Ohio's Top Conservation Farmers Honored

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) recognized five families as winners of the 2025 Conservation Farm Family Awards at the Farm Science Review in London, Ohio.

The five families honored were: McBride, Hardin County; Atterholt Farms, Ashland County; Brad and Matilda Miller, Monroe County; Hatfield Farms, Clermont County; and Corcoran Farms Partnership, Ross County.

"Farmers are known for keeping conservation at the core of their operations, but these five families have dedicated their lives to conserving and preserving their land for the future," said Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge. "I am proud to recognize the 2025 Ohio Conservation Farm Family Award winners who always go the extra mile in conserving soil, water, woodland, and wildlife on the land they farm, and for their lifelong commitment to being good stewards."

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.

"Farm families have always had a deep respect for the land and resources they are entrusted to protect. The conservation practices that these families exemplify are a reminder that their steadfast work has a direct impact on their farms, their communities and all of Ohio agriculture," said Adam Sharp, executive vice president of Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. "We congratulate them and lift them up as examples of the dedication our Ohio farmers have to healthy soil and a safe and abundant food supply."

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- Jerry and Jayna McBride, Hardin County
Jerry and Jayna McBride farm 1,230 acres of corn and soybeans with an additional 74 acres dedicated to woods in Hardin County. The McBrides use a variety of conservation practices including cover crops, crop rotation, waterways, wetland restoration/development, a high precision nutrient management plan, wildlife habitat, forestry management, and is 100% no-till. Additionally, they utilize 15 water/sediment control basins, 2 blind inlets, grassed waterways, wetlands, and on-site electric production that powers their headquarters.

Area 2 Winner- Atterholt Farms, Ashland County
Mike and Aaron Atterholt farm 720 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat, and graze 100 head of Angus cow/calf on 85.4 acres in Ashland County. Atterholt Farms include 200 acres of cover crops, crop rotation, and 170 acres of conservation tillage. They have also installed 150ft of access road, 840ft of fencing, 1 watering facility, and 300ft of pipeline. In 2021, Atterholt Farms was recognized as Ashland SWCD's Cooperator of the Year.

Area 3 Winner- Brad and Matilda Miller, Monroe County
Brad and Matilda Miller run a 400-acre operation with 150 head of Blonde D'Aquitaine cattle in Monroe County. Conservation activities they practice include livestock exclusion fencing, a nutrient management plan, grazing management plan, rotational grazing, and wildlife habitat. Brad and Matilda have also implemented a pond watering system and a roofed heavy use feed pad for their operation.

Area 4 Winner- Hatfield Farms, Clermont County
Earnie, Lowell, and Mark Hatfield farm 500 acres of corn, beans, and wheat with an additional 50 acres of pasture dedicated to 40 head of cow. in Clermont County. Hatfield Farms implement conservation practices including cover crops, crop rotation, a grazing management plan, rotational grazing, and conservation tillage. The Hatfield brothers also utilize a unique, homemade cover crop planting method and frequently host field days in collaboration with Clermont SWCD to showcase their innovative planting-while-harvesting system, developed through modifications to their combine.

Area 5 Winner- Corcoran Farms Partnership, Ross County
Corcoran Farms Partnership farm 5,448 acres of corn, soybeans, popcorn, and hay in Ross County. They also raise 253 head of beef breeding stock and 108 head of beef feedlot with an additional 163 acres dedicated to woodland. Their conservation and water resource management efforts include 4,250 acres of cover crops, crop rotation, livestock exclusion fencing, waterways, drainage water management, conservation tillage, and forestry management.