Agriculture and Land Use
The JSWCD, in cooperation with its partner the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), provides planning and technical assistance to county agricultural producers and landowners with resource inventories, grazing management and conservation planning, and mapping. With NRCS assistance, the District also helps landowners with the design of conservation and best management practices. The plans and practices help local farmers and landowners develop operations that reduce soil erosion, promote soil health and protect water quality, while increasing sustainability and resilience.
The JSWCD continues to expand outreach to agricultural producers through its local foods initiative, engaging farmers and growers by providing opportunities to market and showcase their product locally. The JSWCD, in partnership with the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and local vendors, continues to coordinate a Wednesday evening farmers’ market. 2024 was a very successful season for the market, featuring a diverse selection of vegetables, fruits, meats, honey, baked goods and artisan items from a dedicated and talented group of local farms and vendors.
The JSWCD assists with coordination of the Eastern Ohio Grazing Council, partnering with local NRCS, Ohio State Univeristy Extension, and Districts from a multi-county area. The Council is comprised of livestock producers using grazing management to promote sustainability, natural resource and animal health. The EOGC coordinates field days, winter workshops and pasture walks, rotating them through a multi-county area, offering producers comprehensive grazing information through local knowledge, networking and technical expertise.
The Districts supports the initiatives of the H2Ohio program and goals to help local agricultural producers reduce nutrient impacts to water quality.
The District offers a soil testing program to help producers determine nutrient and pH levels and recommendations for their fields.
The District continues to work with partners to provide information and resources impacted by last year's historic drought.
The JSWCD partners with the Jefferson County Auditor’s office, assisting new applicants of the Current Agricultural Use Valuation (CAUV) program with mapping, conservation, and technical information on their agricultural and forested properties.
The District is committed to stressing the role of agriculture in the local economy, working in partnership with other agencies to foster awareness of its impact and importance.







