2024 Cultivating a Cure

The 14th annual Cultivating a Cure, an event created to support cancer treatment and prevention research, welcomed nearly 350 attendees and raised an event record-breaking $156,485 for The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) and The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

Established in 2011 by the Porteus family, Cultivating a Cure was founded to honor their passion for cancer research and prevention while also remembering those who have fought and continue to fight cancer. Cultivating a Cure recognizes the value realized when the agribusiness community joins forces to address issues and challenges facing the industry, such as finding cures for cancer. Since its inception, Cultivating a Cure has raised more than $1,316,485.

This year’s event was held at Hirsch Fruit Farm in Ross County. Dr. Cathann A. Kress, Vice President for Agricultural Administration and Dean of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University held a panel conversation focused on the role agriculture can play in cancer research with Dr. Jessica Cooperstone, Dr. Radin Sadre, and Dr. Marília Chiavegato. The faculty represented different departments and disciplines within CFAES but each of their interdisciplinary research focuses on some aspect of health. They shared their research and efforts to find cures for or prevent cancer. Additionally, Dr. Alex Wilson, a radiation oncologist at Adena Cancer Center, discussed the connectivity between Adena Cancer Center, the local hospital in Chillicothe, and the OSUCCC – James. This event wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration among the agricultural community, Nationwide, and The Ohio State University. Donations can be made at ofb.ag/cacgift.

Save the date for the 15th annual Cultivating a Cure. Next year, the event will be held at Arlington Acres in Seneca County on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025.

This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Ty Higgins, 614-246-8231 or [email protected].

Editors: Here is a video recap of the event.

Giving farmers a voice
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan
The plan we are on is great. It’s comparable to my previous job's plan, and we are a sole proprietor.
Kevin Holy's avatar
Kevin Holy

Geauga County Farm Bureau

Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan
Bringing the farm back to life
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
Finding farm labor
We really appreciate what Farm Bureau has done to get people interested in this line of work and workforce development and getting people interested in this industry.
Jody Brown Boyd's avatar
Jody Brown Boyd

Brown's Family Farm Market

Finding farm labor
CAUV: Past, present and future
We work terrifically with the Ashtabula County Farm Bureau, hosting at least one to two outreach town hall events every year to educate new farmers and existing farmers on traditional CAUV and woodlands.
David Thomas's avatar
David Thomas

Ashtabula County Auditor

CAUV: Past, present and future
Farm Bureau involvement
Because we are younger farmers just starting out, Farm Bureau has a lot of good opportunities and resources to help us grow in the future.
Hannah Kiser's avatar
Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau involvement
Select Partner Program
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Select Partner Program
Advocacy
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
Suggested Tags: