Conservation Chat to focus on Small, Hobby Farm Manure Management

No one wants to talk about it, but we all have to deal with it: poop. Whether you’re a large-farm operator with an extensive manure management plan or a simple homeowners with your own residential septic system, poop is one of those common realities of life we all have to deal with. 

And when you add livestock to the mix, the poop grows exponentially. That’s why Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is joining together with Holmes, Wayne and Richland Soil and Water Conservation Districts to host Conservation Chats: Oh, Crap! on July 28 . The event will get started at 6 p.m. at Valley Vista Farm near Jeromesville

“Oh Crap! Is going to be a really fun, hands-on event focused on helping small and hobby farmers—from 4-H and FFA members to our local Amish producers—start thinking about manure management,” said Jerome Fork Watershed Coordinator Erica White. “No matter if you have 600 sows or two pigs you’re raising for the fair, it’s important to have the conversation about how to properly manage your manure.”

In fact, Ohio EPA cites livestock manure runoff as one of the biggest concerns for water quality in the Mohican River watershed, particularly runoff from poor field application practices and livestock in streams. That’s one of the reasons Ohio EPA has invested in this event for educational outreach by providing a mini grant to help fund the event.

“We’re going to be starting off with the basics of soil testing, so participants can really understand whether applying livestock manure to their pasture, field or garden is going to benefit the soil or maybe even do more harm than good,” White said. “Then we’re going to talk about testing manure for nutrient levels and how to determine what rates that manure should be applied based on those results.”

Jane Houin, Ashland SWCD program administrator, said that some participants will also receive free soil samples and manure samples as part of the program so that they can perform those tests for their own operation.

“We’re going to talk about how to develop an application plan and calibrate your application equipment before wrapping up with a ‘Poop Olympics’ - style competition where folks will have the chance to put their newfound knowledge to work and compete for prizes,” White said.

As a bonus, Ashland SWCD will be providing fun, free t-shirts from the event to all participating 4-H and FFA members.

“Manure is not something anyone really likes to deal with or talk about,” Houin said. “So, we’re really working to make the topic fun and approachable while still being educational. It’s going to be a fun night!”

The Conservation Chat: Oh, Crap! event is free, and includes dinner, but pre-registration is required. Attendees can register by calling the Ashland SWCD office at 419-281-7645 or by visiting https://www.eventbrite.com/e/conservation-chats-oh-crap-tickets-155853226195

The event will take place at Valley Vista Farm at 1567 County Road 175, Jeromesville and will begin promptly at 6 p.m. For more information, contact Ashland SWCD at 419-281-7645 or visit www.ashlandswcd.com