USDA Farm Conservation Plan, 2022-2025

The farmer works collaboratively with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to create a farm conservation plan to achieve federally recognized goals.  The farmer and NRCS share costs to implement approved goals.

2022:

·         Install three raptor perch poles for use by birds of prey (eagle, hawk, falcon or owl) to rest, or to hunt.  Raptor poles and perches are 12-20 feet tall and have t-shaped structures.

When the Wetland Restoration project was implemented in 2012, the discing of the land ended. By 2015, the fields were abloom in wetland prairie plants. These changes in the environment lead to a flurry of rodent activity. By installing raptor perches, it significantly helped to reduce the overwhelming rodent population (mice and voles) and brought the ecosystem back to a normal predator-prey relationship on the farm.

·         Install six nesting boxes for owls (3 barn owl and 3 screech owl).

Finalized report installing three raptor perches and six raptor nesting boxes (PDF).

·         Removed old fence and installed 1,330’ permanent fence on the south border of the farm. Finalized report installing permanent fence (PDF).

2023:

·         Installed 1,330’ of hedgerow planting along the south border of the farm next to the new fence installed in 2022.  The hedgerow will provide shade for livestock, wildlife corridors, nesting sites for birds and an array of flowering pollinator species for insects.

To install the hedgerow, several truck loads of hog fuel was dumped along the site of the hedgerow. The hog fuel will retain moisture in the summer and provide compost on site, nutrifying the soil. A ditch was dug with a single bottom plough. In November, the hedgerow plants were planted. An electric line was installed along the perimeter of the hedgerow to protect it from grazing.

·         Completed nutrient management on 20.7 acres on pasture.

2024:

Not part of the Farm Conservation Plan, an additional permanent fence was installed in 2024. The electric fence connected the north and south permanent fences.

2025:

·         Installed two 500’ permanent electric cross-fence for rotational grazing of livestock.

·         Installed four watering facilities with water trough and wildlife escapement ramps in four pastures.

·         Completed prescribed grazing of sheep on 20.7 acres.