A series of tours targeting small farmers who were exploring ways to make their existing agriculture enterprises more profitable or adding something different to the farm with a specified curriculum was put on this summer. Agents partnered with eight farming operations in the east district that were successful at changing their traditional farming operations. The vision was more than just the experience of seeing another farm operation. One tour was held in Perry County with 20 area producers attending. On after meeting evaluations, the attendants agreed that participating in the program will help them better evaluate their options before making a change in their operations.
Most projects provide an understanding of economic principles.
1,000 livestock related projects were enrolled in, most of which were eligible for the Junior Fair Livestock Sale. Approximately 20 first-time juvenile traffic offenders are reached each month as a result of these efforts. 300 youth and adults received PQA Level III certification by participating in one of three workshops designed to emphasize the Ten Good Production Principles in swine. The Perry County Senior Fair Board, local veterinarians, FFA Instructors and OSU Extension combined in this effort.