With a busy spring planting season around the corner, H2Ohio participants should be prepared to hit the ground running.  Completed voluntary nutrient management plans (VNMPs) must be submitted and approved by the local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Board or the Ohio Department of Agriculture director’s designee prior to the start of spring field operations.

To ensure sufficient time for plans to be reviewed and approved, the Ohio Department of Agriculture is requesting that all producers submit their VNMP to their local SWCD or designee no later than April 1, 2021.  If you will not have your plan complete by April 1, you are asked to discuss the current status of your plan with local SWCD staff.  Participants who begin spring nutrient applications without an approved plan may jeopardize H2Ohio payments if nutrients are applied in excess of those prescribed in their approved plan.