COLUMBUS — Across the state, Ohio’s farmers continue to adopt practices on their land aimed at addressing important conservation issues, such as improving Ohio’s water quality.
As farmers are stewards of the land, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources is seeking nominations of Ohio farm families who are leaders in preserving and protecting natural resources for the 2015 Conservation Farm Family Awards.
The Conservation Farm Family Award program has recognized Ohio farm families since 1984, for their efforts in managing natural resources, while meeting both production and conservation goals.
Eligibility
Individual farmers, partnerships or family farm corporations are eligible for nomination, provided a substantial portion of their income is derived from farming.
The judging is based on the nominee’s use of new and traditional conservation practices, comprehensive management, individual initiative in applying conservation measures and the nominee’s willingness to share conservation information, experiences and philosophy with others.
The awards program is sponsored by the ODNR Division of Soil and Water Resources, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Ohio Farmer Magazine and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.
Five area finalists will be selected from across the state, and these finalists will be recognized at the annual Farm Science Review in September.
They will also receive a $400 award, courtesy of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, and be featured in the September issue of Ohio Farmer Magazine.
Nomination forms can be obtained from local county soil and water conservation districts or by visiting the division’s website at soilandwater.ohiodnr.gov.
The forms must be returned by May 1 to Ohio Farmer Magazine, 117 W. Main St., Suite 202, Lancaster, Ohio 43130.
