By Andi Anderson
A Loudonville farm family has been recognized for its commitment to conservation and stewardship. Atterholt Farms received the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s (ODA) Conservation Farm Family Award, presented Sept. 19 during the Farm Science Review in London, Ohio.
The honor was awarded to five farm families statewide for their dedication to preserving soil, water, and land resources. ODA Director Brian Baldridge praised the winners, saying, “Farmers are known for keeping conservation at the core of their operations, but these five families have dedicated their lives to conserving and preserving their land for the future.”
Atterholt Farms is operated by Mike and Aaron Atterholt, who manage 720 acres of corn, soybeans, and wheat, along with 85.4 acres for grazing 100 Angus cow/calf pairs. Their conservation efforts include:
- Planting 200 acres of cover crops
- Practicing crop rotation and 170 acres of conservation tillage
- Building 150 feet of access road and 840 feet of fencing
- Installing one watering facility and 300 feet of pipeline
Mike Atterholt explained that the fencing and access road help keep cattle away from the stream that flows through the property. This prevents manure from entering the water, reducing nutrient runoff and protecting water quality.
Along with statewide recognition, each winning family received $400 from the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and was featured in the September issue of Ohio Farmer magazine.
By combining crop management strategies with livestock stewardship, Atterholt Farms demonstrates how conservation practices strengthen both farm operations and the surrounding environment. Their efforts reflect the growing importance of sustainable farming across Ohio.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-eugenesergeev
Categories: Ohio, General, Sustainable Agriculture