Cultivating Convos: An ODA Podcast

Valentine’s Day is almost here and love is in the air!   Ohio small business Bliss in a Bottle joins us along with Ashley McDonald from Ohio Proud to talk about the perfect gift for that special someone. 

Ohio fairs rock because of the Ohio Fair Managers Association! Hear what goes into making these community staples so wonderful, and the work ODA is doing behind the scenes! 

ODA is doing more than just wishing our military members overseas a happy holidays. Hear how we teamed up with the Ohio Christmas Tree Association to send trees to bases in Kuwait. 

Our new Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory will benefit anyone who eats, and we think that means you! Hear how the new lab will strengthen Ohio’s top industry. 

Experts with the Ohio Farm Bureau and The Ohio State University join ODA to discuss a new alliance and help offered through an anonymous survey, plus resources for you and your community.   Survey – https://osu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9pHMUc1n2IMMkgm? Q_CHL=qr   Ohio Mental Health Resource Guides - Ohio Mental Health Resource Guides | Center for Public Health Practice (osu.edu)  

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.