Pickaway County, OH
Putting agriculture at the center
Pickaway County ranks among the top counties in Ohio for land in farms, with around 87 percent of its land devoted to agriculture. The Future of Agriculture Study is elevating the industry and the culture in the county. By leading a rigorous analysis of agricultural conditions, land use trends, conservation tools, and workforce development needs, the work establishes a clear picture of where agriculture stands today and what it could become. The goal is not to preserve the status quo, but to deliberately build on it.
Planning for what’s possible.
Planning NEXT is guiding a community-driven process grounded in best practices from similarly situated counties across the region that have successfully elevated agriculture as an economic and community development strategy. That research informs robust public engagement with residents, farmers, FFA students, and community institutions, ensuring the strategy reflects local values and ambition. A wealth of resources exists to support farmers and strengthen agricultural policy. By connecting the right tools to the right opportunities, Planning NEXT ensures that available programs, funding, and best practices translate into real impact on the ground.
A strategy built to be implemented and measured
The product of this work will be a data-rich, highly graphic strategy document organized around a clear vision and actionable goals, managing change to protect rural character. The study will demonstrate how progress will be tracked and monitored over time, ensuring that the strategy remains a living document. Uncertainty may be national, but resilience is built locally, one decision at a time.
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Tags
Project Type: impact study
Community Type: county
Client: Pickaway County
Services: land use, community engagement
