PAULDING, Ohio - Practicing sound environmental technologies is a key component to maintaining a successful livestock farm while helping to enhance the industry's responsible image with consumers.
"Livestock producers want to build a positive relationship with their neighbors," said Jim Lopshire, an Ohio State University Extension agent.
Ohio State Extension in Paulding and Van Wert counties will help maintain that "good neighbor policy" through LEAP (Livestock Environmental Assurance Program), an event being held on Nov. 20 on the Paulding County fairgrounds. The program, geared toward livestock producers in Ohio, is designed to increase management information exchange among producers; encourage the adoption of environmental management strategies such as composting and nutrient regulations; and provide opportunities to explore up-and-coming technology practices.
"With the increase in livestock production in both Paulding and Van Wert counties, we thought LEAP training would be beneficial to our producers and the community," said Lopshire. "The program will assist farmers with environmental issues and management strategies to enhance a responsible community relationship."
LEAP is also sponsored by the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Soil and Water Conservation, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service. The program will run from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Registration is $10 due by Nov. 16, but if participants stay the length of the session, the Ohio Livestock Coalition will refund the fee.
Topics to be discussed during the program include the need for an environmental assurance program, environmental stewardship, odor and nutrient management, and ways to handle manure to protect the environment.
For more information about LEAP, contact Jim Lopshire at (419) 399-8225, or e-mail at lopshire.1@osu.edu; or Andy Kleinschmidt at (419) 238-1214, or e-mail at aklein@ag.osu.edu.