Don’t Miss Out on H2ohio Dollars: Attend a pancake breakfast this month
Mansfield, OH - Farmers, time is running out to take advantage of the H2ohio farmer incentive program. H2ohio informational pancake breakfasts are being held by Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (Richland SWCD) in December and January. The final sign-up for H2ohio is scheduled for the spring, so producers are encouraged to attend an informational breakfast to learn more about the program so this opportunity is not missed. The breakfast is free, just bring questions and your appetite! Delicious maple syrup donated by OSU at Mansfield will top the pancakes.
Dates: Thursday, December 16, 7:30 a.m. Bloominggrove Auction House, 1091 Free Rd, Shiloh
Thursday, January 13, 7:30 a.m., Jefferson Township Hall, 115 Main Street, Bellville
RSVP is encouraged, but not required. To RSVP, contact Evan at Stern.evan@ Richlandswcd.net or 419-774-7890.
H2ohio rolled out to Richland
County in June and farmers are paid for using conservation practices that benefit soil and water health. So far, 33 producers have enrolled in the program, which represents 25,311 acres, or in other words, 1 in 4 acres that are eligible for the program. Sixteen of eighteen eligible townships are enrolled. In total, H2ohio is bringing $500,000.00 dollars to Richland County.
Under the direction of the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the H2ohio program pays farmers to adopt cropland conservation practices that aim to reduce the over-application and runoff of nutrients, primarily phosphorus, because of the algae bloom it is causing in Lake Erie. By voluntarily adopting the program practices and agreeing to manage and plan their nutrient applications, Richland County producers are simultaneously benefitting themselves and the environment, including the health of the Lake Erie ecosystem.