September 18, 2020 - 9:02am -- cole.537@osu.edu

Our 2020-2021 Exploring Agriculture Program is set to kick-off on Tuesday, September 29th with Hord's Family Farms at 6:00 p.m. virtually via Zoom.

For more information and how to register, please see Exploring Agriculture Flyer

2019 was this post’s inaugural year, which focused on introducing students to agricultural careers that are ‘In Demand Jobs’ by visiting area agricultural businesses. This is in hope of sparking student’s interest in working in great jobs in their community.

The 2020-2021 season will continue with that exact same mission with meetings being conducted virtually to ensure safety during the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Exploring program offers students aged 14-20 the chance to learn life and career skills through immersive career experiences and mentorship, facilitated through Ohio State University Extension. The Exploring Agriculture Post, based in Seneca County, but accepting all interested students, is designed to introduce youth to careers in agriculture throughout our region. Students can expect to “explore” agricultural careers via a series of monthly virtual meetings from September 2020- April 2021. Each meeting will include visiting an area business or representative that serves the agricultural community and allows students to learn not only about what they do, but also about the jobs needed for that business to thrive.

This year students can expect to explore businesses like Hord’s Family Farm, Heritage Cooperative and Mennel Milling, as well as presentations about career paths in agriculture. 

Hallie Williams, OSU Extension Agriculture Educator says, “Northwest Ohio is a very strong agricultural community and as our ag businesses grow, we need to make sure we have individuals ready to fill those positions. Our hope is that Exploring Agriculture will not only encourage our local youth to identify a career path that allows them to work in agriculture, but more importantly to keep them in the community.”

The Seneca County 4-H Program within Ohio State University Extension is strong with nearly 1,000 youth participating. Katie Cole, 4-H Educator states, “We see the passion and commitment to the agriculture industry with many of these youth. With that being said, career development within the agriculture industry is definitely a topic that our youth have been inquiring about. This is our chance to make that happen right here in Seneca County.”