Our Mission

Engaging people to strengthen their lives and communities through research-based educational programming. The Ross County office is one of 88 offices that brings the reseach and resources of The Ohio State Unversity to your front door.

Ross County

Located in South Central Ohio, Ross Co. has a population of approximately 75,000. The county seat of Chillicothe is an important industrial and retail center that serves several counties in southern Ohio. 

The area is well served by highways with U.S. 23, U.S. 35, and U.S. 50 crossing the county. Two major rail lines serve the county and provide access to important markets for locally produced grain crops.  The area in very rich in Indian and early Ohio history, which has made tourism an important part of the local economy.  Much of the population growth in recent years has taken place in rural areas of the county, making land use a major local issue.

Agricultural land use is dictated by the glacial boundaries that cross Ross County. The northern and western portions are glaciated with level to rolling topography and soils that are well-suited to the intensive production of row crops.  The southern and eastern portions of the county are unglaciated, with more hilly topography and soils that are better suited for forestry and forage crop production.

Program Areas

Agriculture & Natural Resources
Helping farmers, gardeners, landowners and businesses. In addition, the Master Gardener program extends research-based yard and garden information to others interested in horticulture.

4-H Youth Development
4-H is a community of young people nationwide who learn about leadership, citizenship and life skills.
The Ross County program involves over 3400 youth who are led by more than 420 Adult Volunteers. 4-H offers over 200 4-H projects to complete and showcase at the Ross County Fair.  Additional Youth Development programs include CARTeens, School Enrichment, After-School Programs, and 4-H Camp.   

Family & Consumer Sciences
The FCS program helps build strong families in areas of health, family life, nutrition, and child care. Examples of successful courses include: Safe Sitter and Dining with Diabetes.

Family Nutrition Program
Nutrition, budgets, meal-planning, food safety, and food shopping are the focus of the FNP programming. All adults with limited resources are invited to attend these FREE sessions.

Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program
Families with children and individuals are invited to schedule FREE classes (at your convenience) on how to cook tasty, nutritious food and save money, too!

Ross County Impact Statements

Read the highlights of several programs offered through our office

Ross Co. Commissioners

Thank you for your support ... County Commissioners, James Caldwell, Doug Corcoran, and Frank Hirsch! Your input and participation in Extension programming efforts in Ross County are appreciated. Visit rosscountycommissioners.com

Extension Advisory Committee

The Extension Advisory Committee serves an important role in the planning, conducting and evaluation of our local Extension educational programs and efforts. We thank them for their time and support of our programs.