|
|
|
|
|
Media Inquiries
614-265-6860 |
|
|
|
|
|
Sep
19
Written by:
news editor
9/19/2011 1:00 AM
Ohio's top conservation farm families for 2011 will be honored for their long-standing dedication to natural resource conservation at the Farm Science Review.
LONDON, OH - Ohio's top conservation farm families for 2011 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 22. 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 the Billenstein family from Hardin County, Kevin and Sarah Swope of Columbiana County, Mike and Amy Fair of Holmes County, Brent and Christine Pence of Clark County, and Samuel and Anne Byars from Ross County.
Since 1984, the Conservation Farm Family Awards program has recognized 146 Ohio farm families for their exemplary efforts of conserving soil, water, woodland and 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 Ted Lozier, chief of the ODNR Division of Soil and Water Resources. "The practices these people use to prevent soil erosion and water pollution benefits all Ohioans, and illustrates what individuals can do to conserve natural resources." Lozier serves as coordinator for the program.
In addition to receiving $400 each from the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, the families are featured in the September issue of Ohio Farmer magazine and receive plaques from Hancor Incorporated. Ohio Farmer magazine has sponsored the Ohio Conservation Farm Family Awards since the program's inception 27 years ago. Nominations are sought annually between January and May.
The ODNR 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.
For more information, contact:
Jason Fallon, ODNR Office of Communications
614. 265. 6842
Blaine Gerdes, ODNR Division of Soil & Water Resources
614. 265. 6938
EDITORS NOTE: Profiles of the 2011 Conservation Farm Family Award Winners are below.
Area 1 Winner - Billenstein & Sons farm more than 3,900 acres in Hardin County. Major crops include corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa. Cattle are also raised. Conservation techniques utilized include no till, cover crops, and crop rotation. Grass waterways and filter strips have also be installed. Their farm was a tour stop on the Celebration of Conservation Success in Ohio in 2010. Attendees were able to see the advancements made on their farm with regard to fertilizer containment and the covered manure structure. Educating ourselves and others is the key to successful practices. When asked to describe their conservation philosophy he said, conservation of our land, water and other natural resources is reliant on stewardship education and implementation of proven beneficial practices.
Area 2 Winners – Kevin and Sarah Swope farms 80 acres in Columbiana County. Major crop grown is hay. Bison and sheep are also raised. When they first began operating most of the topsoil and soil fertility was gone. As a result, they decided not to crop farm, but rather to build and conserve their soils by seeding the fields to pasture and implement a managed grazing system. They also stopped using commercial fertilizer on our pastures. Soil life and earthworms have returned with only lime applications and proper grazing techniques. Their farm has been the site of several tours where visitors learn about soil health, proper grazing management and opportunities for small farms and specialty crops. When asked to describe his conservation philosophy he said, we focus our attention on improving the health of our soils in everything we do.
Area 3 Winners – Mike and Amy Fair farm 190 acres in Holmes County. Major crops grown include corn and soybeans. Cattle are also raised. With assistance from NRCS and the Holmes SWCD they developed a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan and Conservation Plan. The goal was to improve nutrient management by managing the amount, form, placement, and timing of nutrient application. Conservation practices implemented include crop rotation, no-till, cover crops nutrient management and waste utilization. The Fairs have hosted multiple cover crop meetings. They have been district cooperators for more than thirty years. Most recently, Mike served a term as a District Supervisor. When asked to describe his conservation philosophy he said, protecting the soil for future generations is of paramount importance.
Area 4 Winners – Brent and Christine Pence farm more than 2,800 acres in Clark, Champaign, Greene and Miami Counties. Major crops included corn, soybeans, and wheat. Cattle are also raised. Conservation techniques used include the installation of subsurface drainage, grass waterways, buffer strips, and no-till. Their operation uses auto-steer to reduce the chance for pesticide spray overlap. They have also volunteered to be involved with a carbon sequestration study done by Colorado State University. Brent serves as Chairman of the Clark SWCD and is also the District Director representing Area IV for the OFSWCD. When asked to describe their conservation philosophy he said, we are committed to conservation and environmental stewardship. Farming is changing so rapidly you have to work smarter, not harder.
Area 5 Winners – Samuel and Anne Byars farm 420 acres in Ross County. Corn, beans, and wheat are the principle crops. Conservation techniques utilized include no-till, cover crops and crop rotation. To combat gully erosion more than 8,000’ of grassed waterways and 10,000’ of sub-surface drainage were installed. To address ditch bank erosion problems over 60 acres of buffer strips and riparian tree plantings were done along ditches. The Byars farm has hosted numerous farm tours to local farmers to illustrate the importance of conservation programs especially in cover crops. Their farm is one of the only farms around the area to use cover crops such as radishes and rye. When asked to describe their conservation philosophy he said, that I am responsible for a farm that has been in my family for over 200 years, and it is my obligation and privilege to insure its health and productivity for future generations.
Tags:
|
|
|