Ashland SWCD, Farm Bureau Plan Join Annual Meeting August 22
Once again, Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District and Ashland County Farm Bureau will be joining forces as they head back to Ashland University for their joint annual meeting on August 22 at the Myers Convocation Center.
The evening will include opportunities for community members to vote in the SWCD Supervisor Election and provide feedback on local Farm Bureau policy initiates as well as recognize conservation and agricultural leaders in the county.
In 2023, Ashland SWCD will be honoring Kinsey Valley Farm as their Cooperator of the Year.
“Everyone needs one of those ‘ride or die’ friends in their life-the one vou can call up with a new idea and they are alwavy on board,” said Ashland SWCD Conservation Specialist Katie Eikleberry. “From being the first Ashland County producer to use our cover crop interseeder to being one of the regular vendors at our Farmer's Basket Markets in Loudonville last imer, Kinsey Valley is always willing to try new programs to help further their conservation goals. We can't say enough about how we appreciate their willingness to embrace change and new programs!”
The these of being willing to try new practices and programs is common among all of the district’s 2023 award winners, including this year’s Horizon Award winner: the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD).
“Not only is MWCD the driving force and financial support behind our thriving cover crop cost share program, but they also fund our livestock exclusion fencing program, log jam removal projects, voluntary nutrient management cost share and grazing management plan cost share programs,” said Jane Houin, Ashland SWCD director. “And on top of all of that, they have also been huge supporters of our equipment rental program through their Partners in Watershed Management grant program, which has provided funding funding to add a cover crop interseeder, small ground-driven manure spreader, and cover crop crimper roller to our lineup to help area producers implement next-level conservation programming on their farm. We truly value their long-term partnership.”
The final award winner for 2023 is Mapleton FFA, the district’s 2023 Volunteer of the year.
“Ashland SWCD's annual tree sale is a huge undertaking-and one we couldn't do without the support of our friends like Mapleton FFA,” said Ashland SWCD Outreach Specialist Ruth McCrea. “In 2022, Mapleton FFA hosted our tree sale pick up at their school and provided countless volunteer hours helping to pack and sort trees for our sale and count Arbor Day programs.”
In addition to honoring these award winners, guests at the annual meeting will also hear from guest speaker Ryan Haden from Ohio State ATI. Registration is only $5 per person and includes dinner. Registrations must be received by August 11 by calling the Farm Bureau office at 330-263-7456.