(Submitted by the Ohio Department of Agriculture)
The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is accepting nominations to honor Ohio farm families who are leaders in conservation for the 2019 Conservation Farm Family Awards. The Conservation Farm Family Award program has recognized Ohio farm families since 1984 for their efforts in managing natural and human resources while meeting both production and conservation goals.
“There are many farmers working hard to conserve natural resources, and this is an opportunity to recognize Ohio farm families who are going above and beyond in their conservation efforts,” Governor Mike DeWine said. “We thank farmers for their efforts, and we encourage people to participate in this program.”
“We are always so excited to take a moment and celebrate the Ohio farmers going the extra mile in the conservation practices they use on their farms,” said ODA Director Dorothy Pelanda. “I look forward to seeing the diverse ways our farmers are working to conserve our state’s natural resources and giving them the recognition they deserve.”
Five area finalists will be selected from across the state and 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. The following photograph is from the 2018 ceremony.
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 techniques, comprehensive management, individual initiative in applying conservation measures and the nominee’s willingness to share conservation information, experiences and philosophy with others.
Nomination forms can be obtained from local county soil and water conservation districts or by visiting ODA’s website at www.agri.ohio.gov. The forms can be submitted by email to dswc@agri.ohio.gov or by mail to Conservation Farm Family Award, C/O Ohio Department of Agriculture 8995 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. The forms must be returned by Monday, June 3.
The awards program is sponsored by the ODA Division of Soil and Water Conservation, Ohio Farmer magazine, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.
