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.

H2Ohio Funds: Sign up now through March 31st

​H2Ohio will provide funding directly to farmers in the 14 Ohio counties of the Maumee River Watershed to supplement the cost of implementing best management practices specifically chosen for the program. 

Farmers in Lucas County who are interested in enrolling in H2Ohio should contact our office to make an appointment with Matt Browne, the LSWCD Area Conservation Technician, to discuss plans on a farm by farm basis. 

Matt Browne: (419) 893-1966 ext. 3# or (419) 377-0901
Learn more about H2Ohio and the 7 best management practices eligible for funding assistance.

Continuous Sign-up for Western Lake Erie Basin Assistance Programs

In June 2019, the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) announced the second sign-up period for assistance programs in the Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB). These programs are 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.
  • Payment of $75/acre available after all program requirements have been verified.
  • 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#

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