In this episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, host Dusty Sonnenberg sits down with Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge and State Veterinarian Dr. Dennis Summers to discuss the state's ongoing response to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The two share how Ohio handled last winter's outbreak that impacted over 15 million birds, the lessons learned from those months, and how producers are preparing as migratory season begins again. They also touch on the far-reaching economic ripple effects across the state's poultry and grain sectors, and offer practical advice for backyard flock owners looking to keep their birds safe.

Later in the podcast, Joel Penhorwood catches up with Joanna Hamilton of the Felicity-Franklin FFA Chapter, who was recently named the American Star in Agriscience at the National FFA Convention. Hamilton reflects on her award-winning research projects ranging from poultry heat lamps to consumer food science, how FFA shaped her future in nursing, and the people who helped guide her along the way.

Listen in for the latest on Ohio agriculture, animal health, and a celebration of FFA excellence.

This week on the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, Ty Higgins joins Ohio State students and industry leaders at the Planting Professionals Etiquette Dinner, sponsored by the Ohio Soybean Council and hosted by the CFAES Career Development Office. The event goes well beyond table manners, teaching students how to navigate professional settings over a meal while building connections for their future in agriculture.

Then, Dale Minyo sits down with Seth Wilkerson, Regional Vice President for Farm Credit Mid-America in northeast Ohio. They discuss the financial pressures facing farmers today, what lenders are watching closely in this challenging economy, and how FCMA is working with growers to manage risk and plan ahead.

Finally, Joel Penhorwood travels to southwest Ohio to meet Jared Persinger of South Plymouth Pumpkins, who just set a new Ohio state record with his massive 2,505-pound pumpkin. Persinger shares the story behind the giant gourd and the journey it has taken since planted in April.

First up, Ohio Ag Net's Joel Penhorwood rides along with Donna Turner of Logan County for a special Cab Cam, brought to you by Precision Agri Services, Inc. After battling cancer and undergoing a bone marrow transplant, Donna is back in her "happy place" — the combine. With her grandson Dawson running the grain cart, she shares how farming and family helped her through and what it means to be back in the field.

Then, our own Dale Minyo talks with Gerry Puckett, Director of Communications and Industry Engagement for Ohio Corn & Wheat, and Rudi Pitzer Perry, Regional Vice President of Agricultural Lending for Farm Credit Mid-America. They discuss how farmers can manage through today's tough markets, the importance of focusing on what can be controlled, and how partnerships between groups like Ohio Corn & Wheat and FCMA help support and advocate for grain growers statewide.

Finally, Joel catches up with Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge at the Ohio High School Landscape Olympics in Wooster put on by the Ohio Green Industry Association. Now in its 10th year, the event brings together FFA members, students, and the landscape industry to celebrate one of the fastest-growing sectors in U.S. agriculture. Director Baldridge also shares harvest updates and a look at Ohio's $124 billion ag industry.