Cultivating Convos: An ODA Podcast

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 cele...