Schlumbohm Easement | Logan County Land Trust

At the Schlumbohm Easement signing from left to right, Attorney Doug Smith, Steve and Crisitie Schlumbohm, Kelli Cochran ODA Farmland Preservation.

Recent news from the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) highlights continued momentum in farmland preservation across the state, and here in our own community, that effort is deeply personal.

Among the farms included in the latest round of preservation commitments is the Schlumbohm Farm, owned by Steve Schlumbohm, a lifelong Logan County resident and dedicated board member of the Logan County Land Trust. This project represents more than just acres preserved, it reflects a lifelong commitment to stewardship, family, and the future of agriculture.

A Legacy Rooted in the Land

Steve Schlumbohm is a third-generation farmer, born and raised in Logan County, with deep ties to both the land and the community. A graduate of Hiram College with a degree in economics, Steve has spent his life balancing practical knowledge with a strong sense of responsibility to the land he works.

He and his wife, Christie, have been married for over 53 years and have built not only a family, but a legacy. Their two sons, and now two of their grandchildren, are actively involved in the family farming operation, ensuring that the next generation remains connected to the land.

Steve’s perspective is simple, yet powerful:

“I have always had a passion for the land, and I feel inspired by God to be a good steward of it.”

Protecting Farmland for Generations to Come

Through the Farmland Preservation Program, Steve has taken a meaningful step to ensure that his land will remain in agricultural use permanently. By placing an agricultural easement on the property, the farm is protected from future development, preserving not only the land itself, but the values and traditions tied to it.

This effort is made possible through collaboration between local partners, the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS), and organizations like the Logan County Land Trust, which play a vital role in supporting and guiding landowners through the process.

Leading by Example

As a board member of the Logan County Land Trust, Steve’s decision to preserve his own farmland speaks volumes. It reflects the mission of the organization in action, demonstrating how local leadership and personal commitment can have a lasting impact on the community.

Farmland preservation is not just about protecting open space. It’s about:

Supporting local agriculture
Maintaining rural character
Strengthening the local economy
Ensuring opportunities for future farmers

A Shared Responsibility

The preservation of the Schlumbohm Farm is a reminder that the future of Logan County’s landscape depends on the choices we make today. Through stewardship, partnership, and forward-thinking planning, landowners like Steve are helping ensure that agriculture remains a cornerstone of our community.