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Hello, Everyone!                                                                                                                         

As I reflect on recently celebrating my 10-year anniversary with OSU Extension, it’s hard to believe how quickly a decade can pass.

In 2015, my wife and I were living in Maine, while I worked on my graduate degree. We loved the scenery, but being 15 hours from our families made it difficult for our daughter to spend meaningful time with her grandparents. When I discovered that OSU Extension was hiring in northeast Ohio, it felt like the opportunity we had been waiting for — and I am grateful every day that they offered me the position.

Moving to Trumbull County was an entirely new experience for us. I grew up outside Erie, Pennsylvania, and my wife is from the Cincinnati area, so we had never lived in this part of the state. As anyone who has moved knows, starting over in a new community can be stressful, but we were welcomed with open arms. Our OSU Extension staff, Master Gardener Volunteers and many community members helped us find a rental home, shared recommendations for local restaurants and grocery stores, and introduced us to events and organizations throughout the county. During my first week, I was invited to more than a dozen churches — a gesture that showed us what a kind and generous community we were joining.

Over the past decade, our family has grown by one, we purchased a small farm, said goodbye to a beloved dog, and welcomed a new puppy and several spirited barn cats. Through all of life’s changes, Trumbull County has become not just a place we work, but the place we call home.

Professionally, these 10 years have offered incredible opportunities to collaborate with some of the best farmers in Ohio and beyond. Together, we’ve conducted numerous on-farm research projects aimed at addressing local production challenges. These efforts have included fungicide trials to manage white mold in soybeans, evaluating the yield response of rolling soybeans and conducting Cercospora scouting across the county. In 2026, we are embarking on a new chapter by incorporating artificial-intelligence-driven tools to support agronomic decision-making for soybean growers. One of the most exciting milestones was planting the first industrial hemp fiber research plot in Ohio in more than 100 years — a project that sparked enthusiasm across the state. Each year, the results of these trials are featured in the OSU Extension eFields publication, which showcases local and statewide on-farm research. I encourage anyone interested to explore these findings.

Our Master Gardener Volunteers have also made a profound impact. Together, we deliver hundreds of educational programs each year, reaching thousands of residents. Whether diagnosing plant diseases, helping beginning gardeners get started, or offering guidance through difficult issues, our goal is always to support and encourage those who grow our food, landscapes and communities.

As I look back, I am filled with gratitude — for the farmers who have partnered with us, the volunteers who give so much of their time, and the residents who have welcomed my family with warmth and generosity. Thank you for making the past 10 years meaningful.

Submitted by Lee Beers, extension educator, agriculture and natural resources at the Ohio State University Extension. He can be reached by email.

OFBF Mission: Working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities.