By Andi Anderson
On June 9, Ohio lawmakers participated in a farm tour hosted by the Ohio Agriculture Conservation Initiative (OACI) in Findlay, Ohio. The tour aimed to showcase how local farmers are implementing innovative conservation strategies to protect Ohio’s water quality.
The event highlighted three northwest Ohio farms that have adopted science-based conservation practices as part of the H2Ohio program, a statewide initiative designed to address water quality challenges impacting the region.
The tour, which included over 30 participants, featured various conservation strategies such as cover crops, no-till and strip-till systems, two-stage ditches, land buffers, and advanced manure management techniques.
These practices are part of the Blanchard River Demonstration Farms Network, a ten-year, $2 million collaboration between the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.
The network aims to help farmers adopt the right mix of practices that minimize nutrient and sediment loss while being mindful of financial considerations.
OACI, as a proud partner of the Ohio Farm Bureau, plays a key role in advancing science-based solutions that benefit both agriculture and water quality.
Over the years, the initiative has helped to benchmark agricultural best practices and established a voluntary certification program for farmers to encourage participation in improving water quality across Ohio.
OACI’s core components—assessment, verification, and certification—provide valuable tools to measure the effectiveness of farming practices in reducing nutrient runoff and preventing algal blooms. These efforts are crucial in ensuring a healthier water environment for Ohio’s communities and ecosystems.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-fotokostic
Categories: Ohio, General, Sustainable Agriculture