USDA Farm Conservation Plan, 2022-2025

The farmer works collaboratively with 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 rodents.  Raptor poles and perches are 12-20 feet tall and have t-shaped structures.

·         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 1145’ permanent fence on the south border of the farm.

2023:

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

·         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 1000’ 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.