RICHARD FLAX FAMILY NAMED

2005 CORN ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AWARD WINNER

A South Charleston family farm that has developed and implemented exemplary conservation and resource stewardship management practices that protect and enhance the environment while conserving precious natural resources has been named the recipient of the 2005 Environmental Stewardship Award sponsored by the Ohio Corn Growers Association (OCGA) and Ohio Livestock Coalition (OLC).  Pictured left to right are Richard & Peggy Flax, Dwayne Siekman of OCGA and Mike Bumgarner Chairman of OLC.
 

This year’s recipient, Gain & Grain Farm Inc. of South Charleston, is owned, operated and managed by members of the Richard Flax Family, who are constantly striving to improve surface drainage and protect vulnerable soils from potential erosion.

According to the Flax Family, the farm has always had a unique need for stewardship as three of its tracts have moderate slopes that must be carefully managed to minimize erosion. Several miles of grass waterways as well as nine acres of buffer strips have been installed for this purpose, as well as the use of no-till and minimum tillage crop production practices.

By developing and following an approved manure management plan for its swine finishing operation, Gain & Grain Farm no longer has a need to purchase commercial phosphorus or potassium fertilizers, and has significantly reduced its need for nitrogen fertilizer. Thus, the farm has become very self-sufficient while improving crop yields and soil tilth. The operation currently consists of 6,000 market hogs in a wean-to-finish system with crop enterprises consisting of 1,800 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat, and alfalfa. 

“The Flax Family is representative of the many positive steps and actions being adopted by farmers in Ohio and throughout nation, and fully demonstrates that every day is Earth Day to a farmer,” said OLC Executive Director David White. “As we celebrate Earth Day on April 22, we should definitely pause to recognize the positive contributions and efforts made by farmers to protect the environment, conserve natural resources, and provide food and habitat for almost three-fourths of the nation’s wildlife.”

 “Environmental stewardship is the responsible treatment of all our natural resources. Conserving soil, keeping water pure, and avoiding contaminates in the air we breathe are obvious stewardship fundamentals. Many of the environmental challenges that we face can be overcome by positive attitudes and long term thinking,” said Richard Flax. “I realize the value my grandfather and father placed on preserving this farm and community. I want to be able to look back at how I have managed resources with no regrets concerning the outcome. I want my children and grandchildren to be able to look at my decisions and make similar commitments to their grandchildren. Good stewardship is my opportunity to preserve some of the wealth that the good Lord has given me and share it with my descendants and community.”

During a program sponsored by Ohio’s Country Journal that was held at the recent OLC Industry Symposium & Annual Meeting, Gain & Grain Farm and the Flax Family -- along with six other Ohio farms -- was honored for being outstanding stewards of the land, air, soil, water, wildlife and other natural resources. Each recipient was presented with a plaque courtesy of the sponsoring organization, as well as a proclamation recognizing their commitment to the basic principles of environmental and natural resource stewardship from Ohio Governor Bob Taft.

Factors considered in determining award recipients include the general nature and history of the farming operation; nutrient management system, including water quality protection measures, odor control practices, land application practices, and soil and crop management practices, being utilized; how the nutrient management program contributes to the respective operation’s profitability; stewardship goals and accomplishments; innovative management practices developed and implemented; involvement in programs that promote environmental stewardship; steps taken to develop and present a positive image for the individual operation, which also contributes to the positive perception of agriculture; and steps taken to improve communications and relations with the farm’s neighbors and community.