Farmers

The Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District offers numerous services to agricultural operations, both large and small. We offer conservation and nutrient management planning, financial assistance (Cost Share and Tax Credit) for conservation practices, seminars on natural resource and agricultural topics.

A message from Jay Yankey, District Manager

The Prince William SWCD has been awarded a grant from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation to increase the number of conservation plans we write. To facilitate the plan writing we have hired Thomas Bolles, a part-time conservation planner, and we are developing new marketing materials/strategies. Thomas has both a diverse agricultural background and conservation planning experience.

A conservation plan can help direct landowners in making management decisions that can increase animal health, profitability, and the aesthetics of their property, while protecting natural resources. The Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act and County Code requires that all agricultural lands in Prince William County have a conservation plan. The Conservation District is tasked to write these plans, free of charge. Thomas, Nicole Ethier and I will be actively engaging farmers and landowners who do not have conservation plans to offer our plan writing services. For farms that already have a conservation plan we will revise/update your plan if it is over three years old, or if you have significantly changed your operation. We would be happy to schedule a visit with you at your convenience and we look forward to working with you in the coming months.

Conservation Plan...What is it, and How Can it Benefit You?

You can receive a FREE conservation plan written explicitly for your property which will cover grass/crop production, livestock stocking rate, nutrient management, pest management and other topics. Call us for an appointment 571.379.7514.

Power Outage... be prepared for electrical outages on your farm.

Don't get caught unprepared for an extended power outage. This publication will steer you in the right direction: Farm Generator, a Virginia Cooperative Extension publication.

Other Resources:
Protect Water Quality from Agricultural Run-off
Dutchland Barn

Agriculture in Prince William County and the Chesapeake Bay Act
Citizen's Action Directory for Water Quality
Composting 101
Conservation Program and Financial Incentives
Use of Fill Dirt in Agricultural Operations
Selecting Summer Annual Grasses
Virginia Rainwater Harvesting Manual
Private Landowner Network
Virginia Cooperative Extension/Virginia Tech: Virginia Farm Business Management Livestock Budgets

USDA first edition of the National Organic Program (NOP) Handbook designed for those who own, manage, or certify organic operations. The handbook provides guidance about the NOP standards and instructions that outline best program practices and is intended to serve as a resource for the organic indiustry that will help participants comply with federal regulations. Printed copies are availalbe through Standards Division, National Organic Program, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Room 2646-8 Ag Stop 0268, Washington DC 20250-0268 (202) 720-3252. Copies can be downloaded from the Internet

USDA Ag Census for Prince William County

Paul House

Soil Nutrient Testing for Crop Production
Nutrient Management Planning
Fertilizing with Manure
Stockpiling for Winter Grazing in Drought Years: A Leap of Faith
For information about the safe and appropriate use of pesticides VCE Pest Management Guide.

What are the requirements for a farm pond in Prince William County?

NOT for stormwater management purposes
Property zoned A-1
Minimum number of acres of cropland shall not be less than 2 acres
Stocking rate of livestock cannot exceed densities set in current County zoning ordinances

What steps do you take to install a farm pond in Prince William County?
Contact Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District for all the help you need to get you started. (See side bar for contact information.)

PWC Farm Pond Construction Guidelines
Pond Planning, Design, Construction

Pond Information Links:
Construction/Management
Stocking Sportfish in Virginia Ponds: Methods and Commercial Supply Sources
Control Methods for Aquatic Plants in Ponds and Lakes
Pond Construction: Some Practical Considerations
Clearing Muddy Pond Waters
Trash Racks
Triploid Grass Carp
Pond Help

Weed Identification
Tree Identification

We are your go-to folks for federal and state program information and contacts.

State Programs
Support for Budding "Grass-Farmers" Cost Saving Opportunities through Services
Money for Farmers: Virginia Agricultual Cost-Share and Tax credit program is now accepting applications for the current fiscal year
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance
Virginia Conservation Lands Database

Federal Programs
Conservation Programs NRCS
Conservation of Private Grazing Land
Conservation Reserve Program
Conservation Reservre Enhancement Program
Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative
Conservation Technical Assistance
Environmental Quality Incentive Programs
Farm and Ranchland Protection Program
Virginia Organic Initiatives
Grassland Reserve Program
Resource Conservation and Development
State Technical Committees
Watershed Programs
Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program
Conservation Stewardship Program
Wetland Reserve Program
Agricultural Water Enhancement Program

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Farmers

A message from Jay Yankey, District Manager

Conservation Plan...What is it, and How Can it Benefit You?

Power Outage... be prepared for electrical outages on your farm.