young walleye

[Rodsabendin]

Most farms are tiled to help drainage improve so they can plant timely, and in times of weather events like the past 3 weeks, tile also help dramatically dry the fields off so that the crops do not suffer as badly. Conservation management practices such as filter strips, buffer zones, and waterways help to hold nutrients, and soil in place.
In todays fertilizer market farmers are not overapplying nutrients. They cannot afford to waste materials that cost in excess of $700 to $950 a ton. Farmers are stewards of their land. Their family makes their living from generation to generation by keeping their farms in the best condition that they can. Adding things like tile, filter strips, GPS soil sampling, Variable Rate Application of fertilizers, all help insure healthy farms are passed down to the next generation.
When we experience rain like we have had there is nothing that can be done to prevent runoff. There is considerably less nutrients moving out of fields today versus 20 years ago thanks to efforts by farmers, and Natural Resource Conservation Offices.
A bigger problem with prolonged heavy rains is runoff out of outdated storm and sewer systems in cities like Toledo and Detroit. There is a big push to update these systems, and that will make a huge impact on the quality of Lake Erie in years to come.
If you can't tell, I farm, work for a fertilizer company, and I love to fish in erie. Trust me when I say most of my neighbors, and customers do everything they can to hold their soil, and nutrients on their farms.

Very well stated. I also farm in the maumee river watershed area and everyone in my area does everything possible to keep the nutrients where they shoule be.

[B can man]

Thank you, farmers. There are two farms in the family and I have a buddy and his father that farm. It is a tough job and they are constantly struggling to protect their interests against those of the huge conglomerate farms. Farmers are often demonized, but without you fellas, city folk like me would find it really hard to get a bite to eat. So, thanks again!