Nominees being accepted for Conservation Farmer Awards

Five area finalists will be chosen from around the state.

SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR

COLUMBUS — Nominations are being accepted for Ohio’s Conservation Farmer Awards Program.

Started in 1984, the program recognizes farm families who are doing an outstanding job of managing natural and human resources in such a way as to meet the twin goals of production and conservation.

The program is coordinated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Soil and Water Conservation, and co-sponsored by Ohio Farmer magazine and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.

Nomination forms can be obtained from:

UDSWC Web site www.ohiodnr.com

UOhio Farm Bureau Federation Office, P.O. Box 182383, Columbus, OH 43212-2383

UOhio Farmer Magazine, 117 W. Main St., Suite 202, Lancaster, OH 43130.

Nominations must be received by May 1, and are to be sent to Ohio Farmer magazine. A farm family may nominate themselves or another farm family. An agricultural or conservation agency or organization also may place nominations.

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, comprehensive management, individual initiative in getting conservation measures applied on the land and the farmer’s willingness to share conservation information, experiences and philosophy with others.

Five area finalists will be chosen from around the state. These top conservation farm families will be recognized at a ceremony during the Farm Science Review in September.

They also will receive a $400 check courtesy of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and be featured in the September issue of Ohio Farmer magazine.