Enhancing Agriculture and the Environment

Ohio’s diverse agricultural, horticultural and forestry industries contribute more than $100 billion to the state’s economy every year. OSU Extension agriculture and natural resources (ANR) programs assist with technology, marketing and educational support – protecting Ohio’s position in the global marketplace.

OSU Extension also works to help local residents and community leaders enhance and sustain the environment and natural areas throughout the state, balancing economic advancement with environmental sustainability.

Our ANR professionals help producers develop and expand profitable, sustainable farming and other agricultural businesses – thereby creating jobs and economic opportunity for Ohio’s citizens. They also provide leadership, collaboration, consulting, unbiased information, applied research, and access to land-grant university knowledge to address local issues and needs.

Click here to learn more about OSU Extension agriculture and natural resources programming.

Our Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources, for Auglaize County is Jacob Winters and can be reached by phone at 419-910-6060 or by email at: winters.215@osu.edu.  


Water Quality in the Western Lake Erie Basin

Water quality is dynamic and complex. It includes the chemical, biological, and physical characteristics of water and water bodies. We recognize that water quality challenges in Ohio are significant, and include nutrient enrichment, siltation, habitat modification, and flow alteration.

Threats to water quality come from both rural and urban areas; are influenced by both human activities and changes in weather and climate; and impact groundwater, wetlands, small headwater creeks and streams, major rivers, and lakes and reservoirs. Faculty and staff in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences have a long and productive record of conducting research, teaching, and extension/outreach activities to address Ohio’s pressing water quality challenges.

Click here to learn more about extension's efforts to improve water quality in the Western Lake Erie Basin.

Jocelyn Birt is the Water Quality Extension Associate for Auglaize, Allen, and Mercer County. She can be reached by phone 419-910- 6057 or email birt.32@osu.edu


Extension has been helping all Ohioans build better lives, better businesses and better communities since 1914.