Cultivating Convos: An ODA Podcast

We're back!    After a little break, our podcast, Cultivating Convos, is revamped and ready to go!     We decided to kick things off with a growing program that is exciting for both farmers and ODA – H2Ohio expansion! 

Director Baldridge has been a busy man since joining ODA. He joins us to talk about Ohio agriculture, and a pig story that will have you squealing with delight!

Our Victory Gardens program continues to sprout. We're working with Ohio State University to give out garden seeds in 50 counties. Get some gardening tips and learn more about how you can get in on the action. https://u.osu.edu/ohiovictorygardens/

ODA's Division of Animal Health works to keep all animals healthy, and that includes deer. State Veterinarian Dr. Dennis Summers a new program that is a win-win for all Ohioans.

Ohio is one of the top pork-producing states in the country. State Veterinarian Dr. Dennis Summers explains the steps being taken to make sure what you eat stays healthy from farm to table.

The new Beginning Farmer Tax Credit is here to help! Our staff explains how this can benefit all farmers, not just those getting started. More info: https://agri.ohio.gov/programs/farmland-preservation-office/Beginning-Farmer-Tax-Credit-Program/Beginning-Farmer-Tax-Credit

ODA's Animal Health team is ready for anything! Our veterinarians explain the plan in place when potential problems strike.

ODA's Animal Health team is working to keep Ohioans, including our animals, safe. Dr. Kristy Shaw and Dr. Angela Rospert explain something that's a top priority for them and our state's top industry.

A new program is off and running. Ohio CAN (Community + Agriculture + Nutrition) connects Ohio producers with foodbanks. Find out how you can get involved!

We're reminiscing about 2022. Director Pelanda joins us to discuss her top events and memories as we welcome in 2023!

The holidays are here and Ohio is shining bright. Learn from Tourism Ohio and Steubenville's Nutcracker Village about the top attractions in the state!

It's the week of Thanksgiving, so you know what's going down! Bowman & Landes Turkeys and Chef Adam Hagar from Columbus State highlight the bird that's at the center of so many holiday meals.

Operation Evergreen is a go! ODA and the Ohio Christmas Tree Association are teaming up to send Christmas trees overseas. Hear how it's done and all the work Ohio tree growers do behind the scenes.

Ohio is one of the leading states in apple production and we can't get enough of them! This week Quarry Hill Orchards and the Ohio Apple Marketing Program explain there's still time to pick the perfect one for your next recipe. Plus, Director Pelanda has a great apple treat for your next gathering in our newest Dishing with Dorothy!

Good news from the fields. The corn harvest is looking promising for Ohioans. ODA got a chance to see it in action in Fairfield County. Farmer Jon Miller and Ohio Corn & Wheat talk about EVERYTHING that's keeping farmers busy right now.

The Ohio Farm Bureau Young Ag Professionals are doing big things! Two members join us to talk about their Winter Leadership Experience Conference (at a waterpark) and how you can get involved! 2023 YAP Winter Leadership Experience - Ohio Farm Bureau (ofbf.org)

A new Spotted Lanternfly sighting in Cincinnati. ODA Plant Health staff and Joe Boggs from OSU Extension join us to breakdown what this means for the Buckeye State and what you should do if you see one.

It's a busy time of year at Ohio wineries. Workers are harvesting grapes for you to one day drink! Eddie McDonald from Hanover Winery in Hamilton, and Christy Eckstein, Ohio Grape Industries Committee Executive Director, join us to talk about the hard work that goes into each glass and the help available for winery owners.

It's fall, y'all! And no home is complete without a few pumpkins to welcome in this magical season. On this week's Cultivating Convos, Shelly Lehner from Lehner's Pumpkin Farm in Radnor, OH joins us to talk about the family operation and how to pick the perfect pumpkin.

What is HPAI and what can you do to limit its spread? State Veterinarian Dr. Dennis Summers breaks down the very latest about the current situation in Ohio.

The Great Geauga County Fair has ‘Great' in its name for a reason! Paul Harris, Secretary of the Fair, and Howard Call, Executive Director of the Ohio Fair Managers Association, tell us what makes this fair, and all Ohio fairs, so wonderful. Plus, the trivia question staff asked those trying to sneak in!

