Farmer Jeff Duling believes in the agricultural practices promoted by the H2Ohio program.
“I believe in cover crops and what it does for my operation. We use cover crops in the winter to get us through strong winds and heavy rains,” says Duling.
In fact, his father has been implementing conservation-based practices like these since the 1970s. “My dad was a forward thinker. He could see tillage was not the answer. I was lucky he was a part of that,” says Duling.
As a Farmer Advocate for Conservation, Duling is passionate about improving soil health and sharing his success with other farmers.
He notes that these practices, combined with what he learned works on his fields, also have helped his operation improve yields.
“Our yields just keep climbing. We are doing less replanting because we don’t have soil crusting. It’s good to see improvement on these issues we’ve had in the past,” says Duling.
Duling Family Farms
The Dulings have been implementing conservation-based agricultural practices on their farm since the 1970s.
H2Ohio practices have also benefited his operation in other ways—like combating drought.
“I have always done the things in the H2Ohio program—cover crops, grid sampling, adding manure only where it was needed. It gets me through disasters happening like the drought last year,” says Duling.
He shared he hopes the program continues, as he can already see the improvement in his area and in Lake Erie.
“I am proud of farmers like me for implementing these practices. It is working. I see more and more farmers trying it. I hope they don’t pull the funding,” says Duling.
Duling shares his hope for future generations to continue conservation-based agricultural practices.
“My son hasn’t done tillage yet. He sees we don’t need it. He is even more interested in sustainability and regenerative agriculture than I am. That makes me feel great about the future,” says Duling.
I am proud of farmers like me for implementing these practices. It is working. I see more and more farmers trying it. I hope they don’t pull the funding.
Explore our Work in Ohio
Sustainable Agriculture in Ohio
Learn how The Nature Conservancy is working to safeguard Ohio’s food security and abundant water supplies.
Securing Clean Water for Ohio
From the shores of Lake Erie to the banks of the Ohio River, water sustains us. Learn how TNC is helping safeguard clean water so people and nature can thrive.
Ohio Stream and Wetland In-Lieu Fee Mitigation Program
The Nature Conservancy’s Ohio Stream and Wetland In-Lieu Fee Mitigation Program (OMP) restores and protects streams and wetlands for future generations.