Crawford County farmers have shown growing interest in a state conservation effort targeting nutrient runoff, according to the Crawford Soil and Water Conservation District.
Derek Beat, who represents the district, pointed to the H2Ohio initiative's expansion locally. The program began in 2019 as a response to harmful algal blooms in the Western Lake Erie Basin and offers farmers financial incentives plus technical guidance.
Beat described the effort as centered on holding soil in place, applying nutrients at the proper time and location, and selecting the correct nutrient source. He also said shifting agricultural economics have led more producers to revisit their practices.
The county entered H2Ohio in 2021, and since then both the number of participating farmers and total contracted acreage have climbed steadily, district officials said.
Sign-ups for the present contract term are shut. Officials expect announcements about future enrollment windows as the next multi-year contract period draws near in summer 2027.
Statewide, H2Ohio also covers urban water infrastructure work, pipeline replacement, and wetland restoration meant to filter runoff. Producers and landowners seeking information on later openings or local assistance can reach the district office in Bucyrus or the program's state website.