Program Overview:

Objectives:

Provide southern Ohio producers and landowners with the skills, tools, and management practices needed to maintain productivity, profitability, and soil and water resource quality, with a focus on sustainable production systems and water management.
Identify research and educational needs in soil and water resources, which is derived from the input of rural and urban stakeholders.
Develop and conduct applied and developmental research that is relevant to southern Ohio conditions and supports state-wide applications.
Develop and conduct educational programs that provide knowledge and skills in soil, crops, and water resources to southern Ohio producers and landowners.
Promote agricultural practices that are productive, profitable, and preserve soil and water quality.
Conduct locally-based research that is suitable for the growing conditions of southern Ohio.
Evaluate the feasibility of alternative, potentially profitable crops and crop management systems that are adapted to the region.
Develop efficient agricultural management systems that maintain the soil and water resource-base necessary for the future needs of local societies.
Conduct educational programs and develop educational materials that provide current information on soil and water management practices and assist agricultural producers in balancing sustainable crop production with natural resource protection goals.