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Farmers urged to get
Agricultural Fertilizer Certification training
Ag coalition reminds applicators they must be certified by Sept. 30,
2017
REYNOLDSBURG, OH (Jan. 12, 2017) – A strong coalition consisting of the
Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA), The Ohio State University and
several state agricultural organizations* are encouraging farmers to
attend training courses for the Agricultural Fertilizer Applicator
Certification Program.
Signed into law by Governor John R. Kasich in May 2014, Ohio Senate
Bill 150 created a first of its kind certification program for applying
commercial fertilizer in Ohio. Focusing on science-based practices, the
bill requires farmers applying commercial fertilizer to more than 50
acres to attend a course on fertilizer application. Applicators must be
certified no later than September 30, 2017.
“As farmers look for training opportunities we would encourage them to
become certified through our program as soon as possible,” said ODA
Director David T. Daniels. “While they can’t plant in the winter, they
can learn about the numerous practices that will save them money while
improving water quality. Nearly every farmer who takes the training
says they learned something, so I ask producers what are they waiting
for?”
OSU Extension will hold numerous training sessions across all regions
of the state this winter. The training sessions focus on best
management practices and the latest research to keep nutrients in the
field and available to crops while reducing nutrients leaving the
field. To date nearly 12,000 farmers have become certified through the
program.
“We are looking forward to seeing Ohio farmers at our nutrient
application trainings this year,” said Roger Rennekamp, director of
Ohio State University Extension. “There are hundreds of workshops
scheduled, and we’ll be sharing the latest research-based information
on how to get the most out of fertilizer applications. Farmers want to
prevent nutrient run-off as much as anyone, for economic and
environmental reasons.”
While applicators have until Sept. 30 to become certified, the majority
of training sessions for certification will occur in the winter. ODA
will strive to gain voluntary compliance but applying commercial
fertilizer after Sept. 30 without a certification could result in fines
and/or being charged with a misdemeanor offense.
“Between the law and voluntary efforts, farmers have proven they’re
willing to help address Ohio’s water quality challenges,” said Adam
Sharp, executive vice president of Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.
“Becoming certified by the deadline is a crucial part of meeting our
responsibilities.
For more information on certification training, farmers can visit
www.nutrienteducation.osu.edu. Once there, farmers can learn more about
the training and even sign up for classes in their area.
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