COLUMBUS, Ohio – House Bill 65, the Agriculture Appreciation Act, passed the Ohio legislature and was signed into law on July 1 by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. The bill makes several specified day and week designations relating to agriculture, including recognizing the second full week of November as “Ohio Soil Health Week.”

Ohio Sen. Tim Schaffer (R-20th district) spearheaded efforts for this bill, realizing the importance of health soils. Schaffer was good friends with Fairfield County farmer David Brandt, who was referred to as the “Godfather of soil health” in Ohio. Brandt, who passed away at the age of 76, was a global leader in no-till, cover crops, direct marketing and, most of all, soil health.

Agriculturalists from around the world visited Brandt’s farm each year to see his soils first-hand and learn from his many years of experience. Brandt, a conservation mentor to many, traveled the world speaking about his farm. He preached that no-till and cover crops increased soil organic matter and decreased input costs dramatically. Healthy soil was Brandt’s main thrust.

“That week will bring awareness to the hard work and achievements of individuals around Ohio and their contributions to Ohio’s soil health,” Schaffer said. “Celebration of that work will be held every second full week in November in honor of David Brandt, the Godfather of soil health. David dedicated his time, talent and knowledge to soil health and encouraged many others to do the same.”

The weeklong, statewide celebration (Nov. 9-15) will include outreach, education opportunities, and events to elevate this valuable natural resource.

This effort follows years of advocacy by members of Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) and Ohio Soil Health Initiative (OSHI) to advance soil health legislation in the Ohio General Assembly, drawing inspiration from other states that have received support from their elected officials in commemorating soil’s importance with officially designated celebrations.

The inaugural celebration of Ohio Soil Health Week took place in November 2024, preceding its official designation. That event involved 25 statewide partners, 19 events and 724 attendees.

During last year’s celebration, attendees toured farms, heard from legislators, and learned about soil health practices directly from farmers.

“The official designation by the State of Ohio elevates the importance of soil health in the public imagination,” said OEFFA Policy Director Milo Petruziello. “This allows us to grow the week and raise more awareness of soil’s vital role in our health, environment and economy.”

Agriculture is Ohio’s top industry, and those involved in the sector are stewarding Ohio’s lands. Like the late David Brandt, many Ohio producers are working to expand their soil health practices and share what they learn.

“The Brandt family celebrates the passage of House Bill 65,” said David’s son, Jay. “Our father was a strong advocate for Ohio agriculture, soil stewardship and education. We are pleased to see his legacy continue with the Agriculture Appreciation Act, especially with the focus on soil health and consumer education.”

Last year alone, 28 states passed healthy soils legislation. By officially recognizing Ohio Soil Health Week, Ohio is harnessing this nationwide momentum to celebrate the importance of healthy soils.

“Soil health matters to all of us and impacts all aspects of our lives, including our food, environment, communities and health,” said OEFFA Grassroots Policy Organizer Lauren Hirtle. “Healthy soils are even more important during the hard times such as drought or very wet springs. Healthy soils are the key to resilience in the face of the many threats our farmers confront every day. Healthy soil is essential to our future. Soil is the foundation of our food and farm systems and when its health is prioritized, it holds more water, reduces runoff, and protects water quality.”

On Nov. 12, OEFFA will sponsor a tour of the Brandt Family Farm in Fairfield County. The Brandt Family Farm grows corn, soybeans, wheat and a variety of other cereal grains. For more than 50 years, the family has been committed to soil conservation and building healthy soils. The guided tour will focus on soil health, cover crops, no-till practices and heritage grains.

A few of the OEFFA-sponsored Ohio Soil Health Week events scheduled include Soil Health Field Demo Day (Champaign County, Nov. 10); Martin Hollow Heritage Farm Tour (Brown County, Nov. 12); Determining Biological Nitrogen Fixation in Maize Varieties in Ohio (Franklin County, Nov. 13); Soil Health Rally (Athens County, Nov. 14), Soil Health Testing Livestream (Virtual, Nov. 14) and Healthy Soil Festival (Hamilton County, Nov. 16).

To learn more about the Ohio Soil Health Week events go to ohiosoilhealthweek.com.