Ohio's 2026 Top Conservation Farmers Honored

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) recognized six families as winners of the 2026 Conservation Farm Family Awards at the Farm Science Review in London, Ohio. Winners were chosen across the state from five designated geographic areas, in addition to one family in the state that operates a small farm, a new category added this year.

The six families honored were: Kellogg Family, Hardin County; McKown Family, Richland County; Braddock Family, Knox County; Turpin Farms, Hamilton County; Wolfe Family, Fairfield County; and Hammersmith Family, Defiance County.

"I am honored to recognize these distinguished families as the 2026 Conservation Farm Family Award recipients. Their exemplary commitment to responsible land management, environmental stewardship, and the long-term conservation of Ohio's natural resources reflects the highest standards of our agricultural community," said Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge. "This year's honorees demonstrate innovation, integrity, and dedication to conservation that not only strengthen their operations, but also the future of Ohio agriculture."

Since 1984, the Conservation Farm Family Awards program has recognized Ohio farm families for their exemplary efforts conserving soil, water, woodland, wildlife, and other natural resources on the land they farm. Conservation farm families also host a variety of educational programs, opening their farms to schools, scout groups, farm organizations, and others.

"Ohio farmers have a long history of caring for the land and natural resources they have been entrusted to protect," said Adam Sharp, executive vice president of Ohio Farm Bureau. "These six families represent that commitment through conservation practices that protect our resources, while strengthening their farms and our communities. We are proud to recognize their work and the example they set for the future of Ohio agriculture."

The families each receive $400 from the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and are featured in the September issue of Ohio Farmer magazine. Ohio Farmer magazine has sponsored the Ohio Conservation Farm Family Awards since the program's inception. Nominations are sought annually between January and May, and Ohio farming families are encouraged to apply. For more information or to apply, individuals can contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD).

Area 1 Winner-Kellogg Farms, Hardin County

Bill and Shane Kellogg farm 5,040 acres of corn and soybeans with an additional 662 acres of woods in Hardin County. A variety of conservation practices are used on their farm including cover crops, grassed waterways, filter strips, no-till and strip till, residue tillage management, NMP's, grade stabilization structures, water and sediment control basins, grid soil testing and variable rate fertilizer application, along with wildlife habitat improvement, wetland restoration and forestry management. The Kelloggs are active in their community and have hosted many tours, sharing their experience and promoting conservation practices. Kellogg Farms was recognized as Hardin County SWCD Cooperator of 2019.

Area 2 Winner-McKown, Richland County

Neil and Pamela McKown own and operate Watershed Ranch, a 500-acre farm growing corn, soybeans, wheat and hay with an additional 115 acres dedicated to CRP forest restoration and 7 varieties of trees (including the Natural American Chestnut), and home to Angus cows. Watershed Ranch implements grassed waterways, NMPs, grazing and drainage management, wildlife habitat improvement, livestock exclusion fencing, conservation tillage, filter strips, no-till plowing and organic products as their conservation activities. Neil and Pamela value sharing their knowledge of conservation with others and host an annual program for school children to learn about agriculture, wildlife and conservation. Neil and Pamela McKown were Richland County's Cooperative of the Year 2024.

Area 3 Winner-Braddock, Knox County

Jim and Susan Braddock farm 1846 acres of corn and soybeans in Knox County. On their farm, the conservation activities used are cover crops, grassed waterways, drainage water management, filter strips, conservation tillage, drip irrigation and pest and weed management. They have been engaged with their local SWCD for over 40 years, participating in conservations programs, supporting community efforts and have been long term sponsors of the local scholarship program. The Braddocks were awarded Knox County Cooperator of 2001.

Area 4 Winner-Turpin Farms, Hamilton County

Pam Simmons and Robert Fischer, Turpin Farms, have a 400-acre operation that produces soybeans, turf and American Chestnut trees in Hamilton County. The conservation practices used on their farm are no-till, soil conditioners, pollinator and wildlife habitat improvement and drip irrigation. Turpin Farm is a Bicentennial Farm, operating since 1785 and was awarded the ODNR Ohio Water Conservation Excellence Award in 2025.

Area 5 Winner-Wolfe, Fairfield County

The Wolfe Family Farm is located in Fairfield County and consists of 1,500 acres producing corn, soybeans, wheat, hay and cover crops and 15 acres dedicated to forestry. Conservation practices include cover crops, grassed waterways, NMP, drainage water management, no-till and com-till, streambank restoration, sediment control basin, variable rate fertilizer and a chemical containment facility. Since the day he purchased his farm right out of high school, Mike has been committed to the overall health (water quality included) of his farming practices and philosophy. The farm is in the Agricultural Easement Purchase Program and Mike Wolfe was awarded the Fairfield SWCD Cooperator of 2017.

Small Farm Category-Hammersmith, Defiance County

Don Hammersmith has a 20-acre farm in Defiance County. Corn, wheat and beans are grown on the acreage with grass waterways, NMP, filter strips, a pollinator plot, 3-5 way mix cover crops conservation practices and has been no-till since 2009. Don was awarded Defiance County SWCD Cooperator of 2021and 2020-21 Golden Owl Award as the Ohio Agricultural Educator of the year and inducted in the Defiance County Ag Hall of Fame in 2026.