Ohio Farm Bureau releases updated Ohio Landowner Toolkit
The new 40-page Ohio Landowner Toolkit contains essential information prepared by Ohio Farm Bureau’s legal team that will help answer questions unique to property owners.
Read MoreSometimes, a family business takes some explaining.
“Hydro biomass application engineer” is one way a friend of Megan Dresbach’s describes what she does. Her dad, Eric, once told a stranger their family enterprise was “organic nutrient recycling,” which drew the reply, ‘You can’t fool me; you haul poop, don’t you?”
Yes, the Dresbach’s link in the food chain is collecting manure and moving it to where it fertilizes crops. Not glamorous, but essential. Animal agriculture contributes nearly $8 billion to Ohio’s economy, employs close to 38,000 Ohioans, provides us with tasty protein and produces lots of manure. It isn’t waste. Manure is a highly valuable natural fertilizer (especially for organic crops) that demands that farmers who produce it or use it do so wisely. Businesses like the Dresbach’s are among Ohio’s 290 Certified Livestock Managers who work to properly haul and apply manure. These businesses are high-tech and require significant investments in equipment, worker training and regulatory compliance. These days, manure itself also requires a lot of explaining.
Algal blooms in Lake Erie and other water bodies have harmed water quality and local economies. Manure is only one of many sources of nutrients that can feed the blooms, but it’s gotten an outsized share of attention. Even Megan’s farm friends are inquisitive. “We have talks about water quality and they ask me questions,” she said.
When I get questions, I start from the reality that manure happens. As long as we want meat, milk and eggs and the associated jobs, it will continue to happen. So the priority becomes management.
That starts with a mindset, Eric said. “Always do what is right, no matter what. Always act as if someone is watching.” He also believes in following the rules, so he works with government regulators, not around them. And he keeps up with research into best management practices. Megan says the current research points to 4-R nutrient stewardship. “Use the right source, at the right rate, at the right time with the right placement.”
The Dresbachs acknowledge, no matter their intent or expertise, sometimes things don’t go according to plan. “Anytime you work with Mother Nature, she still rules, regardless of how smart we think we are,” Eric said.
My goal, and I think the goal of everyone in the livestock industry, is to get even smarter, to always find ways to improve. That’s why Farm Bureau is working alongside state and federal agencies, environmental organizations, Ohio State University and others to discover those next, innovative techniques and technologies that will deliver both clean water and productive farming.
The Dresbachs’ equipment safely transports manure and places it into the soil, which can eliminate odor and reduce nutrients being washed into waterways.
Eric started his manure application and trucking company in Pickaway County in the 1980s, when the farm economy made it hard to make a living with a family farm. Megan, with an OSU degree in agronomy, applied economics and international relations, calls herself a daddy’s girl who always looked for ways to stay close. “Dad works all the time, so I went to work with him.” Megan was a delegate to the 2017 Ohio Farm Bureau annual meeting. She hopes to someday to take over the family business.
Opponents of animal agriculture claim farms and manure are not regulated. In fact, there are multiple regulatory systems in place:
Agencies including Ohio’s EPA, Department of Agriculture and Department of Natural Resources provide direction into acceptable management practices and inspect for compliance.
The new 40-page Ohio Landowner Toolkit contains essential information prepared by Ohio Farm Bureau’s legal team that will help answer questions unique to property owners.
Read MoreOhio Farm Bureau, in a partnership with Nationwide, has released a first-of-its-kind ‘Labor Intelligence Report’ and ‘Guide to Finding, Hiring and Retaining Farm Employees’ through their new Ag Intelligence Service.
Read MoreThis first-of-its-kind group focuses on offering more resources to agricultural communities. The group’s first action is introducing a new, anonymous survey to seek feedback directly from rural communities.
Read MoreThe five families honored were the Rethmel family, Todd and Melissa Miller, Julius (Jules) and Jodee Verhovec, Brent and Jenna Clark and the Wickerham family.
Read MoreAs the event wrapped up, ODOT representatives expressed an interest in having Ohio Farm Bureau at the table when future projects are considered.
Read MoreLower, predictable costs and easier administration make it a great alternative to Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans, letting you focus on running your business — not your health plan.
Read MoreMeet Nick and Bailey Elchinger, Brad Weaver and Katherine Brown — Ohio’s young ag professionals contestants who will compete at the American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in Salt Lake City.
Read MoreDepending on what is being burned and where, there will likely be restrictions from either the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency or possibly the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Read MoreJeffrey Stimmell’s motto: Ag classes can not only be relevant but fun.
Read MoreTwenty Ohio Farm Bureau leaders are serving on the 2023 Ohio Farm Bureau Federation Policy Development Committee.
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