On December 4, 2024, the Ohio No-Till Council announced Sarah Noggle, an esteemed educator in agriculture and natural resources, as the recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Educator Award. This prestigious recognition highlights Noggle’s exceptional contributions to advancing sustainable farming practices, soil health, and agricultural education in Ohio and beyond.
Noggle was selected from a diverse pool of educators representing elementary, high school, university, and adult education programs across the state. Her ability to engage and inspire learners of all ages, coupled with her expertise in conservation and agricultural sustainability, set her apart as a leader in her field.
As an educator, Noggle serves as a tireless advocate for conservation agriculture, with a focus on no-till practices, soil health, cover crops, and sustainable farming systems. Through her leadership and innovative educational programs, she has empowered countless farmers, landowners, and community members to adopt practices that improve soil health, enhance water quality, and strengthen the long-term viability of agricultural operations.
A cornerstone of Noggle’s work has been her commitment to fostering meaningful connections between farmers and agricultural professionals. Her efforts in Extension programming have built bridges between research and application, ensuring that evidence-based practices reach the hands of those who steward the land. Noggle’s dedication to local and statewide initiatives, including her work with cover crops and farm stress, exemplifies her holistic approach to serving Ohio’s agricultural community.
In addition to her direct educational contributions, Noggle is a recognized leader on national and regional teams, including the North Central Regional Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Team, the National Soil Health Nexus Team, and the Midwest Cover Crops Council. Her work reflects a deep commitment to advancing the principles of conservation agriculture and supporting the farmers and agricultural professionals who sustain Ohio’s rural economies.
The Ohio No-Till Council commended Noggle’s efforts, stating, “Sarah Noggle is a true advocate for conservation and education. Her innovative and practical approaches to agricultural challenges have had a lasting impact on the farming community. She embodies the values of this award.”
The Ohio No-Till Council’s objectives align with Noggle’s work. These objectives include:
• Bringing together agricultural people who have common interests.
• Promoting soil health practices in Ohio, with no soil disturbance except for planting and fertilizer injection, the use of cover crops, and adherence to the 4 R’s of fertilizer application.
• Collaborating with researchers to promote on-farm academic research and aggressive investigations into practices that improve soil health and increase net income.
• Organizing programs, field days, and educational events for farmers, landowners, agency personnel, and others.
• Cooperating with agencies such as Extension, USDA, ODNR, SWCDs, and other groups to advance shared goals.
• Sharing ideas, equipment innovations, and proven technologies among members and the agricultural community.
• Preserving the history of and promoting the progress in no-till farming practices while increasing public awareness of their benefits.
• Representing a collective voice for issues affecting no-till systems.
Noggle’s work exemplifies these values. Her commitment to advancing conservation agriculture has made a lasting impact on Ohio’s agricultural community.
Upon receiving the honor, Noggle expressed her gratitude: “I am deeply humbled by this recognition. Working alongside farmers and agricultural professionals to improve soil health and promote sustainable practices is my passion. This award is a testament to the incredible collaborations and partnerships that make this work possible.”
The Outstanding Educator Award is presented annually to an individual who demonstrates exceptional dedication to advancing no-till and sustainable agriculture practices through education and outreach. Sarah Noggle joins an esteemed group of educators who have shaped the future of conservation agriculture in Ohio. Noggle serves as the Extension Educator for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Paulding County.
For more information about Sarah Noggle’s work or the Ohio No-Till Council, please contact Randall Reeder at reeder.1@osu.edu
About the Ohio No-Till Council
The Ohio No-Till Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting no-till farming systems and sustainable agriculture practices. By advocating for innovative techniques and providing educational resources, the Council supports farmers in achieving long-term profitability and environmental stewardship.
For additional information on the Paulding County Extension Office agricultural and natural resources programs, contact Sarah Noggle, Paulding County Extension Educator, Ag, and Natural Resources, at noggle.17@osu.edu. Individuals can also walk into the OSU Extension Office at 503 Fairground Drive, Paulding, or call 419-399-8225.
