Awards honor farmers for conservation efforts

Nomination forms must be sent by May 1.
CORTLAND -- Agriculture, Ohio's largest industry, is also the largest land user in the state with nearly 60 percent of Ohio's land area used for crop production and pasture.
Farming has a big impact on the state's land, water, woodland, wildlife and natural resources. Local soil and water conservation districts and farm bureaus have joined to recognize farm families doing an outstanding job of managing production and conservation.
The Ohio Conservation Farmer Awards program was started more than 20 years ago and is coordinated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Soil and Water Conservation, and is co-sponsored by Ohio Farmer magazine and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.
One of the first families to receive this honor was that of George and Ruth Sharec of Newton Township.
Individual farmers, partnerships, or family farm corporations are eligible, provided a substantial portion of their income is derived from farming. Judging is based on the nominee's use of new and traditional conservation techniques, and comprehensive management.
Initiative in getting conservation measures applied on the land and the farmer's willingness to share conservation information, experiences and philosophy with others is vital.
A farm family may nominate themselves or another farm family. An agricultural or conservation agency or organization may also place nominations.
Nomination forms can be obtained from the Trumbull Soil & amp; Water Conservation District, 520 West Main St. Cortland, Ohio 44410, or the Trumbull County Farm Bureau office at P.O. Box 160 Orwell, Ohio 44076. Nomination forms must be sent to Ohio Farmer magazine by May 1.
Five area finalists will be chosen from around the state. These top conservation farm families will be recognized at a ceremony in September. They will also receive a $400 check courtesy of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and will be featured in the September issue of Ohio Farmer magazine.