With such a strong dependence on their land for success, farmers are among the best, and earliest, environmental conservationists.

Reusing natural resources is one of the most important aspects of a farmer’s job. For dairy farmers, water is one of the most important nutrients for their cows, and one resource they constantly work to conserve.

“[Farmers] have reused their resources from the beginning of agriculture,” said Brenda Hastings, dairy farmer and owner of Hastings Dairy LLC.  “All nutrients are captured on the farm and reapplied on the fields.”

Brenda and her husband Lad Hastings, both third generation farmers, purchased their farm in 2004. Located about 40 miles from Cleveland, Hastings Dairy is among Ohio’s most environmentally conscious businesses. 

“Water is first used as a milk coolant, then as a water supply to the dairy cows and finally the manure is applied to various fields to enrich crops,” said Hastings.

According to University of Missouri professor Charles D. Fulhage, when manure is used as soil treatment, the water-holding capacity of the soil is increased by 20 percent- meaning less water is needed to grow the crops. (Continued . . . )