Good Neighbors Deserve To Be Honored

Building good relationships between farmers and their community is a prime focus of the Ohio Livestock Council. As a result the organization is recognizing two kinds of rural residents with Neighbor of the Year awards. One will go to a farmer and one will go to a non-farmer. The winners will be individuals who have positively developed and enhanced relationships between neighbors in Ohio's farm communities.

"Being a good neighbor means being responsible and respectful of others," says David White, OLC executive director. "This means that farmers should be courteous of their neighbors and educate them on what they do and why they do it, especially for those who may be unfamiliar with livestock and farming. In addition, rural neighbors should keep their property neat and clean and be respectful of private property and the need for farmers to safeguard their business to help preserve the rural landscape that everyone enjoys."

The Ohio Livestock Coalition in partnership with the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and Farm Credit Mid-America, is now accepting nominations for the awards. To qualify for the farmer award, the individual should:
•Be a livestock (dairy, beef, sheep, swine or poultry) farmer.
•Take opportunities to educate neighbors about the operation and process.
•Share with neighbors that farm animals require attention and care 24 hours a day, seven days a week, regardless of holidays and weekends.
•Follow OLC's good neighbor policy to: schedule/manage manure application to avoid potential conflicts with neighbors' outdoor activities, explain why farmers work late during planting and harvesting times, and be helpful (i.e. offer assistance with snow removal in the wintertime).

To qualify for the rural resident award, the individual should:
•Keep property neat, clean and trim.
•Keep pets and other domestic animals restricted to the property.
•Keep trash in a covered, enclosed receptacle.
•Not assume that farmland is open and available for an off-road vehicle or for walking.
•Talk to a farmer regarding any questions about farming or agricultural practice.

Nominations are due by Aug. 1 to the OLC office. Awards will be presented at the 16th OLC Annual Meeting and Industry Symposium on September 6. Award winners will receive a plaque and $250 will be donated to each recipient's favorite local charity of choice.

For more information or to obtain an application, contact Amy Hurst at (614) 246-8262 or ahurst@ofbf.org. For more information about Ohio's livestock farmers, and their role in providing Ohioans with safe, wholesome, affordable food, visit OLC's website at www.ohiolivestock.org.