BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—A comprehensive new survey released by the Ohio Ag Conservation Initiative (OACI) reveals that a vast majority of regional farmers are implementing high-level conservation practices to protect soil health and water quality.
The 2025 survey, which randomly evaluated 464 fields across 24 counties in the Western Lake Erie Basin, found that 97% of farmers use soil testing to guide their nutrient applications. The results challenge common misconceptions regarding agricultural runoff, showing that nearly 70% of farms are enrolled in official conservation programs. Mike Hall of the Crawford County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) called the data a “profound” testament to the efficacy of modern farming management.
Key highlights from the report include:
- 89% of farmers consult professional certified crop advisers for nutrient management.
- 81% of surveyed fields showed no visible signs of soil erosion.
- 97% of farms using manure followed all required legal setbacks to protect waterways.
“It’s great evidence that what we do as conservationists is working,” Hall said, noting that the randomized nature of the study provides a more accurate picture of regional practices than previous data sets. The full report is available at the Crawford SWCD website.