LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Local programs and businesses are working together to help develop the next generation of agricultural leaders in Allen County.
Finalists have been announced for the first-ever Lima/Allen County Chamber’s Agricultural Impact Award, recognizing organizations that are making a difference in agriculture through education, innovation and community involvement.
The Ohio State University Extension 4-H program is building leadership and life skills through hands-on learning opportunities. From county fair projects to programs like “Real Money, Real World,” which teaches financial literacy, and “Chick Quest,” which explores the life cycle of a chicken, students gain real-world experience applicable to farming and agribusiness.
Participation in 4-H continues to grow at the Allen County Fair, with special interest projects, horse and pony, and goats seeing the largest increases. Organizers say the program plays a key role in cultivating future agricultural leaders.
Another finalist, 7M Farms, has partnered with Ohio State University Lima to create the Lima Regenerative Agriculture Farm. The initiative focuses on sustainable practices such as water-capture irrigation, nutrient recapture and the use of cover crops to improve soil health. Owners Todd and Jennifer Mason say their goal is to demonstrate farming methods that are both environmentally sustainable and economically viable for future generations.
At the University of Northwestern Ohio, students are preparing to support the agricultural industry through education and hands-on training. The Agricultural Equipment Technology program allows students to work directly on equipment from local farms, while degree programs in agribusiness management and marketing offer job placement rates between 80% and 90%.
These organizations have been named finalists for the Lima-Allen County Chamber’s Agricultural Impact Award, highlighting their contributions to strengthening agriculture in the region.
