By DOUG GRAVES

Ohio Correspondent

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The latest USDA Census data showed the number of female farm operators in Ohio is significantly high compared to most states in the nation. Of the 19 Ohio counties with more than 500 women operators, 10 are located in eastern Ohio.

Ohio State University extension will hold its annual East Ohio Women in Agriculture (EOWIA) Conference April 6 at the Drage Career Technical Center in Massillon. The cost is $55 for adults and $30 for students, with a discount for registrations made by March 10.

“The event is targeted toward women, including those of high school age, who are interested in, involved in or want to become involved in food, agriculture or natural resources production or small business,” said Heather Neikirk, an extension educator and former coordinator of the EOWIA.

Statewide, some 31,413 women are reported as principal operators of farms. Combined, those farms cover roughly 3.8 million acres and contribute $230 million in economic impact, according to the 2012 U.S. Census of Agriculture. Since 2007 the number of women in agriculture has increased by 7 percent in the United States.

“Ohio women in agriculture are paving the way for the future,” Neikirk said. “As extension educators and agricultural professionals, it is our mission to ensure that these women and young women have access to the tools and opportunities necessary to learn, grow, connect, inspire and empower themselves and one another to meet the challenge of producing food, fuel and fiber for a global population.”

The 10 Ohio counties with more than 500 women operators include Ashtabula, Columbiana, Coshocton, Guernsey, Holmes, Medina, Muskingum, Stark, Washington and Wayne. Wayne County is tops in the state, with more than 800 women farm operators.

This year’s program will feature 18 breakout sessions presented by extension educators, farmers and partner agencies that will discuss business and finance, plants and animals, communication, home and family and special interest (branding and marketing online), as well as one youth session.

Keynote speaker will be Rose Hartschuh, a farm wife, mother, “agvocate” and recent winner of the American Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture award. OSU agriculture law expert Peggy Hall will explain what an LLC is and how it affects legal liability, as well as its use for farm transition planning.

Extension specialist David Marrison will show how to turn chaos into control with a planning document to help families consolidate their financial and personal information. Two other presenters will address other business and finance situations, showing attendees how to obtain a prosperous farm and reach personal finance goals.

Extension specialist Erika Lyon will explain the processes involved to become an organic certified farm and the challenges of organic food production. Other plant and animal presenters will discuss the know-how of drip irrigation, understanding insect pest activity and management and understanding parasites that affect each farm animal.

Lt. Stephanie Norman of the Ohio Highway Patrol will offer personal safety tips for the farm family while at home, on the farm or on the road. Other communications experts will share tips on how to deal with difficult conflicts, extract pertinent news from the local Farm Bureau and effectively communicate effectively with others.

Attendees can attend sessions that address brand identity, keys to marketing strategies and ways to captivate audiences effectively.

This event will be from 9 a.m.-3:45 p.m. at the R.G. Drage Career Technical Center, 2800 Richville Drive SE, Massillon, OH 44646. Register online with a credit card at go.osu.edu/eowia2018

For more information call 330-674-3015. Registration deadline is March 23; discounted registration is March 10.