LONDON, OHIO - Ohio's top conservation farm families for 2014 were honored today for their long-standing dedication to natural resource conservation on the land they farm. The annual honor was presented to each family during a ceremony held at the Farm Science Review near London. The award is sponsored by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Soil and Water Resources, Ohio Farmer magazine, Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.
The families honored were: Karl and Kevin Elder from Fairfield County; Bruce and Carole Goodwin of Warren County; Casey Clemens of Morgan County; Steve and Beth Fulton of Medina County; and Gerald and Cheryl Whipple of Ottawa County.
"The Ohio Conservation Farm Family Awards recognize farm families who have gone the extra mile in protecting the environment while producing the food and fiber crops that are such an important part of Ohio's economy," said ODNR Director James Zehringer. "The practices these people use to prevent soil erosion and water pollution benefits all Ohioans and illustrates what individuals can do to conserve natural resources."
Since 1984, the Conservation Farm Family Awards program has recognized 161 Ohio farm families for their exemplary efforts conserving soil, water, woodland, and wildlife and other natural resources on the land they farm. Conservation farm families also host a variety of educational programs, opening their farms to schools, scout groups, farm organizations and others.
In addition to receiving $400 each from the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, the families were also featured in the September issue of Ohio Farmer magazine and received plaques from Hancor Inc. Ohio Farmer magazine has sponsored the Ohio Conservation Farm Family Awards since the program's inception. Nominations are sought annually between January and May, and Ohio farming families are encouraged to apply.
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.
For more information, contact: Stephanie Leis, ODNR Office of Communications 614-265-6860
Editor's Note: Profiles of the 2014 Conservation Farm Family Award Winners are below.
Area 1 Winner - Gerald and Cheryl Whipple farm more than 300 acres in Ottawa County where they grow corn, soybeans and wheat. To improve their soil quality and address drainage issues, the Whipples have installed surface and sub-surface drainage tile. Additional conservation practices the family has implemented include site specific soil testing, variable rate fertilizer application, no-till, filter strips, erosion control structures, cover crops and crop rotation. The Whipples enjoy sharing their efforts as they continue to educate others on the positive impacts they have experienced on their farm. As a member of the Ottawa SWCD since 2006, Gerald has had numerous opportunities to speak to groups about the importance of conservation programs and the benefits to be derived. They have opened their farm to the public and hosted several education events on their farm. Visitors to these events were able to view how a site is managed for wildlife benefits by establishing upland habitat, riparian corridors and cool season filter strips. When asked to describe their conservation philosophy, Gerald said, "My grandfather and father were very passionate about taking care of the soil. I strive to pass that legacy on to the next generation. "
Area 2 Winner - Steve and Beth Fulton farm 680 acres in Medina County. Their main crops are corn, soybeans, forages and wheat. They also raise dairy cows and have a certified nutrient management plan approved by the Medina SWCD. The Fultons have been district cooperators for 35 years. Conservation techniques the family utilizes include managing runoff to keep the water clean by rerouting the water through diversions, water and sediment control basins (WASCOBs), roof gutters, settling basin and filter strips. Fencing has been installed to prevent livestock from entering streams and woodlots. The Fultons have hosted numerous public events, including field days, area technician tours, local school programs and the Medina AgDay Tours. When asked to describe their conservation philosophy, Steve said, "Take care of the soil and water, and the soil and water will take care of you. "
Area 3 Winner - Casey Clemens farms more than 1,300 acres in Morgan County. Casey has been implementing conservation plans since he started farming, and he grows corn, soybeans, barley and hay as well as raises cattle. His conservation efforts include no-till, cover crops, crop rotation and the installation of livestock exclusion fencing around streams and woodlots. The woodlot is managed for grapevine control, crop tree release, brush management and for wildlife benefits. Educational outreach is a vital component of the Clemens farm, and they have hosted multiple conservation tours of their farm to show how these practices are being utilized and how they benefit their operation. Casey also has a certified nutrient management plan approved by the Morgan SWCD. When asked to describe his conservation philosophy, Casey said, "Land is a very important resource that we cannot renew. Applying conservation on the land is something we take seriously and will continue to strive to maintain. "
Area 4 Winner - Bruce and Carole Goodwin farm more than 2,000 acres in Warren County. They grow soybeans, corn, wheat and hay. They also raise livestock and have a certified nutrient management plan approved by the Warren SWCD. The Goodwins have been district cooperators for 30 years. Conservation practices implemented include no-till, cover crops, crop rotation and grassed waterways. The fragile Clermont soil is highly impermeable and easily compacted, and as a result, they were one of the early innovators utilizing no-till in the mid-1980s. However, there was too much residue and the soil would not dry so they started incorporating the residue with vertical tillage. When asked to describe their conservation philosophy, Bruce said, "I enjoy the constant struggle of trying to do the sustainable thing for the good of the land that I farm and the entire environment that it affects. "
Area 5 Winner - Karl and Kevin Elder farm more than 1,500 acres in Fairfield County. They grow corn, soybeans, wheat and raise cattle. Conservation techniques practiced include 100 percent no-till, cover crops, crop rotation, filter strips, grassed waterways and livestock exclusion fencing. The Elders have been district cooperators for more than 31 years. They have hosted local soil judging contests on their farm and have collaborated with neighbors to resolve drainage problems. Ohio Farmer Magazine also wrote a feature story focusing on the Elders and their innovative tiling practices. In 1991, the Elders began implementing precision farming practices with grid sampling and variable rate nutrient/lime application. Yield monitoring and guidance started several years later. When asked to describe their conservation philosophy, Kevin said, "This land has to last a lot longer than any of us will be around to appreciate. We try to preserve, improve and leave it better for the next generation. "
