Ohio Conservation Leaders Gather at Baltes Farm for Tour
Mahoning County, OH — As part of the 2025 Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (OFSWCD) Summer Supervisor School, local and state leaders gathered at Baltes Farm in Mahoning County on July 28 for the highly anticipated “From Seed to Storage” agricultural tour. The event, which brought together conservation professionals from across Ohio, spotlighted the innovative conservation practices being implemented on the 1,100-acre farm managed by AJ Baltes and his father Andy.
Baltes Farm, located in western Mahoning County, has emerged as a leading example of sustainable agriculture in the state. Their participation in the H2Ohio initiative and ongoing implementation of best management practices such as cover cropping, nutrient management, and habitat restoration have made the operation a model for conservation-minded farming. The July 28 tour offered attendees a firsthand look at how the Baltes family successfully balances high productivity with environmental stewardship.
The event also drew several notable attendees, including Mahoning County Commissioner Geno DiFabio and State Representative Tex Fischer (R-Boardman), who joined the tour to show their support for local agriculture and natural resource conservation. Their presence underscored the importance of collaboration between elected officials and conservation professionals in protecting Ohio’s farmlands, water quality, and soil health.
“It’s inspiring to see a Mahoning County farm take center stage in a statewide event like this,” said Mahoning SWCD Executive Director Kathi Vrable-Bryan. “The Baltes family’s dedication to conservation is a shining example of how innovative farming practices can benefit both agriculture and the environment.”
The “From Seed to Storage” tour was a core part of the OFSWCD Summer Supervisor School, which took place July 27–29 in Cuyahoga Falls. The event brought together district supervisors, staff, and partners for a series of educational workshops, networking opportunities, and site visits focused on conservation success stories across the state.
For more information on Mahoning County’s conservation programs or to get involved, visit www.mahoningsoilandwater.org.
A full photo gallery from the tour is available below — check out the highlights!
