Ohio State University Extension will host the 2026 Southern Ohio Women in Agriculture Conference on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Bell Manor (750 Musgrove Rd., Chillicothe, OH 45601). The conference will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and will offer a full day of practical education, networking, and hands‑on learning.
This year’s theme focuses on safety, wellness, and family‑friendly farm practices. Participants will gain tools and strategies for staying safe in the sun, managing farm stress, choosing age‑appropriate farm tasks for youth, preventing tick‑borne illnesses, and much more. A delicious lunch will be provided by Carson Farm House Favorites, and attendees will have opportunities to connect with sponsors, colleagues, and peers.
Featured Sessions
- Block the Burn: Learn how to stay safe while working in the sun with Lisa Barlage, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, OSU Extension Ross County.
- Farm Families, Farm Stress, Farm Wellness: Explore how farm life impacts physical and mental health and discover practical resources for supporting your family with Susan Rogers of Adena Health.
- From Play to Pay: Kid‑Safe Farm Jobs: Identify age‑appropriate ways children can safely help with farm chores with Dee Jepsen, State Agricultural Safety and Health Leader, Ohio State University.
- Ready, Aim, Extinguish: Gain hands‑on experience and learn proper techniques for using fire extinguishers during emergencies.
- Tick Talk: Get essential information about ticks and best practices for protecting yourself, your family, and your livestock with Tim McDermott, Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator, OSU Extension Franklin County.
- FuFu Flowers Workshop: Join Ally Smith of FuFu Flowers for a creative dried‑flower arranging session. Participants will take home their own handmade arrangement.
Registration
The cost to attend is $45, and pre‑registration is required. Register at: go.osu.edu/womeninagconf
For questions, contact OSU Extension Ross County at 740‑702‑3200.