Ad explains smell of spring (and manure)

COLUMBUS — Every spring, Ohio’s dairy farmers tend to their farms by spreading liquid manure across their fields.

To alert their communities to the process, and explain the odor, the American Dairy Association Mideast and Ohio Dairy Producers Association are launching a new “Spring is in the Air” ad campaign.

Doing their part

The new ad campaign features a list of the steps farmers take to lessen the manure smell and be courteous to their neighbors. They include:

— Increasing spreading of liquid manure during cool weather;

— Tilling liquid manure into the ground as soon as possible after spreading, where appropriate;

— Minimizing spreading near and on holidays

Nearly all of Ohio’s dairy farmers live where they work and are committed to maintaining healthy communities. Responsible environmental practices and animal care are essential to their success because they create the foundation for producing the best dairy foods.

A wide range of environmentally sound practices are used on Ohio’s dairy farms, including manure-management plans, water-recycling systems, conservation tillage, grass, waterways and routine water testing.

With these practices, dairy producers raise healthy animals and keep their farms clean and safe. Ohio’s dairy farmers are committed to providing safe, nutritious, affordable dairy foods to all Ohioans.

Boosts economy

With 276,000 dairy cows, Ohio’s 3,300 dairy farms produce more than 5 billion pounds of nutrient-rich milk annually. Ohio’s dairy industry contributes significantly to the state’s economy, generating $5.9 billion in revenues and providing 14,750 jobs.

The “Spring is in the Air” print advertisements will run in local dairy farm communities throughout April.