Website design showcased Blanchard Demo Farms’ conservation efforts
McCracken created an easily navigable and highly searchable website to meet the Blanchard River Demonstration Farms Network’s communication needs. This platform functioned as a centralized resource for studies, findings, and materials about cutting-edge conservation techniques. It informed non-farmers about the critical role agriculture plays in preserving Ohio’s water quality and provided farmers with the resources and knowledge they need to carry out their own conservation plans. The website successfully encouraged cooperation and promoted sustainable farming methods by bridging the knowledge gap between research and real-world application.
STRATEGIC PLANNING • UX/SEO STRATEGY • WEBSITE DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT
About
Ohio Demonstration Farms
The Blanchard River Demonstration Farms Network (BRDFN) is a collaborative effort between the USDA, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, and Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Its main objective was to demonstrate and evaluate cutting-edge conservation techniques on farms in the Blanchard River Watershed. Important activities include assessing how well these practices reduce sediment runoff and phosphorus, disseminating knowledge to different stakeholders, and establishing avenues for industry partners to support the project. By encouraging sustainable farming methods, the ultimate goal was to improve the quality of the water throughout the Western Lake Erie Basin.
Solution
Website design and development that inspired action
McCracken’s website development for the Ohio Demonstration Farms Network not only informed but also empowered its target audiences.
- Farmers: Gained confidence in implementing conservation practices, feeling equipped with knowledge and resources to improve water quality and farm efficiency.
- Key stakeholders: Felt informed and equipped to educate others, utilizing the website as a central resource hub.
- Non-farm public: Developed an understanding of the importance of conservation practices in agriculture and the role farmers play in protecting water resources.
The website spurred action, prompting farmers to seek assistance with conservation planning and research best practices, while stakeholders used the platform to further their educational efforts.
Additional features and results
Key pages features:
- Resource library – The resource library contains searchable information related to specific conservation practices that are helping to reduce nutrient loss and improve water quality through agriculture. Website visitors can explore research, fact sheets, videos, podcasts, blog posts, and more – all through the resource library.
- Practices – Each leading management practice has its own page where website visitors can find an overview of the system, how it helps improve both water quality and farm operations, things to consider before implementing, and additional resources such as videos and photos.
- Farms – Each participating farm family has a dedicated farmer profile page with insights into the farms’ specific conservation practices implemented, plus interview videos and photo galleries.
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