Mahoning County’s Baltes Farm Showcased in Statewide Agricultural Tour

Mahoning County, OH — A Mahoning County family is gaining statewide recognition for their commitment to conservation and sustainable agriculture. AJ Baltes, a Board Supervisor for the Mahoning County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), will be featured during the “From Seed to Storage” Ag Tour, a highlight of the 2025 Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (OFSWCD) Summer Supervisor School held July 27–29 in Cuyahoga Falls.

The tour will bring conservation leaders from across the state to Baltes Farms, where AJ and his father Andy, manage more than 1,100 acres enrolled in the H2Ohio program. Their farm has become a model for implementing soil health practices, including cover crops, nutrient management, and habitat restoration. The Baltes family have been strong advocates for sustainable farming, working closely with local and state agencies to demonstrate how conservation practices can work on a large scale without sacrificing productivity. The “From Seed to Storage” Ag Tour will offer attendees a unique, ground-level view of how Ohio farmers and conservation professionals are working together to ensure the health and productivity of the state’s natural resources.

Baltes’ participation in the event highlights the leadership role that Mahoning County continues to play in the state’s conservation efforts. “We’re proud to see one of our own recognized for this important work,” said Mahoning SWCD Executive Director Kathi Vrable-Bryan. “Through innovation and stewardship, the Baltes family is leading the way in natural resource conservation.”

For more information about the Mahoning County SWCD or to learn about local conservation programs, visit www.mahoningsoilandwater.org