Farmer's Corner: Agricultural Conservation

If you are interested in implementing a best management practice on your land or enrolling in one of the available agricultural assistance programs, contact our office today!

Our staff is available to help you with the process:
Matthew Browne, Area Conservation Technician - (419) 893-1966 ext. 3#
Dj Mears, Agricultural Conservationist - (419) 893-1966 ext. 4#

For information on Soil Testing, please visit the Additional Resources page. 

Explore the Agricultural BMPs page to learn more about ways you can
protect and improve the soil and water on your farm, and beyond.

Second Sign-up Period for Western Lake Erie Basin Assistance Programs

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) announced the second sign-up period for programs in the Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB), funded by the passage of Ohio Senate Bill 299.

Ohio Working Lands Hay Buffer Program:
  • Encourages producers in the WLEB to establish year-round vegetative cover on eligible cropland along a ditch or stream.
  • Buffers act as another line of defense to filter surface water while allowing participants to harvest or forage from the established areas.
  • Approximately 4,075 acres have already been enrolled.
  • Annual payment of $120/acre per year for a 5-year period is available for establishment and maintenance.
  • To learn more about the Hay Buffer program and/or to enroll, view the Fact Sheet or contact contact Matt Browne, Area Conservation Technician: (419) 893-1966 ext. 3#

Ohio Working Lands Small Grains Program: 
  • Encourages producers in the WLEB to plant small grains such as wheat, barley, oats, or cereal rye on eligible cropland.
  • Participants must plant and harvest grains, land apply manure, and plant a cover crop or double-crop soybeans to receive payment.
  • Supports planting small grains and cover crops, while extending the application season and acreage for manure.
  • Approximately 39,226 acres have already been enrolled.
  • To learn more about the Small Grains program and/or to enroll, view the Fact Sheet contact Matt Browne, Area Conservation Technician: (419) 893-1966 ext. 3#

Lake Erie Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program

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Sign-up, or re-enrollment,
is now open for the Lake Erie Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP).

Lake Erie CREP is a federal and state conservation program designed to address agriculture-related environmental concerns. Participants receive financial incentives and annual rental payments from USDA to voluntarily enroll environmentally-sensitive cropland or pastureland in contracts for 15 years.  All newly enrolled filter strips and riparian area practices through August 23rd, 2019 will be eligible to receive an additional bonus payment of $200 per acre. Eligible land must be within the Lake Erie Watershed and meet the basic eligibility requirements for USDA's Conservation Reserve Program.

Contact the Lucas SWCD or your local FSA office to learn more!
​
LSWCD Contact:
​Matthew Browne, Area Conservation Technician
(419) 893-1966 ext. 3#
(419) 377-0901
mbrowne@co.lucas.oh.us

FSA Contact: 
Eastern Lucas - (419) 898-2651
Western Lucas - (419) 335-6061
Sign-up period ends August 23, 2019!

Do you farm in the Heilman Ditch Watershed of Swan Creek?

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Grant eligibility area (click to search by address.)
Want to try cover crops or a drainage water management structure? Give the office a call! The Lucas SWCD still has funding through the end of 2019 for these practices in the Heilman Ditch and adjacent watersheds!

Click here to enter your farm address and see if you're within the Heilman Ditch watershed, and click here to download the contract. Contact our office with questions!


(Not in this area? Check out USDA-NRCS cost-share programs here.) 
​Please Note: This project or publication was financed in part or totally through a grant from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Environmental Protection Agency with the following funds: Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The contents and views, including any opinions, findings, or conclusions or recommendations, contained in this product or publication are those of the authors and have not been subject to any Ohio Environmental Protection Agency or United States Environmental Protection Agency peer or administrative review and may not necessarily reflect the view of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency or United States Environmental Protection Agency and no official endorsement should be inferred.

Protect yourself & Lake Erie!  Know the Senate Bill 1 Application Rules

Remember to check the local forecast before you apply! 
New application rules are in effect for farmers in the Western Lake Erie Basin. ​Click here to read the rules that are now state law, and here for the 48-hour weather forecast that limits when it is legal to spread fertilizer or manure. If you have questions or if you believe there has been a violation of Senate Bill 1, please call the Lucas SWCD office.
MAUMEE WEATHER