Farm and Dairy’s week in review: 5/23

Here are this week’s top stories from Farm and Dairy:

1. Repeat after me: Agriculture as a career is hot, hot, hot

With about 60,000 high-skilled agriculture job openings predicted to open up based on a recent report from USDA and Purdue, it’s a good time to get involved in agriculture.

Between 2015 and 2020, 15 percent of new jobs will be on the farm, while the remaining jobs will be in management, business, ag or food science, technology, engineering, mathematics, education, communication and others. Agriculture isn’t just for farm kids; it’s a viable career choice for urban, suburban and rural individuals.

2. How to transplant vegetable seedlings

Now’s the time to transplant seedlings. Online columnist Ivory Harlow explains how to transplant seedlings in 10 steps.

She also offers three tips for successful seedlings, including how to choose strong seedlings, how to harden them off and choosing the right time to transplant.

3. Lake to River Food Hub ties farmers and schools together

The Lake to River Food Hub is working to connect students, farmers and food in the Mahoning Valley. Recently, Columbiana farmer Steve Montgomery supplied Canfield Local High School with chicken wings produced from the White Mountain broilers he raises at Lamppost Farm.

Providing locally-grown food to schools is one way to help students and the public understand the importance of locally grown food, how it is raised and how it benefits their diets.

4. Economist predicts bright future for oil- and gas-producing region

According to American Petroleum Institute Chief Economist John Felmy, the United States is “the world’s biggest producer of natural gas and we are going to be the world’s biggest oil producer.”

Speaking at a Stark County Oil and Gas Partnership forum, Felmy discussed how shale has been the leading primary supply driver in the petroleum industry. The growth of demand may be slowing, but the shale industry’s impact on local economies will continue.

5. Top 10 tips for planting herbs

Pam Bennett, Ohio State University Extension horticulture educator and director in Clark County, offers 10 tips for growing herbs.

From understanding an herb’s growing characteristics to directions for drying herbs, these tips will ensure a healthy growing season and preservation.