Graham Oberly - From Football Fields to Farm Fields

What does it mean to "love your neighbor" through regenerative farming?Graham Oberly, co-owner of Oaks and Sprouts farm, shares his inspiring journey from environmental activism to sustainable agriculture. Growing up in Chesapeake, Ohio, Graham witnessed the effects of extractive industries on the Appalachian landscape, sparking a lifelong passion for environmental stewardship. He discusses his involvement with the Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition, his experiences in the Boy Scouts, and how these early influences shaped his decision to study Natural Resource Management at Ohio State University.Graham also talks about his impactful role as Sustainability Coordinator at Ohio State, where he spearheaded efforts to implement sustainability goals across various departments, including athletics, business advancement, and finance. His work with the Zero Waste program at Ohio Stadium involved managing a massive operation during football games, coordinating the efforts of 70-80 employees to divert waste from a crowd of 100,000 fans inside the stadium and an additional 50,000-100,000 tailgating outside. This experience provided him with valuable insights into logistics, community engagement, and the complexities of implementing sustainability initiatives on a large scale.Episode in a glanceGrowing Up in Appalachia and Volunteering with OVECFrom Environmental Science to Natural Resource ManagementEarly Farming Classes at Ohio StateProject Management Training in the Boy ScoutsBecoming the Sustainability Coordinator at Ohio StateManaging Game Day Zero Waste at Ohio StadiumThe Scale of Ohio State Athletics and Its Sustainability EffortsExpanding Sustainability Beyond AthleticsIncentivizing Sustainability at Ohio StateFrom Sustainability Coordinator to FarmerThe Transition from City to FarmHow Regenerative Farming Benefits the EnvironmentThe Driving Force Behind Graham's Work: Loving Your NeighborAbout Graham OberlyGraham Oberly is a passionate advocate for sustainability and regenerative agriculture. As co-owner of Oaks and Sprouts farm, he combines his background in Natural Resource Management and his experience as a Sustainability Coordinator at Ohio State University to create a farming system that benefits both people and the planet. Growing up in Appalachia, Graham developed a deep appreciation for the environment and a commitment to protecting it. He is dedicated to building a more sustainable food system and inspiring others to connect with their food sources.Connect with Graham Oberly and his work at Oaks & SproutsInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/oaksandsproutsFacebook → https://www.facebook.com/OaksAndSprouts/TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@oaksandsproutsWebsite → https://www.oaksandsprouts.com/Send us a message!