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State Representative Jim Buchy
Improving the
Future of Ohio Agriculture
The Toledo water problems of 2014 caused growing concerns over water
quality, especially in Lake Erie’s western basin. In order to
fully address the issues with nutrient loading in Lake Erie we must
address issues in our municipalities and in farm country.
Understanding that many farmers in northwestern Ohio have taken
voluntary steps to reduce their environmental impact, Senate Bill 1
considered these actions and made them the law for all farmers in the
western basin of Lake Erie. When asking farmers to change practices, we
must also extend those same expectations to other nutrient loaders, so
additional regulations have been placed on waste water treatment and
dredging across the state.
Research from The Ohio State University and other agricultural experts
clearly indicates that farmers should be applying nutrients only after
checking the weather. After all, when nutrients leave the field
farmers lose money, so retaining that value in their fields is a
priority. Farmers have always checked the forecast before cutting hay
and the same diligence should be paid to keeping nutrients on the
field.
For the many farmers who are already utilizing nutrient-management
plans, these new standards will not have a significant impact on these
farms. The new guidelines are meant to ensure that all farming
practices are in line with the best nutrient management policies.
The new standards set by SB1 ban the application of nutrients when the
top two inches of soil are saturated by precipitation and limits when
fertilizer can be applied to frozen soil. Nutrient applications
are also limited while there is a significant chance of rain.
As of July 3, 2015, these standards are in effect. However, in
order to reduce the financial burden on small and medium size livestock
farms, these operations are permitted to seek a temporary exemption
allowing more time to prepare. Additionally, the Division of Soil
and Water can grant permission to apply manure in emergency cases.
The new regulations set forth by Senate Bill 1 are very important for
the health of Lake Erie. They have been prescribed based on
agricultural research and determined to be the most environmentally
sound approaches to farming. Lake Erie is an asset to Ohio, and
we all have interests in preserving the health and beauty of the lake
for years to come.
As farmers begin to follow these new provisions, they should be
consulting with their county NRCS, OSU Extension, and the Division of
Soil and Water.
If you would like further in-depth information on Senate Bill 1 and
these new guidelines, please visit tinyurl.com/newaglaws
Please give me your opinion on this topic and other issues in the news
by completing a brief online survey at tinyurl.com/buchyoctober2015
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