From Ag Solutions' Jim Keller:
At the recent Farm Science Review, Alan and Lou Brown, proprietors of Brownhaven Farms, were presented with an Ohio Conservation Farm Family award. Please join me in sincere congratulations to these good folks who are setting a great example for our farm community. Lou Brown is very active in our group, constantly stepping up to attend special meetings and sharing his experience and wisdom whenever asked. We truly appreciate his involvement.
Attached is a copy of the letter informing the family of the award. Below is a press release describing the Brown operation and their involvement in environmentally sound practices. If you see any of the Browns out and about be sure to extend your good wishes to them.
In 1984, the Conservation Farm Family Awards program was created to recognize Ohio farm families for their long-standing dedication to natural resources and their exemplary efforts on conserving soil, water, woodland, and wildlife on the land they farm. The Conservation Farm Family Awards program pays tribute to these farm families who have gone the extra mile in protecting the environment and their commitment to being good stewards of their natural resources.
Area 1 (Northwest Ohio) Winner- Lou and Alan Brown from Brownhaven Farms
They farm more than 225 acres in Auglaize County. Their major crops are corn and alfalfa, and raise 250 registered Holstein dairy cows and 180 head of replacement heifers. The Browns have been district cooperators for more than 30 years. Conservation practices include no-till, cover crops, grass water ways, filter strips, quail-buffers, crop rotation, and minimum till. They also have restored wetland on the farm and installed controlled drainage structures. The Browns are also participating in the ADAPT network, which will perform research on their farm regarding proper nutrient management. They have hosted a variety of groups, including Ohio State Extension, a Canadian Cover Crop Tour, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and they Ohio Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Summer Supervisor tour. The Brownhaven Farm has been featured in numerous newspapers and magazine articles showcasing their efforts to protect the environment. When asked to describe their conservation philosophy, they said their philosophy is “To respect the land, manage it properly and leave the farm in better condition for the next generation.”