Conservation Helps Keep Water Clean in Morgan County       

Amos Jones, a farmer since 1962, was concerned about the condition of a dam on his property, the quality of water leaving his property, and the health of his herd which freely roamed in the creek and pond on his land. The surface of the dam on his property had become deeply rutted and disturbed by heavy traffic of cattle moving from one pasture to another over the dam surface.

Cattle use of this area was causing soil erosion into the creek, as well as introducing animal waste into the water. And, his cattle had hoof and leg problems from standing in the water. Jones contacted Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for help. The Madison County NRCS Field Office Staff encouraged Jones to develop an Alternative Watering System and exclude cattle from the natural water sources. A Heavy Use Crossing with use exclusion was recommended to keep cattle out of the area that would contribute to introduction of sedimentation and animal waste into the creek.

Jones implemented many suggested solutions with cost-share assistance through Environmental Quality Iincentives Program (EQIP) and the Sugar Creek 319 Project with the partnership of the Georgia Soil & Water Conservation Commission. Pat Hardy, Piedmont District Chair Person, noted Jones’ accomplishments, explaining that “by utilizing programs that are available, Jones has improved the quality of his fields and herd health.

He has used Heavy Use Areas to better work his herd to improve their health and in conjunction with these areas, made watering troughs available to his cattle to keep them out of the creeks and ponds.”

By keeping the herd out of the creek and pond, he has eliminated hoof and leg problems and improved the water quality that leaves his property. Jones has also incorporated cross fencing and rotational grazing on his fields to improve forage quality and quantity. He has planted trees along farm boundaries to create silvo-pasture and act as a buffer area between his field and neighbors.

“Jones had made a good effort to improve the quality of his farming operation, not only for himself but as an example for all farmers in his area” said Pat Hardy. Jones, reflecting on the improvements, stated: “By adding these needed improvements, I feel that my fields are in better shape and I’m able to maintain a better forage crop for my livestock that will allow them to gain weight at a rate that is beneficial to my operation.”

He recommends that future generation farmers “work with the NRCS and the Districts to keep educated on current and future help, because without the farming community of the United States, there is no one left to feed the Nation.”

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