COLUMBUS - Ohio's largest industry - agriculture - is also the largest land user in the state.  Nearly 60 percent of Ohio's land area is used for crop production and pasture.  Not surprisingly, farming has a big impact on the state's land, water, woodland and wildlife resources.  The key to maintaining a balance between this important industry's contribution to Ohio's economy and the environment is conservation and wise resource management.

Begun in 1984, the Conservation Farmer Awards Program recognizes farm families who are doing an outstanding job of managing natural and human resources in such a way as to meet the twin goals of production and conservation. The awards program is coordinated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Soil and Water Conservation (DSWC) and co-sponsored by Ohio Farmer magazine and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.

Nomination forms can be obtained from:

 

• a local Soil and Water Conservation District
• the DSWC website http://www.ohiodnr.com/H_Nav2/OFFICESSWCDS/SWCDForms/tabid/18738/Default.aspx
• the county Ohio Farm Bureau Federation office, PO Box 182383, Columbus, OH43212-2383
• the Ohio Farmer magazine, 117 W. Main St., Suite 202, Lancaster, OH43130.

Nominations must be received by May 1, and are to be sent to Ohio Farmer magazine.

A farm family may nominate themselves or another farm family.  An agricultural or conservation agency or organization may also place nominations.

Individual farmers, partnerships or family farm corporations are eligible, provided a substantial portion of their income is derived from farming.  Judging is based on the nominee's use of new and traditional conservation techniques, comprehensive management, individual initiative in getting conservation measures applied on the land and the farmer's willingness to share conservation information, experiences and philosophy with others.

Five area finalists will be chosen from around the state. These top Conservation Farm Families will be recognized at a ceremony during the Farm Science Review in September.  They will also receive a $400 check courtesy of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and be featured in the September issue of The Ohio Farmer magazine.

 

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For further information, contact:
Blaine Gerdes, ODNR Division of Soil and Water Conservation
614. 265. 6938
Jason Fallon, ODNR Communications
614. 265. 6842