4-H and agriculture and natural resources educators in Southern Ohio hosted the second Ag Career Exploration Day in May, inviting teens to learn from experts about future careers in the fields of food, agricultural, and environmental sciences.
Throughout the day, youth visited stations staffed by representatives from a variety of businesses and organizations, including the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Ohio Department of Agriculture, Ohio Farm Bureau, Select Sires, and Ohio Cattlemen’s Association.
Experts at each station spoke with teens about the different careers available within their organizations and shared the training and education needed for these positions. With 40 adult 
presenters in attendance representing 20 different businesses and universities, youth had the opportunity to learn about future career opportunities in interest areas ranging from forestry and wildlife preservation to photography.
At one station, youth considered potential careers in ag engineering and geographic information systems as they participated in the 4-H Sphero Planter Challenge. During the activity they used Spheros robots to design and construct a “planter” that could effectively distribute soybean seeds throughout a field. Through this hands-on activity they not only gained insight into career paths, but they also
learned about the ways farmers incorporate technology into their work today.
Representatives from three colleges and universities—The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural (CFAES), and Environmental Sciences; Hocking College; and University of Rio Grande—were also in attendance.
Dr. Shannon Washburn, Chair of CFAES’s Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership (ACEL), attended alongside fellow ACEL faculty and staff members, and representatives for OSU’s Agricultural Technical Institute participated in the event as well. As featured speakers for the day, they gave formal presentations to the youth in attendance about the admissions process and the various programs and majors they offer.
Throughout the day, professionals with the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) also brought the teens on a wagon tour through the Jackson Agricultural Research Station.
Serving as the research institution of The Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental 
Sciences, OARDC is the home to research projects ranging from plant and animal sciences to human ecology and medicine. The Jackson Agricultural Research Station is a branch of OARDC and focuses on research related to animal reproduction and nutrition and forage production.
"The event gives FFA and 4-H members an easy way to learn about potential careers in agriculture and natural resources. It provides them with the opportunity to "learn by doing" as their motto states,” said Josh Winters, Extension educator for agriculture and natural resources in Jackson County. “We need more people involved in the agriculture industry and this event is a great way to introduce careers to young people that combat the typical narrative of what working in agriculture looks like to them."