The event will show farmers how they can maintain their farm size, but still increase profitability.

The average total cost of production decreases as a result of increasing the number of different goods produced. Therefore, small and medium-sized farms can take advantage of the ecological, economic and social benefits of producing additional goods to improve their bottom line.

Mellinger Farm is used in part for OARDC research while the rest is rented to a local farm that is currently diversifying its rotations and transitioning to organic production of hay and grains.

The Agroecosystems Management Program of OARDC and Ohio State University Extension is hosting the event and has gathered nearly a dozen specialists to participate from OARDC, OSU Extension, Ohio State ATI and the College of Wooster.

Topics of discussion during the tour include:

• Scales of Diversification and Markets
• Ecosystem Services in Diverse Systems – pest control, soil improvement and fertility, pollinator support and biomass production
• Ecosystem Pressures (like deer and rabbits) on a Small, Diverse System and Imbalances in the Landscape
• Diverse Vegetable Production
• Pastured Poultry Using Chicken Tractors (movable coops)
• Oilseed as an Alternative Crop in Rotations
• Hull-Less “Naked” Oats Culture
• Pasture Establishment and Management for a Diversified System
• Value-Added Products

The tour is free and there is no registration required to attend. For additional information, contact Suranga Basnagala at [email protected] or 330-202-3529.