focuses on soil erosion. The workshop will be Nov. 20 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) in Loudonville.

Ohio State Leadership Center's Fall Workshops

The Ohio State Leadership Center is hosting numerous professional development workshops this fall—including how to apply personality type to leadership skills, Clifton Strengths, how to lead others through change, and communication and conflict management.

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.

Lighten your Footprint at the Grocery Store

The Live Healthy Live Well team recently shared information on how to lighten your environmental footprint while at the grocery store. This includes using reusable bags, containers, and produce sacks.

How Grandparents and Grandchildren Foster Good Health in One Another

The bond between children and grandparents is more than a family tradition. It’s a protective factor for health and well-being on both sides.