Article

The 15th annual Cultivating a Cure, an event created to support cancer treatment and prevention research, welcomed more than 360 attendees and raised more than $160,000 for The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute 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 agriculture community joins forces to address issues and challenges facing the industry. Since its inception, Cultivating a Cure has raised more than $1.4 million.

This year’s event was held at Arlington Acres in Seneca County. Luke Jennings, National FFA Secretary from Clermont County, Ohio, moderated a panel discussion with four young farmers and ag professionals including: Emily Mullen of Butler County, Ryanna Tietje of Henry County and Nick and Bailey Elchinger of Henry County. The audience heard from these four young agriculturists about their farms and how they made farming their livelihood even when the odds were against them. The panelists also discussed how they are already thinking and planning for the next generation on their farms.

Cultivating a Cure is made possible by the collaboration among the agricultural community, Nationwide, and The Ohio State University. Donations for this event can be made at ofb.ag/cultivatingacurefund.

Save the date for the 16th annual Cultivating a Cure, which will be held Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026, at Leeds Farm in Delaware County.

Editors: A high-resolution photo from the 2025 Cultivating a Cure is available for download.