Agriculture in Ottawa County is diverse and bountiful, with over 1200 farms including dairy farms, greenhouses, blueberries, and so much more. Ottawa County farmers seek to conserve and protect the land they farm and the water that surrounds us by using practices such as cover crops, grass waterways, and assistance transitioning to no-till.
The Ottawa Conservation District offers several services and resources for farmers, such as financial assistance for conservation practices and the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program.
Cost Share for BMPs
Farmers in the Sand Creek and Crockery Creek watersheds can receive financial assistance for implementing conservation practices.
Pigeon River Watershed Management Plan
If you farm in the Pigeon River watershed, learn more about water quality in your area by reading the Watershed Management Plan.
Farmland & Water Quality Conservation Initiative
Producers throughout Ottawa County and some surrounding areas may qualify for cost-share funding through this program, funded by a Regional Conservation Partnership Program.
Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP)
MAEAP supports farms as they work to protect our natural resources. MAEAP is a voluntary, proactive program that assists operations in assessing their operations and making environmentally and economically sustainable management decisions. Our local MAEAP technician, Caryn Dawson, provides farms with technical, confidential advice as they pursue their environmental stewardship goals.
On-Farm Produce Safety
The Michigan On-Farm Produce Safety program provides on-farm technical education for fresh produce farmers. Our Produce Safety technician, Morgan Anderson, provides farms with technical, confidential advice as they pursue their produce safety goals.