David and Kathy Lotz farm 1,300 acres in Hardin County. Major crops are corn and soybeans. Conservation practices include the installation of grass waterways and filter strips to reduce erosion and protect water quality. The Lotz family made the transition from conventional tillage to no-till then to strip tillage in their search for conservation practices that proved successful on their farm. For soybeans, no-till was the answer. For corn, strip tillage has shown favorable results with more consistent emergence, improved populations and consistent spacing. The Lotz family has worked with The Ohio State University Extension on strip till yield trials. They have also worked in cooperation with the Hardin SWCD to host a strip till field day on their farm.
David Ehrman and Linda Ehrman Beardsley farm 560 acres in Medina County. Alfalfa, corn and soybeans are their principle crops. They also run a 105-head dairy operation. Conservation practices include grass waterways, systematic tiling, riparian corridors and strict manure management application to ensure minimal runoff. Franmar Farms was one of the first farms in the area to install manure lagoons to allow for timely manure spreading. Schools and local service clubs regularly visit the Franmar Farm for educational tours. In 1999, Dave and Linda, in cooperation with the Medina SWCD, went into the manure composting business. "We practice conservation because we respect our farm, the soil, and will leave them in better condition for future family generations."
Tim and Sherry Finney operate a diverse farm in Jefferson County. Major crops include hay, corn and barley. Hogs and cattle are also raised. Conservation techniques practiced include contour strips, rock bed waterway, grass waterways through all cropland, crop rotations and a new dry dam and field drainage system to control runoff. A new composting facility for swine was added and provides an environmentally friendly way for disposal and compost for the fields. The Finneys hosted the County Farm-City Tour in 1997 and have made their farm available for Boy Scout tours. They also coordinate an educational day on the farm for local 4th graders with the Jefferson County SWCD and the local Farm Bureau committee. The Finneys believe operating an environmentally friendly farm provides a good educational experience for kids and adults while putting farming in a positive light. "It is our privilege to share with the public how our farm operates."
Kenneth and Kathryn Walters farm 1,700 acres in Fayette County. Major crops are corn, soybeans and wheat. Conservation practices include grass waterways, subsurface drainage, water and sediment control basins, tree planting and conservation tillage. The Walters farm was the first farm in Fayette County to install water and sediment control basins. The farm has been used as a regular stop on the County Officials Tour to view the various conservation techniques being practiced. The Walters also have enrolled land in the Conservation Reserve Program. Dikes were constructed around storage tanks to protect the environment from fertilizer or fuel spills. "We don't want a leak on our ground; and if we do have a leak, it's contained. When a family has three generations farming together, it's not surprising that they spend time tending a crop to benefit future generations."
William and Mary Ellen Nose operate a 200-acre diverse farm in Vinton County. Major crops include blackberries and thornless red and black raspberries. Cattle are also raised. Conservation practices include combining management-intensive grazing techniques and forest stewardship practices to reduce soil erosion and to maintain an ecosystem conducive to recreation, wildlife management, forest protection, timber management and grassland agriculture. The Nose family is actively involved in the Athens County Cattlemen's Association as well as the Athens County Grazing Council, visiting local farms, sharing information regarding layout, design, seeding options, multi-specie grazing and pasture walks. They were also named Outstanding Cooperator in Vinton County in 1992. "Utilizing good conservation practices and techniques has been a way of life for the Nose family since we purchased this property in 1976."