Constant Canopy’s Jason Mauck Brings #FarmWeird Message to Ohio

Named one of Successful Farming’s “Top 10 Up & Comers in Agriculture,” Jason Mauck from Muncie, Indiana will be bringing his message of thinking outside the box to maximize profitability while protecting the environment to the Ohio Theater in Loudonville.

Mauck will be sharing how he uses his #farmweird approach to maximize profitability and return on investment while also protecting the environment.

“Jason is a pioneer in using cover crops, including interseeding and relay cropping, and incorporating livestock into his grain operations,” said Erica White, Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) watershed coordinator. “Jason will talk about his experiences integrating livestock and manure and how that has resulted in huge yield and profitability gains, and he will also talk about how relay cropping has helped him set soybean yield records in Indiana.”

White says the title of the Conservation Chat —Keep It Together— really fits with Mauck’s unique approach to mixing things that have traditionally been managed separately on the farm into one more efficient system. Mauck believe in growing a sustainable agricultural industry but that modern standard production practices are broken; he believes things like soil health, clean water, healthy ecosystems of plants and bugs, and properly managed livestock matter.

“Whether you live or work on a farm or you are just interested in agriculture, this is a great opportunity to hear Jason speak about practices he is implementing on his own operation and how he is thinking of and implementing cutting-edge farming opportunities,” White said. “I always love hearing successful stories of farms trying something new and going out of the comfort zone! Jason Mauk is a great example of how sometimes not doing things the way they have always been done pays off.”

Mauck believes in growing a sustainable agricultural industry but that modern standard production practices are broken; he believes things like soil health, clean water, healthy ecosystems of plants and bugs, and properly managed livestock matter. Through trial and error, Mauck has developed what he calls “constant canopy” cropping systems that produce more profits from less inputs with the byproduct of creating healthier soils and a reduced environmental footprint. He says the key is all about time, space and sunlight.

“Constant cover and nutrient recycling on the farm are great ways to protect water quality and regenerate soil health,” White said. “Studies have proven that having a constant, growing crop, the way Mauck is, has great benefits when it comes to soil health by improving microbial activity and helping keep nutrients in the field. Incorporating manure and livestock into grain operations is a great way to keep nutrients on your farm and recycle those nutrients back into your crops while reducing your use of commercial fertilizers.

Registration is free for this Conservation Chat: Keep It Together thanks to the support of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, local SWCDs and local Farm Bureau organizations, but pre-registration is requested by calling 419-281-7645. The evening will include pizza from Trail’s End Pizza in Loudonville as well as drinks.

For more information, contact White at ewhite@ashlandcounty.org or by phone at 419-281-7645