ODA, Ohio State University Announce Agricultural Fertilizer Certification Training

Courses will begin in September in Northwest Ohio

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and The Ohio State University (OSU) today announced they are beginning to offer training courses for the new Agricultural Fertilizer Applicator Certification Program.

Signed into law by Governor Kasich on May 22nd, Ohio Senate Bill 150 creates a first of its kind certification program for applying commercial fertilizer in Ohio.

“Through this training, Ohio’s farmers will learn to more effectively apply fertilizer, helping them control costs while helping the environment by reducing runoff,” said ODA Director David T. Daniels. “I encourage all of our farmers to become certified as soon as possible and to adhere to the principles of applying the right fertilizer at the right rate at the right time and in the right place. This will help us meet our mutual goal of ensuring that the fertilizer we apply stays on the field where it can achieve its maximum effectiveness.“

Focusing on science-based practices, the bill requires farmers with 50 or more acres to attend a course on fertilizer application. In conjunction with OSU Extension, the following training courses are being offered to begin the program:

Fulton County
September 12th, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Founders Hall at Sauder Farm and Craft Village
22611 State Route 2
Archbold, OH 43502

Hancock County
September 25th, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
The Lighthouse Banquet Facility
10055 W. U.S. Rt. 224
Findlay, OH 45840

Paulding County
September 26th, 8:30.a.m – 11:30 a.m.
OSU Extension Office
503 Fairgrounds Drive
Paulding, OH 45879

Future training sessions will be held throughout the state on both a county and regional basis. Persons intending to apply fertilizer on 50 or more acres must be certified no later than September 30th, 2017.

"Our educators look forward to working with Ohio farmers to protect the state's water quality through the training on best management practices for phosphorous management," said Keith Smith, director, Ohio State University Extension, and associate vice president for agricultural administration at The Ohio State University. "These training courses, held in conjunction with the ODA, address a critical need and show agriculture's commitment to Ohio's natural resources."

For more information on the Agricultural Fertilizer Applicator Certification Program, please visit www.ohioagriculture.gov/CommercialFertilizerCert.