Stephanie Karhoff has been hired as the new field specialist, agronomic systems for Ohio State University Extension in The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES).
Karhoff, who previously served as an Extension educator for agriculture and natural resources in Williams County since April 2019, will begin her new position June 1, said Jacqueline Kirby Wilkins, associate dean and director, OSU Extension.
“We are extremely pleased to fund this important position, which will work in tandem with our other field specialists in agronomic systems, CFAES research faculty, producers, and our commodity and industry partners to translate and apply the newest university knowledge to meet the timely and most critical issues facing the ag crops industry in Ohio,” Wilkins said.
Karhoff will work with a team of CFAES professionals within OSU Extension, as well as with cross-disciplinary departments and colleges, said Sam Custer, interim assistant director, Agriculture and Natural Resources, OSU Extension.
“She will function as a consultant with clientele to address statewide issues as her expertise is needed,” Custer said. “She will evaluate and respond to large-scale statewide needs versus individual requests, providing unbiased research-based alternatives and securing resources (grants, contracts, user fees) to focus on these issues.
“Stephanie’s experience as a county educator and researcher while working on her doctorate will help her be successful in this role.”
Karhoff said her goal to help Ohio farmers increase profitability and crop yields, while better managing their resources. To that end, Karhoff will develop relationships with producers, industry stakeholders, and CFAES specialists, while coordinating efforts with county-based OSU Extension faculty and staff.
“My primary focus will be conducting applied research and developing outreach materials to meet the needs of Ohio corn, soybean, wheat, and forage producers,” she said. “I look forward to learning from growers across the state and strive to provide relevant, research-based agronomic information.
“In collaboration with Ohio State professionals and external partners, I hope to make a positive impact on Ohio’s agricultural community.”
Prior to joining OSU Extension, Karhoff was a student in the CFAES Department of Horticulture and Crop Science where she earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture in 2014 and doctorate in 2019 in the Translational Plant Sciences program. Her graduate work focused on evaluating sources of resistance to Phytophthora root rot and stem rot in soybeans. A native of Putnam County, Karhoff and her husband also are active in the family grain operation.
Karhoff joins other OSU Extension field specialists, who each have a particular subject matter focus and provide overall leadership for a comprehensive teaching and applied research program to address statewide issues. Field specialists work to expand existing partnerships, develop new relationships, and foster collaborations across the state, including with university researchers, to complement local Extension educators’ efforts.
Other topics addressed by Extension field specialists include beef cattle; community economics; dairy production economics; food, nutrition, and wellness; energy development; manure nutrient management systems; community economics; agricultural and resource law; volunteerism and 4-H community clubs; youth nutrition and wellness; family wellness; and organizational and community leadership development.
“Please join OSU Extension in welcoming Stephanie Karhoff to this role, which is important to the continuing success of Ohio’s agronomic crops industry and Extension’s agriculture and natural resources efforts throughout the state,” Wilkins said.
