News

Ohio farm families honored during Farm Science Review

Five farm families were honored with the 2024 Conservation Farm Family Awards at this year’s Farm Science Review.

The Conservation Farm Family Awards program recognize Ohio farm families for their efforts conserving soil, water, woodland, wildlife, and other natural resources on the land they farm.

Each family was awarded $400 from the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.

Area 1 Winner- Arden and Kay Weller, Putnam County
Weller Farms, Putnam County, farms 400 acres of soybeans, wheat, and alfalfa. They also manage 88 acres of forest. Their conservation practices include 100 acres of cover crops, 250 acres undergoing crop rotation, waterways, 8.5 acres of filter strips, 45 acres of wetland restoration and development, 250 acres under a nutrient management plan, wildlife habitat, drainage water management, 250 acres of conservation tillage, 88 acres under forestry management, and four large wetlands. Weller Farms has 1,415 feet of two-stage ditch that is showcased to other farmers for field days. Sadly, Arden has passed away, but was described as, “a true steward of the land.”

Area 2 Winner- Fred and Jason Workman, Ashland County
Twin Oak Farms, Ashland County, farms 475 acres of corn, soybean, and hay. They also run a 120-head beef cow operation and a 150-head background/replacement calf operation. Conservation activities include 200 acres of cover crops, 300 acres utilizing crop rotation, waterways, filter strips, 10 acres of livestock exclusion fencing, 345 acres under a nutrient management plan, a grazing management plan, 100 acres undergoing rotational grazing, two acres of pollinator habitat, drainage water management, conservation tillage, and erosion control through natural spring development and stabilization of roads in heavy use.

Area 3 Winner- J and Rachel Hodge, Muskingum County
Windy Ridge Jerseys, Muskingum County, farms 243 acres of corn, alfalfa, grass hay, triticale/rye, and pasture. They run a 140-head milk cow operation and manage160-heifers. They also manage 60 acres of forest/woodland. They utilize conservation activities such as 35 acres of cover crops, 100 acres using crop rotation, 70 acers of filter strips, a nutrient management plan, 18 acres under rotational grazing, concrete liquid manure storage, a new milking facility, and the choice to use a more sustainable cow breed (Jersey cattle).

Area 4 Winner- Alan and Rachel Mehl, Butler County
Alan and Rachel Mehl, Butler County, farm 125 acres of soybeans and 15 acres of forest. Their conservation activities include 125 acers of cover crops, nearly four acres of waterways, nearly 27 acres of wildlife habitat, 125 acres of conservation tillage, a conservation plan, no-till, and subsurface drainage. Alan has received the Outstanding Cooperator Award.

Area 5 Winner- Jim and Dee Jepsen, Fairfield County
Jepsen Family Farms, Fairfield County, farm 1,645 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay. They also operate a 50-head beef cattle operation. They incorporate conservation practices including 721 acres of cover crops, 1,555 acres utilizing crop rotation, 27 waterways (16 of which are enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program), filter strips, nutrient management plans, grazing management plans, and rotational grazing. Additionally, Jepsen Farms includes 1,555 acres of conservation tillage, six water and sediment control basins, one systematic tile, heavy use area protection, three grade stabilization structures, and two livestock pipelines.

Contact your local SWCD for more information about the program or to apply.

Photo provided by ODA.