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.

Additional funding, up to 100% of cost, for stream exclusion projects is available to farmers who operate grazing farms that border any live stream, wetland, or a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act Resource Protection Area

Why stream exclusion? Increased productivity, profitability, weight gain, fewer outbreaks of disease, greater forage production, better pasture management and better pasture quality. And, keeping livestock out of local waters is critical to reducing bacteria levels and excess nitrogen that pollute many of Virginia's rivers and streams. That's why!

Through Virginia Enhanced Conservation Initiative (VECI) stream exclusion is being elevated to a high-priority practice. For more information or to apply contact us at pwswcd@pwswcd.org ASAP. Stream-exclusion practices must be approved and under construction by June 30, 2013 to be eligible for reimbursement.

The Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program is managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Funding available for producers interested in improving the health and productivity of their land in 2013!

NRCS offers technical and financial assistance to address resource concerns on crop and grazing lands, protect wildlife habitat, and keep land in agricultural production.

Farmers may sign up for conservation programs throughout the year, but funding selections are made at specific times and the next cutoff date is February 15, 2013 and the final date is March 15, 2013. Get your application in ASAP to be eligible for limited funding.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program(EQIP) is the most robust offering with many Virginia producers, featuring soil health practices such as cover crops, crop rotation, nutrient management, and rotational grazing as well as payment options for farmers to develop plans to better manage their resources. These conservation activity plans can help producers better manage animal waste, grazing lands, fish and wildlife habitat, pollinator habitat, and energy consumption. Producers who grow nursery stock, vegetables and speciality crops may be interested in developing an irrigation water management plan to be eligible for our new micro-irrigation practices.

Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program(WHIP) NRCS can provide funding to create upland wildlife and aquatic habitats along with helping producers maintain or improve existing habitat. This assistance also includes special incentives focused on restoring Longleaf pine forests and reversing the decline of the threatened Golden-Winged Warbler.

For more information on Farm Bill programs, to develop a program, identify recommended practes and pursue funding through one of many programs available contact Roger Flint, NRCS District Conservationist for Prince William County at 540.347.3120 ext. 3 or email roger.flint@va.usda.gov.

A message from Jay Yankey, District Manager

We encourage all agriculturally zoned property owners with crop or livestock to consider the benefits of receiving a Water Quality Conservation Plan.

A conservation plan can help direct landowners in making good 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. Cleve Benton, 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.

Getting Started with Best Management Practices on the “Cheap”is a handy plan to achieve conservation goals.

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:
The Benefits of Soil Sampling
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
On Farm Composting, published by Virginia Tech
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
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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