The Ohio Department of Agriculture, The Ohio State University, and other agricultural organizations within the state are now urging farmers to attend training courses for the Agricultural Fertilizer Applicator Certification Program.
Under Ohio Senate Bill 150, the state now requires farmers who apply commercial fertilizer to more than 50 acres to attend a course on fertilizer application. Agricultural professionals must be certified no later than September 30, 2017.
The OSU Extension will hold training sessions across the state this winter, which will be focused on best management practices and how to keep nutrients in the field. More than 12,000 farmers have already become certified through the program.
ODA Director David T. Daniels says, “As farmers look for training opportunities we would encourage them to become certified through our program as soon as possible. While they can’t plant in the winter, they can learn about the numerous practices that will save them money while improving water quality. Nearly every farmer who takes the training says they learned something, so I ask producers what are they waiting for?”
Fertilizer applicators who are not certified in the state by September 30 could face fines and be charged with a misdemeanor offense. Gov. John Kasich signed Ohio Senate Bill 150 into law in May 2014 to require certification for the application of commercial fertilizer.
“Between the law and voluntary efforts, farmers have proven they’re willing to help address Ohio’s water quality challenges,” said Adam Sharp, executive vice president of Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. “Becoming certified by the deadline is a crucial part of meeting our responsibilities.”