In 2015, Ohio Farm Bureau and USDA-NRCS launched a five- year, $1 million partnership to demonstrate on-farm conservation practices to help improve water and nutrient conservation. Over the course of 2017, the Blanchard River Demonstration Farms Network has hosted over 700 people from all segments of Ohio. Area farmers, FFA students, Rotary members, county commissioners, Sen. Rob Portman, Toledo Mayor Paula Hicks-Hudson and many other groups have witnessed first-hand the effort Ohio farmers are making to improve water quality.

The demonstration farms showcase useful practices such as variable rate manure application, subsurface placement of nutrients, phosphorus removal beds, and drainage water management structures just to name a few. For more information on the project, please visit blancharddemofarms.org.

 

Stateler Farms

Stately Family Farms is operated by Duane and Anthony Stateler in McComb, Ohio. The Statelers raise corn, soybeans and wheat on approximately 600 acres and operate a 7,200 head wean-to-finish swine operation. The Statelers have committed 243 acres to the demo farms project and love sharing their story with visitors while they get up-close and personal with the pigs via their specialized viewing room.

 

Kurt Farms

Chris Kurt operates Kurt Farms in Dunkirk on 470 acres of corn and soybeans. Chris has committed 168 acres to the demo farms project and is always eager to try new conservation practices on his farm. Chris has a multitude of practices including edge of field monitoring, phosphorus removal bed and a two-stage ditch.

 

Kellogg Farms

Bill and Shane Kellogg operate Kellogg Farms in Forest where they produce corn and soybeans on 5,000 acres. The Kelloggs have committed 305 acres to the demo farms project and showcase their subsurface nutrient placement toolbar which allows for precise placement of fertilizer while putting it under the soil, providing an efficient method for ensuring their nutrients stay in place.

For more information on how Ohio farmers are working to improve water quality, visit blancharddemofarms.org.

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: