By JANE HOUIN
Ohio Correspondent

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Not only is agriculture Ohio’s largest industry, but it 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. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), 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.

Since 1984, the Conservation Farmer Awards program has recognized 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 ODNR Division of Soil and Water Conservation (DSWC) and cosponsored by Ohio Farmer magazine and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF).

Farm families may nominate themselves or another family for the award. In addition, agricultural or conservation agencies or organizations may also submit nominations.

“These farms are an example of outstanding conservation practices that we hope will inspire others to follow,” said Michelle Wood, program administrator for the Holmes County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) in Ohio.

Wood said the SWCD does not nominate a farm every year, but only when it feels it has a truly exceptional candidate. When it does submit a nomination, it is usually for a recipient of the Holmes County Outstanding Farm awards, and it is a farm vocal about conservation and its benefits.

Individual farmers, partnerships or family farm corporations are all eligible to receive the award, provided a substantial portion of their income is derived from farming.

“The Conservation Farm Family Award is an excellent program that highlights the great work of farmers and their concern for the environment,” Wood said. “Too many times, farms receive bad press for being major sources of pollution, but many people do not realize that it’s in farmers’ best interests to take care of the soil and water – and many of them are working hard to do that.”

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.

“We encourage farmers to adopt practices that will save soil and keep streams clean,” Wood said. “We also realize that the farmer needs to see a benefit to his operation in addition to the environment.

“Since farming has such a narrow profit margin, we emphasize that nutrient management can save money on fertilizer, cover crops can improve soil health, heavy-use pads or stream crossing will contribute to herd health, et cetera.”

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 OFBF and be featured in the September issue of Ohio Farmer magazine.

Those interested in applying for the award can obtain a nomination form from their local Soil and Water Conservation District office, their county Ohio Farm Bureau Federation office, online at www.odnr.com or from Ohio Farmer.

All nominations must be received by May 1.