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The Ohio Department of Agriculture recognized five families as winners of the 2024 Conservation Farm Family Awards at the Farm Science Review in London, Ohio.

The five families honored were: Weller Family, Putnam County; Workman Family, Ashland County; Hodge Family, Muskingum County; Mehl Family, Butler County; and the Jepsen Family, Fairfield County.

“Although these awards hold a very special place in Ohio agriculture, these farm families have put an emphasis on conservation, not for recognition, but for the viability of their farms for generations to come,” said Adam Sharp, executive vice president of Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. “It is important to showcase their work and to use their conservation efforts as examples for farm families across the state to strive for, and we congratulate these amazing families for their steadfast work of protecting their farm’s natural resources.”

Since 1984, the Conservation Farm Family Awards program has recognized Ohio farm families for their exemplary efforts conserving soil, water, woodland, wildlife, and other natural resources on the land they farm. Conservation farm families also host a variety of educational programs, opening their farms to schools, scout groups, farm organizations, and others.

“While most farmers are conservationists at heart, often leaving a piece of ground better than they found it, these five families have dedicated their entire lives and operations to conservation,” said Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge. “I am proud to honor them today as 2024 Conservation Farm Family Award winners for always going beyond the extra step, which is preserving agriculture for future generations and maintaining a strong agricultural presence in our state.”

“I congratulate the award recipients for their commitment and dedication to conservation and their willingness to share what they have learned with their communities. I know several of the families have offered their farms as sites for conservation field days,” said John Wilson, Ohio Natural Resources Conservation Service state conservationist.

The families each receive $400 from the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and are featured in the September issue of Ohio Farmer magazine. Ohio Farmer magazine has sponsored the Ohio Conservation Farm Family Awards since the program’s inception. Nominations are sought annually between January and May, and Ohio farming families are encouraged to apply. For more information or to apply, individuals can contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District.

Area 1 Winner- Arden and Kay Weller, Putnam County
Weller Farms, Putnam County, farms 400 acres of soybeans, wheat, and alfalfa. They also manage 88 acres of forest. Their conservation practices include 100 acres of cover crops, 250 acres undergoing crop rotation, waterways, 8.5 acres of filter strips, 45 acres of wetland restoration and development, 250 acres under a nutrient management plan, wildlife habitat, drainage water management, 250 acres of conservation tillage, 88 acres under forestry management, and four large wetlands. Weller Farms has 1,415 feet of two-stage ditch that is showcased to other farmers for field days. Sadly, Arden has passed away, but was described as, “a true steward of the land.”

Area 2 Winner- Fred and Jason Workman, Ashland County
Twin Oak Farms, Ashland County, farms 475 acres of corn, soybean, and hay. They also run a 120-head beef cow operation and a 150-head background/replacement calf operation. Conservation activities include 200 acres of cover crops, 300 acres utilizing crop rotation, waterways, filter strips, 10 acres of livestock exclusion fencing, 345 acres under a nutrient management plan, a grazing management plan, 100 acres undergoing rotational grazing, two acres of pollinator habitat, drainage water management, conservation tillage, and erosion control through natural spring development and stabilization of roads in heavy use.

Area 3 Winner- J and Rachel Hodge, Muskingum County
Windy Ridge Jerseys, Muskingum County, farms 243 acres of corn, alfalfa, grass hay, triticale/rye, and pasture. They run a 140-head milk cow operation and manage160-heifers. They also manage 60 acres of forest/woodland. They utilize conservation activities such as 35 acres of cover crops, 100 acres using crop rotation, 70 acers of filter strips, a nutrient management plan, 18 acres under rotational grazing, concrete liquid manure storage, a new milking facility, and the choice to use a more sustainable cow breed (Jersey cattle).

Area 4 Winner- Alan and Rachel Mehl, Butler County
Alan and Rachel Mehl, Butler County, farm 125 acres of soybeans and 15 acres of forest. Their conservation activities include 125 acers of cover crops, nearly four acres of waterways, nearly 27 acres of wildlife habitat, 125 acres of conservation tillage, a conservation plan, no-till, and subsurface drainage. Alan has received the Outstanding Cooperator Award.

Area 5 Winner- Jim and Dee Jepsen, Fairfield County
Jepsen Family Farms, Fairfield County, farm 1,645 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay. They also operate a 50-head beef cattle operation. They incorporate conservation practices including 721 acres of cover crops, 1,555 acres utilizing crop rotation, 27 waterways (16 of which are enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program), filter strips, nutrient management plans, grazing management plans, and rotational grazing. Additionally, Jepsen Farms includes 1,555 acres of conservation tillage, six water and sediment control basins, one systematic tile, heavy use area protection, three grade stabilization structures, and two livestock pipelines.