Broad River 319 Saves Tree Farm

The Owens tried to handle the erosion problem but they were not having a lot of success. Then one day the Management Forester, Gregg Jameson intervened. “I approached Mr. Owens about his roads one day. Several of them were on steep slopes and some of them were damaged and eroding after the timber harvest and site preparation for replanting. I was familiar with the Broad River 319 project and asked if he would be willing to work on bettering the erosion problem on his roads. Click below to read his story.

Stephens County (227 KB) html

Row Crop Farmer Converts to Conservation Tillage

Jeffery (Jeff) Deen started farming 28 years ago, eight miles south of Baxley off of the Satilla Church Road in Appling County using the conventional tillage methods of a row crop farmer. For him this method of farming was very expensive and time consuming. He had many problems ranging from soil erosion, degradation of soil quality, polluted runoff, and air pollution from dust. Because of these problems and the cost incurred in running the farm, Jeff, and his wife Michelle, were considering abandoning farming. Then he took a class in Sustainable Agriculture and Conservation Tillage held in Douglas, by the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). In 2008, he was a regional finalist in the Governor's Ag. Stewardship Award competition. Click below to read his story.

Appling County (148 KB) html

Diversified Farm Pioneers Conservation Methods

McLendon Acres, Inc. is a family owned and operated diversified agricultural production company. McLendon started his farming career in 1978 with limited equipment and a pickup truck, and he relied on the help of a neighboring farmer to get his crop in and harvested each year. In 1980, he had accumulated enough equipment to go out on his own. Due to the intensity and scope of agricultural production in southwest Georgia, natural resource concerns such as soil erosion and sediment control, nutrient and pest management, and water quality are management priorities for area farming operations. McLendon has hit each one of these concerns head-on. In 2008, he was a regional finalist in the Governor's Ag. Stewardship Award competition. Click below to read his story.

Calhoun County (106 KB) html

Conservation Helps Maintain Water Quality in a Changing Environment

Coweta County was considered living out in the country when Bud Butcher bought his dairy located near Newnan, a community less than 30 minutes from the Atlanta International Airport. Today, he has subdivisions cropping up all around him and he is currently milking 320 head of cows twice a day. Butcher is now part of an urbanizing community and was concerned about dairy runoff ending up in the water supply.  Read below to see how conservation helped improve his water quality. In 2008, he was a regional finalist in the Governor's Ag. Stewardship Award competition. Click below to read his story.

Coweta County - Butcher (144 KB) html

Conservation Helps Keep Family Farming

Farming is a family tradition for Danny Hogan. Hogan Farms has been in the family now for four generations. Hogan Farms consists of 950 acres utilizing conservation tillage; they grow wheat, oats, peanuts, cotton, and soybeans. They also manage 40 acres of pasture land, 104 acres of hayland and 700 acres of timberland.  Of the 700 acres of woodland, 119 acres are enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Hogan Farms also raises Black Angus, Limousine and Belgian Blue Cows. In addition, Quarter and Paint Horses are raised for show and sell.  In 2008, he was a regional finalist in the Governor's Ag. Stewardship Award competition. Click below to read his story.

Laurens County (155 KB) html

Beef Cattle Operation Benefits from Soil and Water Conservation

Ted and Patsy Hughes own and operate Chantilly Farms, a small beef cattle operation located in Smithonia, Oglethorpe County. Chantilly Farm is the center of life for the Hughes; farming is their life and lifestyle. Since their first of year farming, the Hughes have been acutely aware of the need for soil and water conservation.  In 2008, the Hughes family was a regional finalist in the Governor's Ag. Stewardship Award competition. Click below to read their story.

Oglethorpe County (120 KB) html

He Was Using No-till When No-till Wasn't Cool

Max Carter began no-till farming in the 1970’s when many Georgia farmers couldn’t make it work. To read about his success with no-till, click below.

Coffee County (242 KB) html

Local Farmer Helps Save Wetlands for Wildlife

Click here to read about recent enrollment of  land in the Wetlands Reserve Program surrounding Big Dukes Pond in Jenkins County.