The Spotted Lanternfly won't leave us alone! So we all need to be on the lookout. In this week's Cultivating Convos, Dr. Constance Hausman, Senior Conservation Science Manager at Cleveland Metroparks, and Jonathan Shields, ODA Plant Pest Inspection Supervisor, go over not only how to ID these pests, but what to do if you think you see one.

John Smiley is a part of history in Ohio. The Smiley Farm in Adams County was established 250 years ago, making it the oldest in ODA's Historic Family Farms Program. On this week's Cultivating Convos, Smiley shares his story and what keeps him going.

Yes, it's true. Ditches can help Ohioans and our water. On this week's Cultivating Convos, Lucas County Engineer Mike Pniewski and H2Ohio's Clark Huston explain what two-stage ditches are and why you should be excited about them!

Big changes are coming to Auctioneering in Ohio. ODA's Auction Program Manager Donna Potter and Wade Baer of Baer Auctioneers and a program commissioner join us to talk about what's new starting next month. Plus, we auction off yardwork duties! You'll have to listen to understand!

ODA is at the Ohio State Fair and we can't wait for you to join us! This week, we go over the can't-miss foods and attractions!

It's National Ice Cream Month. On this week's Cultivating Convos, ODA Dairy Inspector Sara Wilkins dishes up what it likes to visit frozen dessert producers in Ohio. Plus, an ice cream quiz that is sure to give anyone a brain freeze!

Imagine not having enough outlets. The world would end! OK, a little over the top. But that's just one issue our current Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory faces. Now, a new lab will ensure Ohioans get the very best. Laboratory Operations Manager Melanie Prarat and Ohio Poultry Association's Jim Chakeres tell us why this is a win-win for everyone.

Did someone say food?! On this week's Cultivating Convos, we're getting you ready for the Ohio State Fair. Sam Pellerito, CEO and Founder of CinSoy Foods, and Ashley McDonald, Ohio Proud Program Manager, join us to preview the fabulous Farmers Market that will be at the Expo Center. Plus, the awesome attractions you won't want to miss when the gates open!

Agriculture and food is Ohio's number 1 industry, but farmland is vanishing. On this week's Cultivating Convos, Sarah Huffman, Executive Director for ODA's Office of Farmland Preservation, and Lucille Hastings, a board member from Holmes County, share why their program is so vital for the future of the state.

Veterinary Appreciation Day was Saturday and we're appreciating ODA's veterinarians! On this week's Cultivating Convos, Dr. Kristy Shaw and Dr. Angela Rospert are here with tales about tails!

It's fair season and could we be any more excited?! Hypnotist Mike Bishop performs at multiple fairs across the state and tells us why you should be making plans to visit one. Plus, stick around for what he says is secretly, the most nutritious snack to get!

A beautiful summer night. A cool breeze in the air. And a glass of wine in your hand. Could life be any better? YES! It could be Ohio wine from a gorgeous Ohio winery. David Smith, Head Winemaker at Gervasi Vineyard in Canton, and Christy Eckstein, Executive Director of the Ohio Grape Industries Committee, tell us what makes the state's wine scene so special.

We're looking into one of ODA's smallest, but mightiest, divisions – Enforcement! Jason Davis is not only our resident champion pancake eater, he's also Chief of this division that is relied on by many. Hear about the lengths he will go to make sure animals are safe.

It's the best test you'll ever take! On this week's Cultivating Convos, ODA Dairy Inspector Sara Wilkins tries to stump the hosts along with Andrea Siefring-Robbins, co-owner of Cincinnati's Urban Stead Cheese. Plus, find out why Ohio is important to cheese-lovers everywhere!

We're spraying to get rid of Spongy Moth (formerly Gypsy Moth). Dan Kenny, Chief of the Division of Plant Health, joins us with more on what it takes to get rid of this pest.

Interest in horse racing is peaking after a thrilling Kentucky Derby. On this week's Cultivating Convos we look at Ohio's blossoming horse racing scene. The Ohio Department of Agriculture conducts all the drug testing for the sport in the state. Lab Director Soobeng Tan joins the hosts as does Tanya Boulmetis, Deputy Director of the Ohio State Racing Commission.

On this week's Cultivating Convos, Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Dorothy Pelanda joins us to talk about her latest Dishing with Dorothy segment. Yummy pork tacos are on the menu for Cinco de Mayo. Ohio Pork Association Executive Vice President Cheryl Day chats with Director and explains why pork should be on your table tonight. DISCLAIMER: This podcast will make you hungry!

