(8-18-26) Agriculture is the foundation of Darke County, and there are countless agricultural career opportunities for people throughoutthe community. This year, Ohio State University Extension isproud 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 AGCOIndustries (Saturday, 8/22 at 11:30 a.m.)

• Your Soy Checkoff Research Investment and a Reviewof the 2026 Crop Tour—Dr. Taylor Dill, LeadResearcher, Ohio Soybean Council (Sunday, 8/23 at 5:00p.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, ProductionManager, Weaver Eggs, and Kelly Menchhofer, SafetyQuality Director, Weaver Eggs (Tuesday, 8/25 at 5:00 p.m.)

• Ag Career Panel, featuring the following AgriculturalProfessionals

o Matt Aultman—Darke County Commissioner

o Janelle Bell—BASF

o Jim Buchy—Former Representative, Ohio House ofRepresentatives

o Caden Buschur—OSU Extension, Darke County

o Steve Buschur—Buschur Dairy Farms

o David Coons—Phelan Insurance

o Dr. Preston Deeter—Western Ohio Veterinary Service

o Carmen Hartzell—Mississinawa Valley High School

o Caitlin Miller—Miller Flowers Greenhouse andGarden Center

o Aaron Overholser—Overholser Farms and Beck’sSeeds

o 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 beavailable 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 weappreciate your support for Darke County and the Ag Community!