Conservation

Investing in Farmers’ Responsible Land Management Practices
Important funding has been allocated to partner with farmers in the Maumee River Watershed to continue expanding best practices focused on proactive conservation solutions to address the state’s water quality. Steps are being taken to increase the reach of programs like Blanchard River Demonstration Farms Network and H2Ohio to invest in these practices in every corner of the state.

Here are some ways we have worked to support conservation.

Ohio’s 2026 top conservation farmers honored

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.

We asked, you answered: What does conservation mean to you and your farming operation?

Conservation practices mean different things to different Farm Bureau members, but the invisible string tying all of them together is a commitment to being stewards of the land.

Lessons from the woods

The woods have given me lessons, memories and perspective that reach far beyond hunting season. They have taught me patience, humility, gratitude and wonder. That, to me, is outdoor sportsmanship.

Outreach, education key to wildlife management

Programs like the youth contest and archery ranges teach the next generation that hunting and conservation are linked, while emphasizing safety and regulatory compliance.

Vetting hunters who harvest on your property

Vetting hunters who want to hunt on your land by inviting only Farm Bureau members can both help you know something about those hunting on your property and connect hunters to Farm Bureau membership.

Waste not: Building a business around an under-appreciated resource

Armed with degrees in agriculture business and agronomy from Ohio State University, the Manure Gal honed her agricultural and business know-how through Ohio Farm Bureau’s AgriPOWER Institute.

Ohio Farm Bureau encouraged by results of OACI’s Auglaize River Watershed Assessment Report

The report provides insight into measurable progress in conservation practices and Ohio farmers’ continued commitment to water quality.

Ohio Farm Bureau applauds results of OACI’s 2026 Assessment Survey Report

The report provides a data-driven look at conservation practices across the Western Lake Erie Basin and emphasizes farmers are doing their part in water quality.

Ohio Farm Bureau fighting for water quality, regulation equity

Ohio EPA has recently proposed allowing data centers to obtain ‘general’ National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for their stormwater/wastewater discharges.

Demo farms project ends, impactful research endures

The network was established in fall 2015 on farms in Hardin and Hancock counties. Nearly 200 different tours and events took place on the three farms totaling nearly 4,000 visitors in its 10-year span.