Agriculture is one of the largest industries and economic contributors in our state. Farming accounts for roughly:

• $700 billion of gross domestic product*
• 10% of the state’s economy
• 333,000 jobs
• 52% of land

Beyond the direct production of food, fuel and fiber, a huge range of related scientific and support industries contribute to Ohio agriculture. Machinery makers, banks, research labs, insurance agencies, retailers—each plays a role in ensuring Ohio products reach
dinner tables, dressing rooms, greenhouses, grocery stores, and gas tanks across our counties and the country.

Yet as vast and productive as our agricultural industry is currently, projections indicate that in the next 10 years, we will need:

470,000 new workers in agribusiness
90,000 new workers in direct farming operations

​​​​​​Creating the future agriculture workforce today

That is exactly what our one of a kind science camps do: ExploreAg introduces students to the various careers in science, engineering and technology in the food and fiber industry and engages them in actively pursuing career paths that can help them become a part of the sustainable future of agriculture. ExploreAg is open to students from varied backgrounds, with diverse skills and interests, and provides them with an opportunity to explore and understand available career paths in the agriculture and food industries.

Our goal is that your student’s time at ExploreAg will lead them to discover a passion they may not have considered yet.

A camp like no other

In ExploreAg, high school students interact with and learn from internationally known teachers, scientists, and researchers. Students are hosted at the various universities and businesses where they are introduced to aspects of agriculture through diverse hands-on learning experiences.

Subject areas include food science, precision agriculture, animal science, natural resources, management skills, technology, and agricultural business.

Scholars participate in field experiences that highlight cutting-edge research, and introduce industry partners, to provide scholars with a glimpse of innovative careers in related fields.

ExploreAg brings high school students into labs, fields, and factories to learn about career opportunities in food and agriculture. In 2026, primarily one-day experiences are offered, with one weeklong camp at Ohio State University ATI in Wooster. 2026 Programs

Sponsors

Ohio Farm Bureau’s ExploreAg program is made possible through the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation and its generous supporters such as, Nationwide, Farm Credit Mid-America, Bob Evans, Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association, Ohio Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, Kroger, Ohio Pork Council, Ohio Poultry Association, and Ohio AgriBusiness Association.

Online Extra: Ohio Farm Bureau Pocast

ExploreAg directly connects students to career opportunities in agriculture. Katie Share joins the podcast to break down what the program is, what’s new for 2026, and why it plays a key role in building Ohio’s future workforce.