Ohio Farm Bureau introduces Energy and Utility Issues Resource Guide
Ohio Farm Bureau’s newest resource for members seeks to help farmland owners navigate the many questions surrounding energy development.
Read More
In mid-October, the Ohio Department of Agriculture requested funding to continue the H2Ohio water quality initiative through 2021. The $28 million ask was granted by the State of Ohio Controlling Board.
“This shows a real commitment to improve water quality, even during these tumultuous times,” said Kris Swartz, Wood County farmer and chair of the Ohio Agriculture Conservation Initiative. “There was a lot of time that, from a farmer, retailer and Soil and Water perspective, where we thought we were doing a lot of work for a one-year program. Now, we have certainty for a year two of the program, and I have to believe that this makes year three a foregone conclusion.”
Progress continues
This means the hard work already being done by farmers, crop consultants and Soil and Water technicians in the 14 counties of the Maumee River Watershed will be beneficial for a longer period of time.
When H2Ohio was introduced earlier this year, meeting rooms were full of farmers wanting to learn more about how to get involved, and the current funding will support that enthusiasm.
“Many of the farmers that showed interest in H2Ohio early on may not have had an established relationship with their county Soil and Water office, and they wanted to learn what they could do to improve water quality,” said Janelle Mead, CEO of the Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. “They followed through after the initial meetings and sat down with Soil and Water staff to find out what practices might be best suited for their farms, filled out applications and started working on nutrient management plans.”
Nutrient Management Plans
Those nutrient management plans are a major part of qualifying for H2Ohio funding and they can involve a lot of detail and time. Swartz said soil tests alone, part of creating an NMP, are helping farmers learn new things about their farms.
“Farmers are taking it upon themselves to look at the information from their soil tests and learning about fertility recommendations,” Swartz said. “They are taking ownership of the results and not just turning them over to their ag retailer. That educational part is a huge aspect of the whole H2Ohio effort.”
Online extra
All 88 counties in Ohio have a Soil and Water Conservation District. Find a local office.
The plan we are on is great. It’s comparable to my previous job's plan, and we are a sole proprietor.
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.
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.
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
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.
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.
Featured Articles
Bill would secure critical drought relief for Ohio communities
HB 683 would provide meaningful relief by investing $10 million in the counties that were most severely impacted by relentless hot and dry conditions this past summer.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau names new Young Ag Professionals State Committee members
New members are Katherine and Bill Brown of Stark County, Abby and Blake Campbell of Washington County, Josh Ison of Clermont County and Hannah Thompson of Meigs County.
Read More
Bob Evans Farms plants seeds of opportunity with gift to the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation
Bob Evans Farms has been a passionate supporter of Ohio Farm Bureau’s ExploreAg program since it began in 2018.
Read More
Six tips to avoid slippery situations this winter
Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation offers five tips to help prevent slips, trips and falls—one of the top causes of workplace injuries.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau Friends of Agriculture see success on Election Night
Through a grassroots process, county leaders identified 106 seats where a Friend of Agriculture could be named, with 104 of those seats ultimately being won by a Friend of Agriculture candidate.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau names participants for AgriPOWER Class XV
Ohio Farm Bureau’s 2024-2025 AgriPOWER Institute kicked off in October with 14 farmers and agribusiness professionals participating in Class XV.
Read More
Rescue ready: 58 fire crews get life-saving grain rescue tools
Nationwide’s Grain Bin Safety campaign has awarded grain rescue tubes and training to 390 fire departments across 32 states since 2014.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau opens 2025 Winter Leadership Experience registration
The event takes place Feb. 7-8, 2025 at Kalahari in Sandusky, Ohio and is open to members of all ages. Registration closes Jan. 21.
Read More
Five 2025 FUSION Conference scholarships available
Receive free conference registration and complimentary transportation to and from the conference March 7-10, 2025 in Denver.
Read More