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Five family livestock farmers who have developed and implemented exemplary conservation and resource management practices that protect and enhance the environment while conserving natural resources were presented with this year’s Environmental Stewardship Awards at the Ohio Statehouse Atrium. Award recipients pictured l to r: Stump’s Heritage Farm (Jim and Mike Stump), dairy, Crawford County; Earl and Ruth Ann LeMaster, beef cattle, Jackson County; Weaver Brothers (Tim Weaver), poultry, Darke County; Heimerl Farms (Jim and Kathy Heimerl and family), swine, Licking County; and Bunker Hill Farm (Bill, Susan and Joe Shultz), sheep, Logan County.

Each recipient received a plaque from the award sponsor and a proclamation recognizing their commitment to the basic principles of environmental and natural resource stewardship from Gov. Bob Taft. The awards were sponsored by the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, Ohio Dairy Producers, Ohio Pork Producers Council, Ohio Poultry Association, Ohio Sheep Improvement Association and Ohio Livestock Coalition.

Factors considered in determining award recipients include the farm’s general nature and history; manure management system, including water quality protection measures, odor control practices, land application practices and soil and crop management practices; how the manure management program contributes to the respective operation’s profitability; stewardship goals and accomplishments; innovative management practices; involvement in programs that promote environmental stewardship; steps taken to develop and present a positive image for the individual operation, which also contributes to the positive perception of the livestock industry and steps taken to improve communications and relations with the farm’s neighbors and community.