ODPA to Hold Dairy Farmer Educational Meetings for New Manure Application Laws

Ag retailers encouraged to attend along with dairy customers

With the passage of Senate Bill 1, changes to manure handling were made effective July 2015 for farmers in the Western Lake Erie Basin. Restrictions to when and how manure is allowed to be applied will result in new strategies for operations that generate large amounts of manure.

To help dairy operations in the area navigate the new law, the Ohio Dairy Producers Association will hold five farmer education meetings across the impacted area. The meetings will provide participants with information on Senate Bill 1 and how to comply, in addition to background information on water quality in Lake Erie. Participants will also learn about being granted an extension on compliance, available for up to two years as long as applicants can demonstrate a plan for eventual adoption.

Meetings will be held in Fulton, Hancock, Paulding, Auglaize and Huron counties. Agricultural retailers are encouraged to invite their dairy customers to attend one of these educational meetings, as well as attend the meeting with their customers.

“By working closely with ag retailers, dairy farmers will have a strong partner to aid them in complying with the new regulations,” said Chris Henney, president and CEO of Ohio AgriBusiness Association. “These educational meetings will provide direction to participants, giving them the information and resources needed to implement changes.”

The meetings will be held July 20-24, from 9 a.m. to noon. Click here for specific dates for each county. Registration is free, but participants should reserve a spot here.