Jay Ostrander

What are you doing to promote soil health and water quality?

We have many terraces and waterways on our farms and also buffer strips on all of our soils bordering creeks. Most recently, we are deeply involved in two major projects. We have recently purchased a 360 Rain Machine from 360 Yield Center. We are currently irrigating corn with water and manure from one of our hog sites. We usually apply manure late fall but wanted to be able to apply in season when crops really need the nutrients and are less vulnerable to runoff. The second project in progress is the rejuvenation of oxbows near Hardin Creek on one of our properties. Both are exciting projects in which I am anxious to see to completion.

What is being done in your county to support soil and water quality?

I am starting to see cover crops being used more prevalently across the county. I am also seeing a trend of less deep tillage and or tillage on farm operations across the county.

What could be done with more public funding for soil and water quality?

More public funding could help increase the use of cover crops and also encourage or adopt practices using less tillage. It could also entice more projects such as oxbow restoration for the Topeka Shiner fish.