Ohio Farm Bureau State Board Trustee and first-generation farmer Nathan Brown of Hillsboro knows a thing or two about trying new things.

Expenses associated with manpower and equipment prompted the first-time farmer to try a no-till approach to planting in the early 2000s. No-till is a farming practice that disrupts soil less, which helps the land retain its organic matter and nutrients while increasing water infiltration into the ground and decreasing runoff.

Since finding success in that practice and others he’s tried, including being a strong proponent of cover crops, Brown was awarded the Ohio No-Till Council’s 2018 Outstanding No-Till Farmer award. He is actively asking for more farmers to tell the stories of their own conservation practices.

Q: Why did you create the Ohio Soil Health and Cover Crops Facebook group in March?

A: Several states had a platform where farmers could share what conservation practices they have in place for soil health and water quality and Ohio didn’t. The group is another way to have a farmer-to-farmer conversation.

Q: Water quality is a top priority for Farm Bureau and Ohio’s farmers. Can you explain why clean water starts with soil health and why it is so important?

A: I am a father. I would do anything and everything to protect my kids, and I am a father to the land. It’s what sustains our family and I’ll do everything I can to keep soil healthy and water pure. There are many ways to measure our effects on soil health.

Brown encourages farmers to join the group.

Online Extra

Early planting soybean flop (and other soil health lessons) shared on new forum for farmers

Cutline: Nathan Brown

Farm Bureau connections
To grow a network and gain perspective and knowledge in the industry through personal and professional development has been invaluable. Every day I learn and grow.
Ryanna Tietje's avatar
Ryanna Tietje

Henry County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau connections
Giving farmers a voice
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.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
10-year campaign for safer roads
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
Bill and Charlotte Wachtman's avatar
Bill and Charlotte Wachtman

Henry County

10-year campaign for safer roads
Bringing the farm back to life
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
Farm Bureau involvement
Because we are younger farmers just starting out, Farm Bureau has a lot of good opportunities and resources to help us grow in the future.
Hannah Kiser's avatar
Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau involvement
Select Partner Program
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.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Select Partner Program
Advocacy
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.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
Suggested Tags: