Central State University collaboration with In Ohio Country Today spreads Land-Grant news around state

Above: In Ohio Country Today's Gary Jackson interviews Dr. Kazi Islam in a CSU lab Oct. 3. 

With more than 40 years of broadcasting experience, Wapakoneta, Ohio-based veteran broadcaster Daniel Wilson and his television crew of In Ohio Country Today are known for their folksy style of interviewing Ohio farmers in their locales — both private and commercial farmers and agricultural researchers, as the media team crisscrosses all nooks and crannies of the state. In Ohio Country Today disseminates information and education about Central State University (CSU) 1890 Land-Grant Programs — through podcasts and radio programs — across Ohio.

Following a visit to Central State University on Oct. 3, Wilson shared his impressions about discovering, through coverage by In Ohio Country Today, the scope and scale of CSU's tripartite Land-Grant mission of extension, research, and teaching. Wilson responded to questions from Land-Grant Communications Interim Communications Coordinator Cyril Ibe. His responses have been edited lightly for brevity and clarity.

When did In Ohio Country Today pick interest in helping CSU tell the story of its 10-year-old 1890 Land-Grant Programs?

I first spoke with then-State Rep. Jim Buchy of Greenville, Ohio, whom I have known for a very long time. As a result of local collaboration (and) Rep. Buchy’s leadership in the legislature, a pilot project in Cleveland and Cincinnati brought 4-H and FFA to students in urban areas, providing them real-world knowledge of production agriculture. The program was accompanied by a pathway to college at Central State University, which developed a focus on preparing young people to teach agriculture in Ohio’s schools. He knew that Central State and Ohio could benefit from more exposure to this and other ag-related programs and that In Ohio Country Today would be a great vehicle to do this.

Also, about six years ago, we interviewed Brooke Foster from Central State University who was working as an intern with GrowNextGen and the Ohio Soybean Council. She worked with children, teaching them about agriculture and helping to “Grow the Next Generation” of agricultural leaders here in Ohio. It excited us to learn about the extension programs at CSU like 4-H and FFA building upon what Jim Buchy had introduced us to. We have featured other schools like The Ohio State University and Wilmington College on our program, so we wanted to tell the story about CSU to showcase other opportunities for high school students here in Ohio. A long relationship with (Associate Administrator for CSU Extension) Dr. Cindy Folck helped spark the possibility of doing more about the University on our TV show — which then led to utilizing those stories on our many other program vehicles statewide, and a continuous relationship that we value greatly.

In what ways are you impressed with the Land-Grant mission through the lens of In Ohio Country Today?

CSU Land-Grant Programs provide a great resource for students in the areas of science, technology, engineering, agriculture, and math with a student-first focus — and that is what impresses me the most. Small class sizes, hands-on training, and the investments in the University to showcase the students and professors and their work. 

What is In Ohio Country Today's strategy in disseminating news and information about CSU agricultural extension and research to Ohio's rural communities?

Through feature stories about current students, graduates, professors, and administrators, as well as with groups and organizations outside the walls of the University who directly benefit from having a relationship with CSU, we feel we can give a more “in-depth” look at how CSU is “changing the landscape” in not only rural areas but in the urban areas of Ohio and beyond. And to use those stories on all of our programs In Ohio Country Today TV show, our radio show, our podcast, our YouTube channel, and my daily agriculture reports. 

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How do you think the message about our Land-Grant is being received across Ohio? 

I make sure in almost every interview with politicians, producers, and agricultural businesses that I mention and expound upon the many virtues of CSU and the impact the University has on our agriculture community, as well as the many benefits that CSU provides. And I am overwhelmed by the positive comments about CSU and how people are becoming more aware of those benefits to our state and the ag industry. Groups like the Farmer Veteran Coalition and other partnerships with organizations have proven to help build awareness and relationships that create a foundation for success, and I see that wherever I go throughout the State. 

For more information about In Ohio Country Today and its schedules for various platforms, visit https://inohiocountry.com/ or email Wilson at dan@wilson1communications.com.