NEW H2OHIO CONSERVATION AGRONOMISTS AVAILABLE TO ASSIST FARMERS

REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Agriculture has announced four new H2Ohio conservation agronomists are now available to assist farmers with H2Ohio in the Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB).

The four crop experts selected and employed by Helena Agri-Enterprises (Putnam County), Nutrien Ag Solutions (Hancock County), Legacy Farmers Cooperative (Hancock County), and Luckey Farmers, Inc. (Wood County) will work with local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) staff and farmers in the WLEB to educate and guide the implementation of H2Ohio Best Management Practices (BMPs) that reduce nutrient runoff and improve water quality.

“These agronomists are local experts and trusted advisors in their communities who will be a huge benefit to farmers in northwest Ohio,” said ODA Director Brian Baldridge. “Promoting, educating, and assisting producers with implementing H2Ohio practices is instrumental in protecting Ohio’s water quality for generations to come.”

In conjunction with educating producers on H2Ohio BMPs, the newly hired conservation agronomists will also work with local producers to incorporate the 4Rs of the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program: Right Source of Nutrients at the Right Rate and Right Time in the Right Place.

“By investing in on-the-ground agronomy expertise for farmers, Ohio continues to demonstrate leadership in conservation innovation,” said Aaron Heilers, Executive Director of the Ohio Nutrient Stewardship Council. “Agricultural retailers are at the forefront of helping farmers implement effective nutrient management strategies, and placing dedicated experts within these retail locations will strengthen the H2Ohio and 4R Certification programs, leading to positive water quality outcomes well into the future.”

Today, more than 2.5 million acres of cropland in Ohio are enrolled in Voluntary Nutrient Management Plans (VNMPs) through H2Ohio. Approximately two million of those enrolled acres are in northwest Ohio, encompassing more than 50% of the crop acres in the WLEB.

Since Ohio Governor Mike DeWine launched the initiative in 2019, H2Ohio has continued to grow with enrolled farmland acres now at an all-time high. Serving as a critical link between agriculture retailers, producers, and H2Ohio practices, the new agronomists will provide one-on-one technical assistance, facilitate training events and on-farm demonstrations, and support nutrient planning for producers in the WLEB and across Ohio.

H2Ohio is Governor Mike DeWine’s statewide water quality initiative designed to address complex issues impacting Ohio’s waters. Launched in 2019, H2Ohio uses a comprehensive approach guided by science and data to reduce algal blooms, stop pollution, and improve access to clean drinking water. H2Ohio’s agricultural program, which initially focused solely on farms located in northwest Ohio near Lake Erie, incentivizes farmers to implement science-based, proven best management practices to prevent nutrient runoff and improve water quality.

For more information on the H2Ohio initiative, visit h2.ohio.gov.