The rich, fertile soils of Sandusky County, Ohio, are ideal for vegetable production, and in 1979 the North Central Agricultural Research Station of OARDC was established near Fremont on 105 acres of sandy loam and clay loam soils. The research conducted at the Station is of tremendous economic benefit to producers, food processors, and the general public located in the tri-state region of Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. 

Processing tomatoes are a primary crop here, and emphasis is placed on developing new cultivars for the whole-pack peeled tomato market. The tomato industry desires varieties with improved fruit quality and disease resistance. Researchers analyze all aspects of tomato production: fertility, transplant quality, disease, growth regulators, weed management, peeling and processing.

Additionally, the Station supports research on other fresh market and processing crops, including peppers, sweet corn, cabbage, cucumbers, snap beans, cantaloupe, and pumpkins. Other research studies focus on wheat breeding and development, as well as cultivar, seed treatment, and fertility evaluations on canola. Corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa are grown in rotation with the vegetable crops.

Research at the Station is greatly influenced by local growers and processors, and through the North Central Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Advisory Committee. Committee members know the challenges and experience the problems facing vegetable crop producers, and their input is key to guiding research that will strengthen the industry.

The Station is also actively involved in traditional and non-traditional outreach activities with various groups and organizations.  Some of these events are jointly sponsored with OSU Extension and local businesses.  Activities include crop-specific workshops for producers, vegetable crop walking tours, tractor safety training for youth, 4-H programs, outreach activities with at risk youth through the Sandusky County Juvenile Court System, master gardener workshops, and others.

As a regional contact and information site for producers, the processing industry and the general public, the North Central Agricultural Research Station provides quality, non-biased research on the best methods for vegetable crop production, while incorporating integrated solutions to protect our environment.

Research Program 

2007 Research Projects

2006 Research Projects

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