Each year, the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science (HCS) hosts a Spring Soiree to recognize the remarkable achievements of our students, staff, faculty, alumni, and friends. This year the Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) was selected to receive the 2025 Friend of HCS Award for their support of the research, teaching and extension missions of the faculty, staff and students in the department.
Drs. Leah McHale and Laura Lindsey nominated OSC and shared "the Ohio Soybean Council has consistently supported HCS researchers for decades, advancing work in soybean management, physiology, product development and breeding. The Council has kept a strong connection with our faculty through campus visits and invitations to stakeholder events. And this has ensured that our research and extension efforts remain relevant to Ohio’s farmers.
The Council also invests in our students. Their annual scholarships and Graduate Student Research Support Grants give undergraduate and graduate students hands-on experience in communication with stakeholders, proposal writing, and research leadership. Many HCS students have benefited from these opportunities. Their support is not only generous, but highly collaborative and connected. From impactful research funding to student support and community outreach, the Ohio Soybean Council has been a reliable and valued partner to HCS."
We were able to catch up with Tom Fontana, Director of Research and Education for OSC, as well to get his insight and advice for students considering plant science related careers...
What sparked your interest in joining OSC?
A former associate of mine became Executive Director of the Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) and was looking for someone to fill a position. Although I did not have a background in agriculture, I thought my project management, finance, public relations and marketing experience was a good fit. I also believed the mission of OSC was admirable and that working for farmers would be a worthwhile experience. The former associate hired me and I have worked for OSC over twenty wonderful years.
What were your thoughts on OSC winning the Friend of HCS Award?
We were humbled and honored that the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science would bestow this award on OSC. Our partnership with HCS has been a long and productive one. The soybean farmers of Ohio have benefited and continue to benefit from the work of the department. Our farmer board values the research, communication and education provided by HCS faculty and staff in the areas of agronomy, weed science, and breeding and genetics.
What advice would you give students considering studying plant science or pursuing plant science related careers?
I would advise students to learn about the wide variety of career opportunities involved in the agriculture industry. There are so many different types of expertise needed all along the value chain for our industry to continue to prosper. An excellent way to learn more about the agriculture industry and the opportunities available is through internships. Participating in internships with industry, academic institutions, agriculture associations or other ag entities can be extremely useful and inform future career paths.
Eager for more news from our Spring Soiree? You're in luck - check out all the articles here.