Business briefs: Cost share for farmers, OSHA training, Central State virtual program

Mansfield News Journal
·3 min read

Conservation district expands cost-share opportunities

Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (Richland SWCD) is partnering with the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) on cost-share programs for producers who plant cover crops and install livestock inclusion fencing. Last year, the cover crop cost-share program assisted in getting cover crops planted on over 207 acres of Richland County farmland.

Cover crop cost share enrollment is open for those landowners and farmers within the assessment zone. The 2022 MWCD CCP cost share is $12 per acre with a general cap per participant set at 200 acres. Any cover crop located in the watershed of Charles Mill or Pleasant Hill Lakes automatically qualify for funding with no cap on the acres funded. The application deadline is June 17.

Benefits of planting cover crops include reducing soil erosion and runoff, increasing rainfall and snow melt infiltration into the soil and increasing soil quality.

The cost-share program for livestock inclusion fencing is new this year. This program runs in conjunction with two-thirds United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USF&WS) funds and one-third MWCD funds to pay 100% of actual project costs not to exceed $10,000 per contract. Projects remove livestock access from the streams permanently, establishing a buffered riparian area to re-establish. Applications are accepted year-round for the livestock inclusion fencing program.

To apply for either program or get more information, call 419-747-8687 or email AgTech@RichlandSWCD.net.

OSHA training offered in June

The Regional Manufacturing Coalition for Ashland, Crawford, Huron, Knox, Morrow and Richland Counties will hold a 30-hour OSHA training from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 22, 23, 29 and 30 at the Gorman Rupp Training Center. The presenter will be Laura Smith of the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation.

Reduced workplace accidents from OSHA 30 courses help workers, companies, and taxpayers save money. The complete benefits of an OSHA 30 program can extend far beyond economic measures.

To register, go to rmcohio.org or contact Jeff Miller at director@rmcohio.org or 419-884-2164.

Central State U to host weekly program for small and agribusinesses

WILBERFORCE — Central State University Extension Community and Economic Development Programs will host weekly, informative, development program to benefit community organizations, small and agribusinesses at 2 p.m. every Thursday from June 2 to June 30 via the TEAMS app.

CED Office Hour Live! is a live, virtual, open discussion with Central State University Extension's (CSUE) Community & Economic Development (CED) team. The theme for June is Assistance for Small Farms. Attendees will learn about various U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loan, grant, and assistance programs. This is a perfect time to ask questions of agency staff and connect with other farmers and community leaders interested in growing a thriving local food economy in Ohio.

Program dates and topics include:

  • June 2: Farm Service Agency

  • June 9: Natural Resources Conservation Services

  • June 16: Rural Development

  • June 23: Agricultural Marketing Service

  • June 30: Risk Management Agency

The program is free, but registration is requested. To learn more and to register, visit CentralState.edu/office-hour-live.

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Business briefs: Cost sharing, OSHA training, Central State program