Applications for Ohio Farm Bureau Health Plans now available
Members have three ways to apply: contacting a certified agent, calling 833-468-4280 or visiting ohiofarmbureauhealthplans.org.
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A strong coalition consisting of the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Ohio State University and several state agricultural organizations* are encouraging farmers to attend training courses for the Agricultural Fertilizer Applicator Certification Program.
Signed into law by Gov. John R. Kasich in May 2014, Ohio Senate Bill 150 created a first-of-its-kind certification program for applying commercial fertilizer in Ohio. Focusing on science-based practices, the bill requires farmers applying commercial fertilizer to more than 50 acres to attend a course on fertilizer application. Applicators must be certified no later than Sept. 30, 2017.
“As farmers look for training opportunities, we would encourage them to become certified through our program as soon as possible,” said ODA Director David T. Daniels. “While they can’t plant in the winter, they can learn about the numerous practices that will save them money while improving water quality. Nearly every farmer who takes the training says they learned something, so I ask producers what are they waiting for?”
OSU Extension is holding numerous training sessions across all regions of the state this winter. The training sessions focus on best management practices and the latest research to keep nutrients in the field and available to crops while reducing nutrients leaving the field. To date nearly 12,000 farmers have become certified through the program.
“We are looking forward to seeing Ohio farmers at our nutrient application trainings this year,” said Roger Rennekamp, director of Ohio State University Extension. “There are hundreds of workshops scheduled, and we’ll be sharing the latest research-based information on how to get the most out of fertilizer applications. Farmers want to prevent nutrient run-off as much as anyone, for economic and environmental reasons.”
While applicators have until Sept. 30 to become certified, the majority of training sessions for certification will occur in the winter. ODA will strive to gain voluntary compliance, but applying commercial fertilizer after Sept. 30 without a certification could result in fines and/or being charged with a misdemeanor offense.
“Between the law and voluntary efforts, farmers have proven they’re willing to help address Ohio’s water quality challenges,” said Adam Sharp, executive vice president of Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. “Becoming certified by the deadline is a crucial part of meeting our responsibilities.
For more information on certification training, and to register, visit www.nutrienteducation.osu.edu.
*Agricultural Organizations encouraging farmers to get certified:
Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association
Ohio Dairy Producers Association
Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts
Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association
Ohio Producer Growers & Marketers Association
Ohio Sheep Improvement Association
My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
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