Agriculture
Lorain County Conservation District is dedicated to serving the agricultural community of Lorain County. If we can be of any assistance, please contact our office at 440-326-5800.
Ohio Conservation Farm Family Awards
Entry Deadline is May 8, 2026
Nominations are to be emailed to: dswc@agri.ohio.gov
Subject line: Conservation Farm Family Award-Ohio Department of Agriculture
Ohio Conservation Farm Family Awards
The Ohio Conservation Farm Family Awards program recognizes farmers who are doing an outstanding job of protecting and conserving soil, water, and related natural resources on the land they farm. Coordinated by the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) Division of Soil and Water Conservation (DSWC) and co-sponsored by the Ohio Farmer magazine, the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, and the Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the program emphasizes the application of technically sound, innovative, and cost-effective conservation practices and encourages the sharing of this information with other farmers and the general public. For questions about the application contact ODA-DSWC at 614-265-6610 or dswc@agri.ohio.gov
NEW THIS YEAR! Small Farm Category
The Ohio Conservation Farm Family Awards program is pleased to announce the addition of the Small Farm category to recognize conservation efforts across a broader range of Ohio farms. While the Conservation Farm Family Awards have long recognized outstanding conservation leadership among Ohio’s farming operations, the addition of this category ensures that farms with smaller scale operations are also highlighted alongside more sizable agricultural producers who are demonstrating strong stewardship of Ohio’s natural resources.
For this category, a small farm follows the definition used by the USDA: An agricultural operation with annual gross cash farm income of less than $350,000, regardless of acreage. Small farms make up a significant portion of agriculture in the United States, many managing less than 50 acres. They can play an important role in protecting soil, water, and natural resources while greatly contributing to their community and Ohio’s agricultural story.
H2Ohio: OHIO’S PLAN FOR CLEAN WATER
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio Department of Agriculture and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency each has a significant role in H2Ohio through the creation of wetlands, the reduction in phosphorus runoff, and access to clean drinking water and quality sewer systems.
CAUV - Current Agricultural Use Valuation
The Current Agricultural Use Value (CAUV) reduces the land value of properties devoted exclusively to commercial agricultural use. The program values land based on soil type rather than development potential. Set by the Ohio Department of Taxation, the adjusted values help reduce tax bills for working farmers.
A one time, non-refundable $25.00 fee is due with the initial application. The CAUV application must be submitted between the first Monday in January and the first Monday in March. The Auditor's Office mails annual renewal forms by January 15th every year.
For land to qualify for Current Agricultural Use Valuation (CAUV) it must:
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Be devoted exclusively to commercial agricultural use for the three calendar years prior to the year-end of filing the application
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Property must total ten (10) or more acres
or
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If less than ten (10) acres it must produce an Average Yearly Gross Income of at least two thousand-five hundred dollars ($2,500), or evidence of anticipated income of that amount,
or
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It must be devoted to, and qualified for, payments (or other compensation) under a land retirement or conservation program under an agreement with a federal government agency.
How are CAUV land values calculated?
The Ohio Department of Taxation uses several criteria, such as yield information, cropping patterns, crop prices and non-land production costs to set soil value. For more information, read their explanation of the calculation for 2024. For more information on Lorain County soils please read the Lorain County Soil Survey.
Land converted from agricultural use is subject to a recoupment charge equal to the amount of the tax savings on the converted land during the three years immediately preceding the year in which the conversion occurs.
CAUV renewal applications are due by the first Monday in March of each year.
For more details:
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refer to Section 5713.30 of the Ohio Revised Code.
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view CAUV Forms
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call the Lorain County Auditor's Office at 440-329-5485.
2. Agricultural District - Information for Placement of Farmland in an Agricultural District
3. CAUV Forestry Requirements
Helpful CAUV Tools:
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2025 Lorain County Farm Bureau Presentation - January 30, 2025
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CAUV Soil Rate Sheet: The Ohio Department of Taxation's soil rates for each soil type in Lorain County from 2015 to 2024.
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Ohio Department of Taxation's explanation of the calculation for 2024
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2025 CAUV Table – This document lists the current agricultural use values of both cropland and woodland for each soil type for use in counties with property reappraisals or updates in 2025.
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Explanation of 2025 calculations - This document explains the method used to develop the 2025 values.
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Informational presentation — This document was developed for a June 17, 2025 public hearing on 2025 values.
For more details call the Lorain County Auditor's Office at 440-329-5485.
Agricultural Pollution Abatement Program
The statewide standards for farming and animal feeding operations are found in Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 901:13-1. Additional information can also be found in Ohio Revised Code Chapter 939. The purpose of these standards is to reduce pollution of waters of the state by soil sediment, animal manure, and residual farm products.
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Common violations of these rules include:
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Overflow and discharge from animal manure collection, storage, or treatment facilities
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Manure contaminated runoff from feedlots and manure management facilities
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Pollution from other waste waters, such as milk house waste water or silage leachate
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Excessive erosion
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Pollution occurring from the land application of manure
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Improper composting of animal mortality
If you have an agricultural pollution-related concern please contact our office at 440-326-5800 or email conservation@loraincounty.us. You may also contact Ohio Department of Agriculture's APAP Administrator at 614-315-0408 or email Jason.Tyrell@agri.ohio.gov
Other Resources
to help guide your vision...
This book is intended to assist urban farmers, growers, and their advisors in managing risk and planning for the increased success and stability of their urban agriculture ventures. The information in this guidebook is for educational use. The guidebook includes introductory information about some of the regulations relevant to urban agriculture.
Learn about:
• Open Burning
• Line Fence
• Drainage and Water
• Current Agricultural Use Value (CAUV)
• Zoning and Land Use
• Eminent Domain
• Dog Laws
• Oil and Gas Leasing
• Trespassing and Landowner Liability
• Boundary Disputes, Trees, and Property
Rights & More!