Commissioners recognize National Ag Week; local farmers describe conservation and specialty crops

Warren County commissioners on March 8 received remarks and a proclamation recognizing March 18–24 as National Agriculture Week from Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District staff and local producers.

Molly Conley, director of the Soil and Water Conservation District, briefed the board on the district's outreach and partnerships with the Farm Bureau, Ohio State Extension, the Natural Resources Conservation Service and state agencies. "Agriculture is the number 1 industry in Ohio," Conley said, and she described the district’s role in technical assistance, funding opportunities and conservation programming.

Two local producers described their operations and conservation efforts. Jason Spellmeyer, who farms about 1,500 acres in Turtle Creek Township, described crop rotation and conservation practices that his family has pursued for decades and said farms provide food, wildlife habitat and green space for the community. "Farming is, not without its challenges... but I think the role that farms can and should have in a healthy community," Spellmeyer told commissioners.

Dave Woltman, a small hops grower in Hamilton Township, spoke about specialty‑crop production for the craft‑brewing industry and local market connections. County staff presented small tokens from a local apiary and read a proclamation recognizing National Ag Week; commissioners accepted the proclamation and thanked district staff and producers for their presentations.

Speakers encouraged commissioners and residents to engage with Soil and Water programs, attend events and support conservation work that sustains agricultural land in the county.