Field Day Podcast with Jordan Hoewischer: Ep. 46 Jay Martin
Jay Martin discusses his Pilot Watershed Project in the Western Lake Erie Basin. He is a professor of Ecological Engineering at The Ohio State University.
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Ohio Farm Bureau Federation applauds the results of the Ohio Agriculture Conservation Initiative’s recently released 2026 Assessment Survey Report, which provides a data-driven look at conservation practices across the Western Lake Erie Basin and emphasizes farmers are doing their part in water quality.
The report highlights measurable progress in the adoption of conservation practices and nutrient management. According to the assessment, 68% of surveyed fields are enrolled in cost-share conservation programs, including 62% in H2Ohio, and nearly 64% utilize no-till or minimal tillage practices. The report also shows that 89% of those surveyed utilize fertilizer retailers and crop consultants to create fertilizer recommendations.
The survey was conducted by OACI in 2025 and is the fourth in a series of survey assessments across the state to determine what practices Ohio farmers are implementing for water quality and nutrient management. The first three surveys covered the Lower Maumee watershed, the Sandusky watershed and the Upper Scioto watershed. The fifth will cover the Auglaize River watershed and be released later this spring.
“The OACI assessment of the Western Lake Erie Basin counties gives us a baseline of conservation efforts in a crucial water quality area,” said Jordan Hoewischer, director of water quality and research for Ohio Farm Bureau. “The information gained in these assessments is absolutely vital, as it shines a light on where programs are increasing conservation practices and where additional attention is needed. Our farmers have been doing their part to improve water quality, and this assessment shows they are adding new practices to their operations year-over-year.”
OFBF is a founding member of OACI and works with partners across agriculture, conservation, environmental and research communities to recognize farmers for advancing methods that improve water quality in Ohio and increase the use of best management practices on farms.
This is a statement for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Ryan Matthews, 614-246-8210 or [email protected].
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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