Ohio Trains Farmers To Help Lake Erie, But Is It Working?

Farmer Adam Kirian runs a grain and livestock farm in Hancock County. The buildup of nutrients in western Lake Erie can trigger algae growth – and contaminate drinking water in nearby cities. That happened as recently as 2014, when Toledo residents could not drink their water for two days.

Researchers say agriculture is largely to blame, so Ohio is requiring farmers to take special training. But it’s not clear that approach will work. On a recent weekday, rows of farmers were gathered in an Ohio State University extension classroom. Everyone had a training manual, and a teacher at the head of the room explained a PowerPoint projected on the board. These farmers were here under a law passed in 2014. Most Ohio farmers are required to attend a three-hour training session, where they learn new ways to spread fertilizer. The goal is to minimize nutrient runoff into streams that lead to Lake Erie. If they don’t take the training, they can face fines or even misdemeanor charges for not being certified. So far, more than 12,600 farmers have been trained. But in a conference call earlier this year, Ohio Department of Agriculture Director David Daniels says thousands still haven’t attended the class. […]

Full article: Ohio Trains Farmers To Help Lake Erie, But Is It Working?

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Long term ag change impacts stream water quality