Nominations accepted for 2019 Conservation Farm Family Awards
The Ohio Department of Agriculture recognized five Conservation Farm Family Award winners in 2018 at Farm Science Review last September. Plaque winners were Area 1 winner, the Brause family; Area 2 winner, the Mechling family; Area 3 winner, the Hicks family; Area 4 winner, the Lohstroh family; and Area 5 winner, T. Wayne Vickers. Also pictured are Adam Sharp, Ohio Farm Bureau executive vice president, and ODA director David Daniels.
The Ohio Department of Agriculture 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,” Gov. 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,” ODA director Dorothy Pelanda said. “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 also will receive a $400 award, courtesy of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, and be featured in the September issue of Ohio Farmer magazine.
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, OH 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.