Ohio Demo Farms Project Leaves Lasting Conservation Legacy

By Andi Anderson

The Blanchard River Demonstration Farms Network, a decade-long partnership between USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Ohio Farm Bureau, officially concluded on September 30, marking ten years of impactful agricultural conservation research in Ohio.

Launched in 2015 as part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the project showcased 18 conservation practices designed to improve water quality and nutrient management within the Blanchard River Watershed.

These practices included nutrient management plans, subsurface nutrient placement, soil testing, cover crops, filter strips, and two-stage ditch systems—all aimed at reducing phosphorus runoff and sediment loss.

Over the past decade, three Farm Bureau member families—the Kelloggs, Kurts, and Statelers—opened their farms to nearly 4,000 visitors, hosting close to 200 tours and demonstrations.

Their efforts gave farmers, researchers, and policymakers firsthand insight into how innovative conservation systems can protect soil and water while maintaining profitability.

Ohio Farm Bureau Director of Water Quality Jordan Hoewischer praised the program’s success. “The demonstration farms project has been incredibly successful at exposing farmers to the latest conservation practices while showing the public how real farms operate,” he said.

Farmers involved in the network also reflected positively on the experience. Bill Kellogg admitted he was initially hesitant to open his farm to public view but later called the project “a wonderful experience.”

Similarly, Duane Stateler noted that long-term conservation changes produced benefits beyond expectation, including higher organic matter and improved soil health.

Chris Kurt added that edge-of-field research has been key to identifying practices—such as filter strips and phosphorus removal beds—that deliver lasting water quality benefits.

The initiative also expanded to include satellite projects, such as a three-year saturated buffer study near Grand Lake St. Mary’s and collaboration with Wisconsin’s Water Resources Monitoring Group under a Conservation Innovation Grant.

While the project officially ends, its legacy continues through the ongoing adoption of conservation practices and a stronger, more resilient Western Lake Erie Basin watershed.

Photo Credit: ohio-farm-bureau