Governor John Kasich's newest agriculture executive order came at the same time farmers gathered to learn more about water quality. Our Eran Hami has the details and what's the buzz around the industry.
Farmers and vendors gathered in Forest, Ohio for the third annual 4R Technology Review Field Day, on Tuesday. Field demonstrations and panel discussions served to teach the 150 participants about the latest research on nutrient management and water quality.
"Farmers and the agricultural retailers that help them with their business decisions, we're all lifelong learners and want to make sure we have the latest research to make the best decisions and once and we have that information then it helps to have this kind of equipment to implement," said Chris Henney, President and CEO of Ohio AgriBusiness Association.
Through this field day, the farmers in attendance hope to strengthen the industry's commitment to cleaner waterways. Governor John Kasich is also trying to help in that area with the signing of his latest executive order.
The order aims to reduce agriculture runoff that contributes to toxic algae in Lake Erie. By doing so, eight watersheds in Northwest Ohio will be designated as watersheds in distress. Many farmers in the area are upset they weren't in on the decision-making process.
"There's been a lot of work done on these demonstration farms and I don't think he ever took a chance to come and visit the farms to see what work has been done. I think there's some issues that maybe the administration doesn't even realize that they're going to be dealing with," said Duane Stateler, Farmer.
This order is supposed to regulate how certain products are stored handled and applied. It contributes to Kasich's plan to reduce phosphorus entering the western basin of Lake Erie by 40% by 2025. Stateler has a farm of 7200 hogs, along with his field of crops. He said he's had a manure plan in place for the last 12 years. The plan laid out by the executive order has to be approved by the Ohio Soil and Water Conservation Commission at its meeting on July 19th.
"There's a big question, what does this pertain to? Is it just phosphorus? Is it phosphorus and nitrogen? Is it a CNMP or is it just a nutrient management plant? There's just a whole lot of unknowns right now until we actually see this rolled out," said Stateler.
