Crawford SWCD’s 78th annual meeting highlights election results, conservation excellence, and future agriculture technology

BUCYRUS—The Crawford Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) held their 78th annual meeting at The Loft at Pickwick Place on August 30, 2023.

One of the main events at the meeting was the SWCD Board of Supervisor’s Election.

Congratulations to Braxton James and Larry Leonhardt who were elected to the Crawford SWCD Board of Supervisors for three-year terms beginning January 1, 2024.

This year’s outstanding cooperator award, sponsored by Ag Credit, went to Sunny Slopes Farm from Sulphur Springs. Sunny Slopes Farm, led by Nathan Brause, became a cooperator in 2003 and uses a multitude of conservation practices including grassed waterways and associated rock structures, grass filter strips, 4R nutrient management planning, whole farm resource management plan to reduce runoff, tree plantings and multi-species cover crops. He also utilizes conservation tillage practices including no-till and grid sampling with variable rate application. Sunny Slopes Farms has participated in the H2Ohio Program, EQIP, CRP, and the Loss Creek Phosphorus Reduction Program.

Dr. Scott Shearer was the featured entertainment for the evening. Dr. Shearer is from The Ohio State University.  He is the Professor and Chair of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering Departments at OSU.  Dr. Shearer’s slideshow and presentation gave a very interesting look at the future technology in agriculture.

Special recognition was given to our SWCD affiliate members who assisted the district by donating $5,350 to the upcoming 2024 programs. Their donations help the district provide the many outreach programs that educate current and future landowners about the importance and techniques of using conservation practices on the land.

The Crawford Soil & Water Conservation District appreciates all of the individuals who have cooperated with the district over the last 78 years by realizing the importance of conservation practices on the land and recognizing that our current generation must continue to work to protect all of our natural resources for future generations!