Producer Self Assessment
Thank you for your interest in the Producer Self - Assessment Program.
To register contact:
Chris Riddle or Tia Rice
419-334-5016 419-447-7073
Schedule of Training Sessions
New dates have been added. Contact either Chris Riddle or Tia Rice to register.
2006 Dates
Aug 15-17, 9am-12pm
Aug 22-24, 1-4pm
2007 Dates
Jan 9-11, 1-4pm
Jan 23-25, 9am-12pm
Jan 23-25, 1-4pm
Jan 30 - Feb 1, 6pm-9pm
Feb 6-8, 1-4pm
Feb 13-15, 9am-12pm
Feb 27-Mar 1, 9am-12pm
Feb 27 - Mar 1, 6-9pm
All sessions in 2006 will be held at the Seneca County Ag. Services Center, 3140 S. State Route 100, Tiffin.
Course Preview
Helping Ohio’s farmers enhance their economic viability while protecting valuable soil and water resources is the ultimate goal of the Agricultural Environmental Self-Assessment Program training session that is being hosted by the Seneca County Soil and Water Conservation District and Sandusky River Watershed Coalition. The training sessions will be held in January, February, and March. Participants will be asked to participate in three consecutive training sessions, each lasting three hours.
The program’s curriculum focuses on key issues critically important to all Ohio farmers who are implementing management practices that are economically viable, environmentally friendly and socially acceptable. The program provides forward-thinking tools that help farmers evaluate their operation’s impact on soil and water quality, identifies and reinforces good management practices already in place, and offers assistance in developing a personalized action plan to resolve any conservation issues. Specific topics that will be addressed during the training session include soil condition and erosion, material storage, nutrient and pesticide management, pasture and woodland management, conservation practices and action plan development.
By participating in the Self-Assessment Program, producers will have an opportunity to take a pro-active approach in blending sound production economics with concern about environmental quality. The goal is to minimize government regulations by providing producers with an educational program that addresses relevant environmental issues. The last day of the training will focus on how addressing the issues on the farm can help the producer qualify for the Conservation Securities Program. Payments have been as high as $45,000 per year to producers who are addressing all the resource concerns on their farms.
The objectives of the program are as follows:
· Create awareness of environmental, conservation and natural resource issues that need to be addressed by farmers in Ohio.
· Become more familiar with conservation practices that will help farmers better identify and address environmental, conservation and natural resource issues and challenges.
· Identify various alternatives for addressing identified natural resource concerns.
· Use information from the personal self-assessment to improve your farm’s management and facilities, which in turn will lead to better protection of the environment and natural resources.
· Develop an understanding of programs and incentives available that may benefit your farm.
The Agricultural Environmental Self-Assessment Program is a confidential, free and voluntary program. It was developed by the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation in conjunction with the Ohio Agricultural Environmental Assurance Alliance, a public-private partnership consisting of producer led organizations, commodity groups, agricultural businesses, government agencies and the Ohio State University. The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, Ohio Environmental Education Fund, Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc. and USDA Risk Management Agency provided financial support.
To make a reservation to attend the training session, or for additional information about the program, contact Tia Rice at 419-447-7073 or Chris Riddle at 419-334-5016. Sessions are offered at a variety of times to accommodate as many participants as possible. A full schedule is also available at www.sanduskyriver.org. Registrations are accepted on a first come, first serve basis, and spaces are limited. Funding for this project is provided by the Ohio Environmental Education Fund, www.epa.state.oh.us/oeef/.
IMPORTANT LINKS:
