OEFFA launches annual series of farm tours and workshops
The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) announces its annual Farm Tour and Workshop Series.
The 2025 series of public tours and workshops includes a number of events showcasing organic and ecological farms in Ohio and one in West Virginia, plus educational and social opportunities. This programming opens the door for farmers, gardeners, educators, and conscious consumers to learn about local foods and farming firsthand.
“OEFFA is excited about this year’s farm tour series and grateful to our farmer members and partners who are sharing their experience and expertise with anyone interested in learning more about farming, where our food comes from, and why healthy soil is so important to healthy food and the environment,” said Khara Strum, executive director of OEFFA.
Participants will have the opportunity to walk through garden beds, livestock pastures, and more during these OEFFA farm tours:
• Saturday, June 7: Grassfed Beef and Avian Habitat Tour—Marshy Meadows Farm, Ashtabula Co.
• Saturday, June 14: Grass Based Sheep Farm and Forage ID Pasture Walk—The Tranquility Ranch, Perry Co.
• Saturday, June 21: Multi-Urban Farm Tour—NECIC Urban Farm and NECIC RiCi Urban Agricultural Site, Richland Co.
• Saturday, July 19: Transitioning to Organic Berry Farm Tour—Shady Oaks Farm, Putnam Co., W.Va.
• Saturday, September 27: Organic Grazing Pasture Walk—Finch Creek Farm, Greene Co.
• Wednesday, November 12: Ohio Soil Health Week Farm Tour—Brandt Family Farm, Fairfield Co.
In addition, attendees can ask their farming questions and learn about food and farm policy during these OEFFA special events:
• Monthly: Farmer Help Shop—Virtual
• Thursdays, July 17, July 31 and Aug. 21, and Friday, Nov. 14: Policy and Pints—Athens Co., Hancock Co., Hamilton Co., Cuyahoga Co.
• Friday-Sunday, September 12-14: OEFFA at the Ohio Pawpaw Festival—Ohio Pawpaw Festival, Athens Co.
OEFFA’s chapters are interest- and region-based groups interested in sustainable and organic agriculture. Many chapters coordinate events in their region:
• Saturday, June 7: Southwest Ohio OEFFA Chapter: Urban Farm Tour—Hamilton Co.
• Friday, June 27: Southwest Ohio OEFFA Chapter: Bowyer Farm Tour—Warren Co.
• Friday, Aug. 1: Grain Growers Chapter: Meeting and Potluck—Henry Co.
• Sunday, Aug. 24: Southwest Ohio OEFFA Chapter: What’s Cooking at the Organic Farm at Bear Creek—Clermont Co.
In addition to OEFFA, other farm tours and workshops are being presented by Common Greens and FairShare CSA Coalition:
• Sunday, June 8: Ins-and-Outs of Trellising—Greene Co.
• Sunday, June 22: Equipping a Diversified Vegetable Farm—Clinton Co.
• Friday, August 15: Flower Farming with Adrianne Roach—Pike Co.
• Sunday, August 24: What to Expect When Transitioning to No-Till—Portage Co.
• Friday, September 5: Small Farm Mushroom Production—Madison Co.
All events are free and open to the public. To see the full schedule with times, location details, descriptions, and registration information, visit oeffa.org/farmtours.
Publisher's note: A free press is critical to having well-informed voters and citizens. While some news organizations opt for paid websites or costly paywalls, The Highland County Press has maintained a free newspaper and website for the last 25 years for our community. If you would like to contribute to this service, it would be greatly appreciated. Donations may be made to: The Highland County Press, P.O. Box 849, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. Please include "for website" on the memo line.