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Sep
17
Written by:
news editor
9/17/2009 1:00 AM
09/17/09 Ohio's top conservation farm families for 2009 will be honored for their long-standing dedication to natural resource conservation
Ohio’s Top Conservation Farmers to be Honored
LONDON, OHIO - Ohio's top conservation farm families for 2009 will be honored for their long-standing dedication to natural resource conservation on the land they farm during ceremonies at the Farm Science Review near London on September 24. The annual award is sponsored by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Soil and Water Resources, Ohio Farmer magazine and Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.
Among the families honored will be Barbara Sinn from Defiance County, Donald Smith of Portage County, the Michel Family of Muskingum County, the Frankenberg Family of Shelby County and Larry and Betsy Moore from Ross County.
Since 1984, the Conservation Farm Family Awards program has recognized more than 131 Ohio farm families for their exemplary efforts of conserving soil, water, woodlands, wildlife and other natural resources on the land they farm. Conservation farm families also host a variety of educational programs, opening their farms to schools, scout groups, farm organizations and others.
"The Ohio Conservation Farm Family Awards recognize farm families who have gone the extra mile in protecting the environment while producing the food and fiber crops that are such an important part of Ohio's economy," said David Hanselmann, chief of the ODNR Division of Soil and Water Resources and coordinator for the program. "The practices these people use to prevent soil erosion and water pollution benefit all Ohioans, and serve as an example of what individuals can do to conserve natural resources."
In addition to receiving $400 each from the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, the families are also featured in the September issue of Ohio Farmer and receive plaques from Hancor Incorporated. Ohio Farmer has sponsored the Ohio Conservation Farm Family Awards since the program's inception. Nominations are sought annually between January and May.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.
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EDITOR’S NOTE: Profiles of the 2009 Conservation Farm Family Award winners below.
Area 1 Winners - Barbara Sinn operates a diverse farm in Defiance County. Major crops include corn and soybeans. Conservation techniques used include no-till, crop rotation, filter strips, grassed waterways, windbreaks and 10 acres of wetland restoration. The farm has been in the family since the late 1800s. Barbara has been a district cooperator for nine years, and her late father, Vance Sinn, was a district cooperator for 47 years before her. The Sinn farm has hosted many educational tours for the district office, ODNR and the Joyce Foundation. In 2005, Barbara Sinn won the Defiance County SWCD CREP Achievement Award. In 2008, Barbara Sinn was featured in the Ohio Farmers Conservation Supplement as well, receiving the ODNR CREP Appreciation Award. When asked to describe her conservation philosophy, she replied, “Conservation is a win-win for the environment and a great fit for my entire farming operation.”
Area 2 Winner – Donald Smith farms more than 1,900 acres in Portage County. Major crops include soybeans, corn, wheat and hay. Cattle are also raised. To reduce erosion problems in the crop fields and pastures, Don has installed 3,000 feet of grassed waterways, three livestock heavy-use areas, and has reseeded more than 20 acres of pasture. Additional conservation techniques being utilized include following a grazing management plan, crop rotation and no-till. Don has been a district cooperator for more than 24 years and is also a member of the Ohio Farm Bureau. He is also very active in the Portage County 4-H program as a club advisor and volunteer and has been able to share his knowledge of resource management and soil conservation with the 4-H youth he assists. When asked to describe his conservation philosophy, he said he understands the value in being a responsible land steward and taking a proactive approach to managing the natural resources on his property.
Area 3 Winners – The Michel Family (Don, Paul, Gene, Dennis and Nancy Peck) farm more than 1,300 acres in Muskingum County. The Michels have installed numerous conservation techniques over the years, including: three animal waste storage facilities, roof runoff management at two sites, installing 18,800 feet of subsurface drainage, spring development, grassed filter strips, no-till, conservation tillage and cover crops. The Michels assisted the SWCD with the 2007 Elected Officials Tours by providing a stop for Muskingum County elected officials, as well as State Senator Joy Padgett. SWCD Board and Staff, as well as NRCS staff also attended the tour, explaining the technical services provided to the Michel family with the installation of a roofed feedlot, diversion and filter strip. The facility, funded through the ODNR Pollution Abatement Program, also benefited the Salt Creek Watershed by improving water quality. The Michel family has utilized fly-on cover crops for several years and has helped the Muskingum SWCD arrange for over 500 acres of fly-on cover crops involving five county farmers.
Area 4 Winners – Steve and Kathy Frankenberg farm more than 440 acres in Shelby County. Major crops include corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa. Dairy cows are also raised. Conservation techniques utilized include conservation tillage, cover crops, no-till, grassed waterways, filter strips and windbreaks. Steve has worked with a forester to manage timber for sale and improve the existing timber stand. They also have worked with the district in developing a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan for their farm. Other practices installed include 2.7 acres of quail habitat to enhance wildlife and the installation of subsurface drainage. The Frankenberg’s have hosted educational field trips for pre-school and kindergarten children. In 2008, the Frankenberg Family Farm was selected as Shelby County’s Cooperator of the Year. When asked to describe their conservation philosophy, it is bettering our society by protecting and conserving our resources for our family and future generations.
Area 5 Winners – Larry and Betsy Moore operate a diverse farm in Ross County. Major crops include corn, wheat, beans and hay. Conservation practices utilized include no till, crop rotation, grassed waterways and both grass and forested filter strips. Fencing has been installed to prevent livestock from entering streams and woodlots. Management techniques utilized on the 80-acre woodlots include grapevine control, crop tree release, select harvesting and seeding log roads to grass and legumes and use them for hiking and running trails. The farm is host to an annual cross country meet called the Down on the Farm Run. Six schools participated in last year’s race and more than 350 attended the event. The Ross County Cattlemen’s Association has sponsored pasture walks on the Moore farm to view some of the EQIP practices funded by USDA/NRCS. When asked to describe their conservation philosophy, it is preserving our most important commodity, our land and its natural resources.
For further information, contact:
Blaine Gerdes, ODNR Soil and Water Resources
614. 265. 6938
Beth Ruth, ODNR Media Relations
614. 265. 6860
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