The Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association (OCWGA) and the Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) today expressed their appreciation to the Ohio General Assembly for its proposal to address water quality among the priority legislation for the new session. Senate Bill 2, cosponsored by Sen. Matt Dolan and Sen. Bob Peterson, proposes to create a statewide watershed planning structure for programs to be implemented by local soil and water conservation districts.

“Ohio lawmakers are sending a strong message that water quality is a top priority in the coming session, and Ohio grain farmers share that priority,” OCWGA President Jon Miller said. “While the General Assembly is still working out the details of the legislation, we applaud them for their commitment to Lake Erie and other bodies of water.”

“In addressing something as important and complex as water quality, it’s important to invite all parties to the table – including farmers,” said OSA President Scott Metzger. “We thank state legislators for doing that with Senate Bill 2, and we look forward to continuing to work with them on this issue that all of us care about.”

Ohio grain farmers have embraced new farming priorities and practices in order to keep nutrients on the field, have invested in scientific research and new farming equipment, and

are applying less phosphorous on their fields than ever before. Research and education funded by Ohio’s corn, soybean and wheat farmers include the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program, edge-of-field water quality testing and updating the Tri-State Fertility Guide.

For more information, please visit formyfarm.com.