Posted by Anne Decker on Mar 24, 2023

The Ohio State University Lima Campus has developed a demonstration farm committed to regenerative farming strategies. 

The Ohio State University's Lima Campus has 200 acres of tillable ground. Dean and Director Dr. Tim Rehner told us that they began a demonstration farm in 2021 dedicated to regenerative farming. "Ohio State, with what it has at its disposal, should be a leader in addressing what are some of the large kinds of difficult challenges in our world," including sustainability and climate change. The five core principles of regenerative agriculture are:
  • Minimize soil disturbance
  • Maximize crop diversity
  • Keep the soil covered
  • Maintain living root year round
  • Integrate livestock
The potential benefits of regenerative farming are: 
  • Improved soil health, water quality, and bio-diversity
  • Increased carbon sequestration
  • Mitigate risks from changing climates
  • Decreased fuel consumption, pesticide and fertilizer usage
  • Sustainability for both farmers and consumers
Speakers for the program included local farmer Todd Mason, Clint Schroeder from OSU Extension, and Assistant Professor Dr. Robin Bagley. They told us the farm has been successful in providing research and educational opportunities to their students, faculty and the community, as well as being a profitable operation.