News

Second sign-up period announced for Western Lake Erie Basin

The Ohio Department of Agriculture is announcing the second sign-up period for Western Lake Erie Basin programs funded by the passage of Ohio Senate Bill 299.

The bill provides $23.5 million for soil and water conservation districts in the Western Lake Erie Basin for nutrient management programs.

The Ohio Working Lands Hay Buffer Program encourages producers to establish year-round vegetative cover on eligible cropland. It promotes forage/hay land on certain cropland acres and the buffers act as another line of defense to filter surface water. More than 4,000 acres were enrolled in the program during the first signup period.

The Ohio Working Lands Small Grains Program encourages producers to plant small grains such as wheat, barley, oats, or cereal rye on eligible cropland. Producers must plant and harvest small grains, land apply manure, and plant a cover crop to receive a cost-share payment to help offset operating costs. More than 39,000 acres were enrolled in the program during the first signup period.

Sign-ups for the programs began June 17.

Local SWCDs manage the program sign-up and verification of eligibility and crop establishment.