Agriculture is the foundation of Darke County, and there are countless agricultural career opportunities for people throughout the community. This year, Ohio State University Extension with sponsorship from the Darke County Farm Bureau is proud to host the first annual Cultivating Our Future Series at the Great Darke County Fair. This event will consist of a series of educational programs conducted by agricultural professionals representing multiple sectors of the industry. Come learn about:

• A Day in the Life of an Ag Communicator—Brent Stammen, Lead Creative Designer with AGCO Industries (Saturday, 8/22 at 11:30 a.m.)
• Your Soy Checkoff Research Investment and a Review of the 2026 Crop Tour—Dr. Taylor Dill, Lead Researcher, Ohio Soybean Council (Sunday, 8/23 at 5:00 p.m.)
• Growing and Cooking with Herbs and Microgreens—Tina McGillvary and Caden Buschur, OSU Extension, Darke County (Monday, 8/24 at 10:30 a.m.)
• Legislative Update—Congressman Warren Davidson, Commissioner Matt Aultman, State Representative Johnathan Newman, and Former State Representative Jim Buchy (Monday, 8/24 at 12:00 p.m.)
• Growing Flowers and Making Flower Arrangements—Margaret Schmitmeyer, Blessed Blooms Design (Monday, 8/24 at 3:30 p.m.)
• Poultry Industry Update, Career Paths in the Industry, and Cooking with Eggs—Justin Feltz, Production Manager, Weaver Eggs, and Kelly Menchhofer, Safety Quality Director, Weaver Eggs (Tuesday, 8/25 at 5:00 p.m.)
• Ag Career Panel, featuring the following Agricultural Professionals
  • Matt Aultman—Darke County Commissioner
  • Janelle Bell—BASF
  • Jim Buchy—Former Representative, Ohio House of Representatives
  • Caden Buschur—OSU Extension, Darke County
  • Steve Buschur—Buschur Dairy Farms
  • David Coons—Phelan Insurance
  • Dr. Preston Deeter—Western Ohio Veterinary Service
  • Carmen Hartzell—Mississinawa Valley High School
  • Caitlin Miller—Miller Flowers Greenhouse and Garden Center
  • Aaron Overholser—Overholser Farms and Beck’s Seeds
  • Josh Overholser—Sisco

All events will be held in the Youth Building and are free upon entry to the Great Darke County Fair. Free Pizza will be available to those in attendance at the conclusion of the career panel, and door prizes will be available, including Farm Science Review Tickets and OSU Extension Merchandise. There will also be gifts available each day for completing a survey, including $5.00 off at the Steak and Chop Tent, $3.00 off at the Kountry Kids 4-H Milkshake Tent, and more!

We hope to see you at the Cultivating Our Future Series, and we appreciate your support for Darke County and the Ag Community!