LONDON, OH -- Ohio's top conservation farm families for 2000 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 21. The annual award is sponsored by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Soil & Water Conservation, Ohio Farmer magazine and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.
Among the families honored will be David and Kathy Lotz of Hardin County; David Ehrman and Linda Ehrman Beardsley of Medina County; Tim and Sherry Finney of Jefferson County; Kenneth and Kathryn Walters of Fayette County; and William A. and Mary Ellen Nose of Vinton County.
Since 1984, the Conservation Farm Family Awards program has recognized more than 91 Ohio farm families for their exemplary efforts of conserving soil, water, woodland, 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 Larry Vance, chief of the ODNR Division of Soil & Water Conservation. "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." Vance serves as coordinator for the program.
In addition to receiving $400 each from the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, the families are also featured in the September issue of Ohio Farmer magazine. Ohio Farmer magazine has sponsored the Ohio Conservation Farm Family Awards since the program's inception. Nominations are sought annually between January and May.
EDITORS NOTE: A BRIEF SUMMARY OF 2000 OHIO CONSERVATION
FARM FAMILY AWARD RECIPIENTS IS ATTACHED
For Further Information Contact:
Blaine Gerdes, ODNR Soil & Water Conservation
(614) 265-6938
-or-
Andy Ware, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6882
TOP CONSERVATION FARMERS HONORED
NATUREWORKS GRANTS