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 listed below, 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.

Horse Manure Management: Solutions for You

An average 1,000-pound horse produces approximately 11 tons of waste (manure plus bedding material) per year! This waste requires proper storage and disposal to avoid negatively impacting the water quality of nearby streams and lakes. We have several solutions to assist you in being proactive in preventing pollution and your ability to run/own a conservation-minded horse operation. 
​
  • Free Management Plan: The Lucas SWCD is offering all Lucas County horse owners a free manure management plan! This short document will help you calculate your storage needs and can act as affirmative defense against nuisance complaints.
  • Composting: The Lucas SWCD also offers to take manure from local horse owners and turn it into valuable compost at our low-cost state certified facility in Whitehouse, Ohio. 
Contact our office if interested in either of these options! 
Jessica Wilbarger, Natural Resources Specialist
(419) 893-1966 ext. 5# or (419) 377-0065

View/download our informational brochure

2020 Funds for the Headwaters Tenmile Watershed

Want to address erosion, flooding, and runoff issues without financial risk? The Lucas and Fulton SWCD offices have funds to install water control structures, erosion control structures, and buffer strips throughout the Headwaters Tenmile Watershed to do just that! Contact Jackie Savage at 419-337-9670 or Pete Carr at 419-337-9662 with questions.

Learn more, and to see if your property is eligible,click here.

Cost-share practices include:
  • Riparian Buffers: minimum 30-foot grass or forested buffer with a payment of up to $900/acre.
  • Prairie Buffers: minimum 30-foot buffer made up of a mix of native grasses and flowers with a payment of $1,000/acre.
  • Water/Erosion Control Structure: installation of structures meeting NRCS standards and specifications will receive up to $1,800/structure. 

Protect yourself & Lake Erie!  Know the Nutrient Application Rules

Remember to check the local forecast before you apply! 
Nutrient application rules, pertaining to both manure and fertilizer, are in effect for farmers in the Western Lake Erie Basin. ​Visit the ODA website to read the state law and check the 48-hour weather forecast before applying to ensure you are not in violation. If you have questions or if you believe there has been a violation of this law, please call the Lucas SWCD office.
MAUMEE WEATHER