May 19, 2026

Ohio Farmers Are Making Conservation Gains—And the Latest OACI Assessment Shows It 

Ohio farmers are stepping up in a big way. The newest Ohio Agriculture Conservation Initiative Assessment Report: Western Lake Erie Basin shows real progress across the Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB), with more producers adopting practices that protect soil health, improve nutrient efficiency, and support cleaner water. 

And while the work isn’t finished, the data makes one thing clear: voluntary conservation is gaining momentum. 

What Is OACI—and What Are the Assessments? 

OEC helped found the Ohio Agriculture Conservation Initiative (OACI), a statewide partnership of farmers, conservation groups, agribusinesses, universities, and environmental organizations working together to improve water quality while supporting a strong agricultural economy. OACI was created to build trust, share data, and help farmers adopt proven conservation practices that keep nutrients on fields and out of waterways. 

To understand what’s happening on the ground, OACI conducts independent, science‑based assessments of randomly selected farm fields across key watersheds. These assessments are not audits — they’re snapshots of real farming practices, collected through Soil and Water Conservation Districts’ farmer interviews and field‑level data. The goal is simple: measure which conservation practices are being used, identify where progress is happening, and highlight where more support or resources are needed. 

By repeating these assessments over time, OACI can track trends, show how voluntary conservation is working, and help guide programs like H2Ohio to the places where they can have the biggest impact. 

When Comparing OACI’s 2021 Lower Maumee Watershed Assessment to their 2026 WLEB Assessment, Farmers Are Succeeding: 

1. Smarter soil management- Farmers are testing their soils more often and using precision tools to understand exactly what their fields need. 

• “97% of the fields surveyed were soil-tested at least every 4 years,” compared to 83% tested at least every 3 years in 2021.  

2. More conservation tillage- Reduced tillage is becoming the norm, helping keep soil and nutrients in place. 

• “Approximately 71% of the fields were no-tilled, minimally-tilled or strip-tilled,” compared to 50% in 2021. 

3. Growing use of precision technology- Variable‑rate fertilizer application continues to rise, helping farmers apply nutrients more efficiently. 

• “51% of fields surveyed had been using variable-rate P application,” compared to 40% in 2021.  

4. Increased Voluntary Nutrient Management Plans (VNMPs)- This rapid growth reflects a cultural and operational change: farmers are increasingly formalizing their nutrient strategies, documenting practices, and aligning with science‑based standards. 

• In 2021, just 54% of participating farms had a VNMP. By 2026, that number climbed to 76% when both VNMPs and Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans were included. 

5. Strong participation in H2Ohio- Farmers are showing up for conservation programs. 

• “62% of enrolled acres are in H2Ohio.” 

These are meaningful shifts that support both farm profitability and water quality. 

Where Challenges Remain 

1. Nitrogen management slipped- Use of stabilizers and recommended rate tools declined. 

• “Farmers used N stabilizers on 21% of fields surveyed,” compared to 61% in 2021.  

2. Surface phosphorus application is still common- Even with more incorporation and planter placement, surface application remains the top method. 

• “52% using surface application with incorporation.” 

3. Water management structures aren’t widespread- More than half of fields had no structures installed, though some didn’t need them. 

• “52% did not require or use a water management structure.” 

These gaps highlight where continued investment, education, and support are needed. 

The Bottom Line 

Ohio farmers are making real, measurable progress—adopting more precise, conservation‑minded practices that benefit both their operations and the Western Lake Erie Basin. The OACI assessment shows momentum, commitment, and a strong foundation to build on. 

And by continuing to work together, Ohio farmers, agencies, researchers, and conservation partners can keep moving toward healthier soils, cleaner water, and a stronger agricultural future.