On this week's Cultivating Convos, we unveil the plan behind a ‘Zero Waste Space' pilot program – to encourage less in the landfills and teach about sustainability! Mike Minnix from Good Land Ohio and Dave Foulkes from Ohio EPA join the team to break down why this is a win-win for everyone involved.

This week on Cultivating Convos we take a deep dive into a program that keeps, well, growing! Ohio Victory Gardens is now in 42 counties. The seeds are getting ready to be rolled out across the state. Colette Gabriel, Laboratory Scientist in the Ohio Department of Agriculture Division of Plant Health, joins us to talk about the project and the basics of starting your own garden.

The Asian longhorned beetle can wreak havoc on Ohio's trees and natural resources. But some good news is on the way. Find out in this week's Cultivating Convos.

This week on Cultivating Convos, we talk with Christy Eckstein, Ohio Grape Industry Commission Executive Director, and Ashely McDonald, Ohio Proud Executive Director, about a fun opportunity coming up in April! Join us for a virtual wine tasting and charcuterie paring on April 14th. Email Christy.Eckstein@agri.ohio.gov for more information.

This week on Cultivating Convos, we sit down with Dr. Leon, ODA Division of Meat Inspection Chief, and owners of Oiler Meats to talk about the Ohio Meat Processing Grant Program. Oiler Meats tells us how this grant will help them keep their family business booming by improving their equipment to serve more producers and reach more customers.

This week on Cultivating Convos, we get all the details on the 2022 Ohio Beef Expo. Listen to find out what you can experience this weekend, March 17 through March 20 at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus. Check out all that the enormous event has to offer at www.ohiobeefexpo.com/.

Next week marks Ohio Ag Week, and we are excited to promote some exciting things happening in Ohio agriculture, including the return of the Ohio State Fair! Tune in to hear from the Assistant General Manager of the Ohio Expo Center and Ohio State Fair about fun, new attractions you can expect at this year's Ohio State Fair. Make sure to check out ODA's social media pages each day next week to celebrate Ohio Ag Week!

ODA is recognizing National Invasive Insect Awareness Week and Bird Health Awareness week in this mashup episode of Cultivating Convos. Our plant and animal health experts share educational information about the invasive insects that pose a threat to Ohio's vegetation and the importance of being prepared for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.

We love celebrating FFA, and this week we have the best guest to tell us all about the phenomenal organization. Laura Wuebker, State FFA Officer, joins us to share her journey with FFA, what the student organization means to her, and where she plans to take her toolbox of skills she learned throughout her time being involved. Join us in celebrating National FFA week this week, and visit https://ohioffa.org/ for more information.

This week on Cultivating Convos, we are celebrating another national day with the Ohio Bonnie Plants 3rd Grade Cabbage Program Winner! Cameron Parks and his mom Shannon tell us how he grew an enormous cabbage to win a $1000 scholarship for college. “I really enjoyed growing this cabbage. My parents helped me plant it in our front yard in a mulch bed. I was worried about the deer eating the cabbage but no matter how big it got, they never ate it! I am going to eat my cabbage with dinner this week," said Cameron. Spring registration for the Bonnie Plants 3rd Grade Cabbage Program is now open! For more information, visit: https://bonniecabbageprogram.com/.

Grab your valentine because February 14 is National Ferris Wheel Day! Today we talk to Michael Wood, owner of the largest portable Ferris wheel in the USA. Michael tells us what goes into running America's largest portable Ferris wheel and how families across the nation enjoy making memories while aboard. Also joining us is Jon Kaufman, ODA ride inspector, who has the important job of ensuring amusement rides are safe for all to enjoy!

Our friends from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) join us on this week's episode of Cultivating Convos to talk about their H2Ohio efforts! An exciting grant opportunity is opening soon in the Ohio River Basin to continue important water quality work through the creation and restoration of wetlands. An informational webinar is scheduled for February 28 to learn all about this opportunity. Check it out on the H2Ohio website.

The office of Farmland Preservation hit a huge milestone by preserving 100,000 acres of Ohio farmland! This week on Cultivating Convos, we celebrate with ODA's very own Amanda Bennett who is part of the small, but mighty, Farmland Preservation team. We also welcome a Fayette county farmer who's land helped push the program to the exciting milestone.