Learn why farmer/fact-finding groups from Illinois and Indiana were aghast at what they learned visiting with farmers and ag officials in Maryland and Delaware, visiting farmer-leaders and ag departments to learn what Midwest farmers are facing in the way of future regulations and best management practices. I was privileged to ride with the Illinois farmers, courtesy of the Illinois Soybean Association. They were aghast at what they found. Midwest farmers explore Chesapeake Bay regulatory environment and Chesapeake Bay regs to flood Midwest farms.

Gearing nutrient management and conservation efforts in Pennsylvania is much tougher with its larger land base, lack of funding for technical assistance and an already in-the-red state budget. Check out Pennsylvania responds to EPA criticism.

Facing U.S. EPA withholding of federal funds for conservation, the state recently announced rebooting of its enforcement plans toward meeting watershed implementation goals. Pa faces clean water regulatory armageddon.

EPA’s list of regulatory “backstops” are still in place as a last resort, should the commonwealth fail to make sufficient progress. You’ll find that list at EPAs Chesapeake Bay backstops would kill many small farms.

Chesapeake Bay watershed states and their ag industries have poured tremendous amounts of R&D dollars into remedies for the animal/poultry manure glut. Many of the latest developments in cover crops, interseeding, composting, manure-to-energy systems originated here. Chesapeake Bay Foundation supports PA manure-to-energy-bills.

Given the fiscal constraints of states (and Uncle Sam), the issue of local watershed enforcement becomes an interesting debate. Should farmers police their own? We address that in Should farmers wear ag’s tin star and police Chesapeake Bay cleanup.

Farmer innovation is key
Perhaps the most exciting environmental game-changer for farming is the patented invention of a very modest southeast Pennsylvania Mennonite farmer. Charles Martin’s helical planter roller attachment allows no-tilling directly into tall-standing cover crops. It’s now marketed as Dawn Biologic’s ZRX helical roller. Catch part of that story at Game-changing cover crop tool arrives. No-tillers, now with three years’ experience, swear by it.