The 2022 algal bloom is expected to have a low severity index of 3.5, according to the final forecast from the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration. This forecast uses an ensemble of different models, which consider phosphorus loading into the lake during the spring and early summer.
If realized, this will be the fourth year out of the past seven that the algal bloom will be rated less than 4 on a scale of 1 (mild) to 10 (severe).
Recent soil test data from The Fertilizer Institute found that the number of soil samples tested for Ohio increased from about 69,000 in 2001 to nearly 274,000 in 2020. Over the same period, the median soil test phosphorus levels dropped from 38 to 26 parts per million (Mehlich 3).
With the expansion of the H2Ohio water quality initiative and the growth of the Ohio Agriculture Conservation Initiative certification program, both designed to help farmers find more and better nutrient management practices, efforts will continue to advance across Ohio, according to Jordan Hoewischer, director of water quality and research with Ohio Farm Bureau
“For years the farmer’s work has been judged on whether a body of water is green or not, but it doesn’t represent the improvements being made year over year,” Hoewischer said. “The research is telling us that Ohio agriculture has made progress on the water quality front and more education and upgraded technology should result in continued positive results.”
NOAA will release the final algal bloom statistics for 2022 in September.
Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. Learn more at ohiofarmbureau.org.
These funds will help provide scholarships, expand educational programs and strengthen initiatives that connect students and young professionals to meaningful careers in agriculture.
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Ohio Farm Bureau members receive exclusive access and discounted rates to digital tools specifically designed to maximize day-to-day productivity, simplify equipment maintenance and enhance asset protection.
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Applications are being accepted through June 30 for agritourism businesses interested in being featured on the America 250-Ohio Agritourism Trail.
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Ohio Farm Bureau is accepting applications for AgriPOWER Class XVII, its leadership and advocacy development program. Application deadline is Aug. 1, 2026.
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Annually, the foundation recognizes Ohio students for their academic effort, community engagement and career interests that link agriculture to community service, education or scientific research.
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Gov. Mike DeWine’s recent decision to pause consideration of any new data center tax exemption requests, through the Ohio Tax Credit Authority, comes as the Ohio General Assembly’s Joint Data Center Study Committee looks at the growth of data centers in Ohio.
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Industry professionals, community members, and golf enthusiasts are invited to take part in the 2026 Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Golf Invitational June 22 at Pinnacle Golf Club in Grove City.
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The report provides insight into measurable progress in conservation practices and Ohio farmers’ continued commitment to water quality.
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Ohio Farm Bureau applauds the passage of H.R. 1346, allowing the year-round sale of E15, also known as Unleaded 88 fuel.
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The grant helps create opportunities for early-stage agricultural businesses to move forward by addressing financial and startup hurdles. Apply by July 31.
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