REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Agriculture and Ohio State University will offer training courses for the new Agricultural Fertilizer Applicator Certification Program.
Signed into law by Gov. John Kasich May 22, Ohio S.B. 150 creates a first of its kind certification program for applying commercial fertilizer in Ohio.
“Through this training, Ohio’s farmers will learn to more effectively apply fertilizer, helping them control costs while helping the environment by reducing runoff,” said ODA Director David T. Daniels. “I encourage all of our farmers to become certified as soon as possible and to adhere to the principles of applying the right fertilizer at the right rate at the right time and in the right place. This will help us meet our mutual goal of ensuring that the fertilizer we apply stays on the field where it can achieve its maximum effectiveness.”
Focusing on science-based practices, the bill requires farmers with 50 or more acres to attend a course on fertilizer application.
In conjunction with OSU Extension, the following training courses are being offered to begin the program:
Fulton County. Sept. 12, 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., at Founders Hall at Sauder Farm and Craft Village, 22611 state Route 2, Archbold.
Hancock County. Sept. 25, 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., at The Lighthouse Banquet Facility, 10055 W. U.S. Route 224, Findlay.
Paulding County. Sept. 26, 8:30.a.m.-11:30 a.m., at the OSU Extension Office, 503 Fairgrounds Drive, Paulding.
Future training sessions will be held throughout the state on both a county and regional basis. Those intending to apply fertilizer on 50 or more acres must be certified no later than Sept. 30, 2017.
For more information, visit www.ohioagriculture.gov/CommercialFertilizerCert.
