Ohio's leading Conservation Farm Families recognized
Five Ohio families, committed to natural resource conservation and improved water quality, were recognized at the 2013 Farm Science Review in London.
The 30th annual Conservation Farm Family Award program was sponsored by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ (ODNR) Division of Soil and Water Resources, Ohio Farmer magazine, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Natural Resources Conservation Service and Hancor Inc.
"It gives me great pride to recognize these families who value conservation as much as I do and have raised the bar for other Ohio farmers to achieve,” said ODNR Director James Zehringer. "These producers lead the way in preventing soil erosion and improving water quality, while growing the food that helps to feed all of us."
Since its inception in 1984, the Conservation Farm Family Award has recognized 156 Ohio farm families for their exemplary efforts of conserving soil, water, woodland and wildlife and other natural resources on their farms. Conservation farm families also host a variety of educational programs, including opening their farms to groups such as schools, clubs and other organizations.
The families receiving the award were: Lou and Deb Brown and Alan and Ruth Brown from Auglaize County; Harold and Maureen Campbell from Mahoning County; Randy and Marijane Raber from Guernsey County; Daniel Weber from Clermont County; and Brad and Susan Barber from Brown County.
In addition to receiving $400 from the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, the families are featured in the September issue of Ohio Farmer magazine and receive plaques from Hancor Inc. Ohio Farmer magazine has sponsored the Ohio Conservation Farm Family Award since its inception. Nominations for the award may be submitted annually to ODNR between January and March.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
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Note: The profiles of the 2013 Conservation Farm Family Award winners are listed below.
Area 1 Winner – Lou and Deb Brown and Alan and Ruth Brown farm more than 200 acres in Auglaize County. Their major crops are corn, soybeans and wheat, and they also raise dairy cows. The Browns have been district cooperators for more than 30 years. Conservation practices include no-till, cover crops, crop rotation, grassed waterways and filter strips. They have also restored a wetland on the farm and installed controlled drainage structures. The Browns are also participating in the ADAPT network, which will perform research on their farm regarding proper nutrient management. They have hosted a variety of groups, including Ohio State Extension, a Canadian Cover Crop Tour, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and the Ohio Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Summer Supervisor tour. The Brownhaven Farm has been featured in numerous newspaper and magazine articles showcasing their efforts to protect the environment. When asked to describe their conservation philosophy, they said their philosophy is “To respect the land, manage it properly and leave the farm in better condition for the next generation.”
Area 2 Winner – Harold and Maureen Campbell farm more than 600 acres in Mahoning County. Their main crops are hay and oats, and they raise cattle. Conservation practices include no-till, cover crops, crop rotation, grassed waterways, filter strips, contour strips and livestock exclusion fencing. A 2-acre wetland has been restored on the farm. The Campbells have been district cooperators for 35 years. Harold hosted the 2012 District FFA Land Judging Career Development Event and has also mentored the Jackson Milton FFA for 25 years to prepare them for the Envirothon and soils contests. Harold served two terms on the Mahoning SWCD Board of Directors. When asked to describe their conservation philosophy, the couple said, “We use solar energy to produce forages. We then manage the forages with beef cattle. All of this is done while protecting the environment.”
Area 3 Winner – Randy and Marijane Raber farm more than 2,500 acres in Guernsey County. They grow corn, beans, hay, and they raise cattle. Conservation practices utilized include no-till, cover crops, grassed waterways, filter strips and contour strips. A 100-acre wetland has been restored on the farm. Livestock exclusion fencing has been installed to prevent cattle from entering streams. Other conservation measures include rotational grazing, access roads, heavy use pads, nutrient management, critical area seeding and cool season plantings. The Rabers have been district cooperators since 1995. They have opened up their farm to SWCD employees for grazing training. Elected officials have also been invited to view the operation. When asked to describe their conservation philosophy, Randy said, “Conservation is an ever-evolving process, with a better way and more to learn. An open mind can protect our environment and be more profitable.”
Area 4 Winner – Daniel Weber farms 120 acres in Clermont County and raises cattle, sheep and poultry. Conservation techniques utilized include livestock exclusion fencing, rotational grazing, automatic waters and hydrants for water access in all fields. He reseeded the crop field down to a grass/clover mix and has been doing intensive rotational grazing. He rotates cows, chickens and sheep through the same fields and has been able to maximize forage use and improve forage quality. Daniel was named the Clermont SWCD 2012 Cooperator of the Year. Dan has been working with OSU Extension on a grass measurement study each year to determine forage yields. Dan is always thinking outside the box and willing to try new methods of pasture management, including mob grazing. When asked to describe his conservation philosophy, Dan said it was “To maximize productivity while conserving my land resources using a variety of practices, and continuing to observe, learn and improve our operation.”
Area 5 Winner – Brad and Susan Barber farm more than 2,000 acres in Brown County. Their primary crops include corn, soybeans and wheat. To address soil erosion and water quality issues on the farm, the Barbers worked with the local SWCD and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to install grassed waterways, rock chutes and cover crops. By 2013, 90 percent of the row crop plantings on the farm have been no-till. In March 2013, more than 100 people visited their farm for Cover Crop Field Day for landowners in Brown and Clermont counties. The Barbers have been cooperators with the SWCD since 2013. When asked to describe his conservation philosophy, Brad said, ”I hope to farm in a sustainable way to ensure improved soil quality for the future. I want the ground I leave behind to be better than what I received.”