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Goldman Prize winner to study Ohio agriculture

03/26/2008

John Obrycki, 2008 Goldman Prize winner
Miami University senior John Obrycki will spend a year studying the history, and future, of the agricultural community in southwest Ohio as recipient of the 2008 Joanna Jackson Goldman Memorial Prize. The prize, valued at approximately $32,000, annually allows an exceptional Miami senior to realize a dream. It is believed to be among the largest undergraduate awards in the country.

"The goal of the project is to transfer agricultural knowledge to future generations," says Obrycki. "I want to focus on the future of agriculture in the region by looking to history to see what lessons are applicable for us all today and for tomorrow."

Combining elements from his three majors - environmental studies, history and American studies - Obrycki is prepared to investigate how southwest Ohio's agricultural system has changed since the early 1800s. He will also document how it has responded to the profound changes in American agriculture that have occurred over the past half-century, collecting oral histories from more than 100 farmers and agricultural specialists.

"I want to ask practical questions that can facilitate dialogue about the future of agriculture in the region," says Obrycki. "For example ... one interesting point will be to compare how different groups have related to the land throughout history. Also, what types of crops ... and market structures have been most successful?"

Using archival research, he will trace land use patterns and reconstruct the food system of the region from the past two centuries. A large part of his project involves organizing a conference to be held at Miami next February: "The Future of Agriculture in Southwest Ohio."

The conference, open to all, will discuss the future of agriculture in the region and demonstrate "that we all - even if not from an agricultural background - really are participants in our agricultural system." Topics will include "What will agriculture in the region look like in 20 years? Will we have an increase in precision agricultural practices? Niche markets? Regional food systems?"

A final goal of the project is to share the results "with as many people as possible." Obrycki will distribute his final project to libraries, schools and agricultural organizations, as well as to each farmer who contributed an oral history.

Obrycki is a Benjamin Harrison Scholar, member of the university honors program and recipient of a Provost's Academic Achievement Award. His research experience includes a project on sustainable agriculture, with support from a College of Arts and Science Dean's Scholar Award and the honor's program. In the summer of 2007 he conducted a research project
"Documenting Change in Ohio's Century Farms" as an Undergraduate Summer Scholar. He intends to pursue a doctorate in history upon completion of his Goldman Prize project.

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