By DOUG GRAVES

Ohio Correspondent

COLUMBUS, Ohio — There are an estimated 31,000 female primary and secondary farm operators in Ohio. Against this backdrop, The Ohio State University extension will host its sixth annual East Ohio Women in Agriculture Conference, from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. March 22 at the R.G. Drage Career Technical Center in Massillon.

The conference will feature 19 sessions focusing on business and finance, plants and animals, communication, home and family and special interests – and the target audience is the woman on the farm.

Heather Neikirk, extension educator for agriculture and natural resources for Stark County, is a presenter and one of the conference organizers. She said financial crises in the 1980s and in recent years have caused a number of working women to look to farming as the next small-business frontier.

“Some women grew up on a farm and are going back to what they know after losing corporate jobs,” she said. “Some have inherited farms, and the local food movement is really growing. There’s many reasons for seeking an agriculture career.

“In addition, the ages of women on the farm is rising. These are the Boomers and Gen-Xers who might be retiring, and they’re being drawn to natural things such as growing flowers or raising vegetables. Any women, high-school age and up, who are interested in being involved in food, agriculture, natural resources or small business are encouraged to attend.

“This one-day event is a great place to learn, share and network and be surrounded by other women who are facing the same day-to-day ups, downs, adventures and dilemmas as you are,” she added.

Keynote speaker will be Dr. Jeff Dwyer, director of Michigan State University extension. He will speak about the effects of stress on farm families and how extension is helping to “Weather the Storm in Agriculture.”

Peggy Hall, OSU agriculture law expert, will discuss wills, trusts and power-of-attorney. She intends on banishing attendees’ fears of learning about estate planning tools and pointing out how they can be beneficial.

Deanne Shoemaker, an economics pro from OSU, will address topics of income tax preparation to evaluating business strengths and concerns, and the importance of keeping and using quality records that impact potential profitability.

Sabrina Schirtzinger, extension educator from Knox County, will help women establish a business mission and vision for the farm, helping put that foundation on the road to success.

Looking for expand a home food business? Emily Marrison of Coshocton County will help attendees navigate the world of food regulations and food safety.

Anyone with animal interests might want to listen to Neikirk as she helps first-timers who engage in raising swine on a small, sustainable scale for food consumption. Dr. Terri Specht of Heimerl Farms will discuss good care and management of such herds.

For those with plant interests, OSU specialists Sandy Smith and Jacqueline Kowalski will discuss raised beds, containers and planting edible landscapes, perennial vegetables, flowers and fruits.

Communication on the farm is key, said extension specialist Jackie Krieger. “Building personal skills in time management, sound decision-making and emotional awareness will prove valuable to you and those you live and work with.”

Want to improve your meals at home? Extension specialist Christine Kendle will talk about the basics of making easy, quick meals using an electric multi-mode cooker while Amy Meehan and Alisha Barton, both extension specialists, will teach how to make convenience meals at home that are quick and nutritious.

With more women taking to the field and operating equipment, farm safety is of concern as well. “Operating a tractor shouldn’t be scary, and I’ll help build confidence and help women improve their safety around these machines,” said Dee Jepsen, OSU safety expert. “I’ll help teach about parts identification and other machinery topics.”

Extension specialist Erika Lyon will discuss the health of soils and the basics of soil testing services and kits. Master Gardener Diane Patris will discuss the “Amazing World of Seeds.”

“Micro-greens are some of the most nutritious vegetables on earth,” she said. “I’ll teach attendees how to grow them successfully, from planting to harvest.”

And Jeni Blackburn of Fresh Harvest Farm Aquaponics in Richwood will teach about different production systems and list species grown right here in Ohio.

The conference is $55 for adults and $30 for students. Register by March 15 online at go.osu.edu/eowia2019