Jenkins County (123 KB) html

Peach County Farmer Increases Forage Area with Help of Georgia Grazing Lands Conservation Coalition

Click here to learn how Henry Terhune of Peach County increased his forage area from 47 acres to 100 acres with help from the Georgia Grazing Lands Conservation Coalition.

Peach County (242 KB)  html

Native Plants Thrive in Urban Atlanta--10 Yrs. After the Olympics

Ten years after the Olympic Games were held in Atlanta, the city has not only grown as a hub for commerce, but also a leader in urban conservation. Click here to learn more.

Fulton County (123 KB) html

Partners for Wildlife Grant Protects Water Quality in Banks County

Larry Maney owns and operates a cattle and poultry operation in Banks County. For years, Maney had concerns about the water quality of the stream that crosses his farm. Click here to learn how District Conservationist Carol Boss helped Maney obtain a Partners for Wildlife Grant to help improve water quality.  Click here to find out how.

Banks County (123 KB)   html version

Morgan County Farmer Protects Water Quality with the Environmental Quality Incentives Program Cost-Share Funds

David Hilsman has been farming most of his life. He got his start helping his father run a dairy operation. When he started having concerns about water quality, he contacted NRCS for help.  Click here to find out how the Environmental Quality Incentive Program was used to help improve water quality on his farm.

Morgan County (123 KB) html

Echols County Farmer Protects Grazing Lands

Echols County farmer, Stanley Corbett, had cattle grazing in sensitive areas of his farm. Click here to learn how NRCS helped him improve his grazing lands while protecting these sensitive areas.

Echols County (251 KB) html

Greene County Brothers Solve Problems and Save Money with Conservation Advice from NRCS

Greene County brothers, Richard and Charles Stewart, had waste management problems and a strict budget. Click here to learn how NRCS helped them solve their problems in a cost-effective manner.

  Greene County (.154 KB) html

Jones County Farmer Improves Water Quality and Reduces Soil Erosion with Help from NRCS

Jones County farmer, Ricky Yarbrough, wanted to improve water quality on his farm by reducing soil erosion. Click here to learn how NRCS and the Georgia Grazing Lands Conservation Coalition helped him improve water quality and the quality of life for his cattle.

Jones County (209 KB) html

Lowndes County Farmer Diversifies Farm and Reduces Soil Erosion

Lowndes County farmer, Greg Hall, wanted to diversify his 4,000 acre farm to add more cattle, but was concerned about soil erosion near a large creek on his property. Click here to learn how NRCS helped him increase his cattle herd without decreasing water quality. 

Lowndes County (209 KB) html

Locally Grown Farmers Market Comes to Walker County with Help of NRCS

Walker County Young Farmers Association had a dream of starting a locally grown farmers market in their county. Click here to learn how Limestone Valley RC&D helped make this dream a reality.

Walker County (209 KB) html

Conasauga Watershed Protected with the help of NRCS

Click here to learn how the Conasauga Watershed is being protected with the help of NRCS and other private and government partners.

Whitfield County (209 KB) html

NRCS and Grazing Lands Coalition Improve Cattle Management in Bulloch County

Dennis Akins’ cattle were pastured in the back of his property just taking care of themselves. Click here to learn how GGLCC helped Akins bring his cattle to the front of his property where he could be managed on a daily basis.

Bulloch County (209 KB) html

All Natural Cattle Farm Benefits from NRCS and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program

Nora Goodman owns and operates a 200-acre "all natural" beef cattle farm near Atlanta. Click below to learn how Ms. Goodman used EQIP to improve her cattle operation.

Paulding County (191 KB) html

Natural Resources Conservation Service Helps Businessman Turn Land into Wildlife Habitat

Carl Childs, a retired businessman from Bellsouth, decided to hang up his suit and head for a quieter, healthier environment several years ago. He moved to Ft. Gaines, Georgia. Click below to learn more about the habitat he created for wildlife

Clay County (99.5 KB) html

The Petty Family, who have owned this Whitfield County Dairy since 1915, have been  true innovators in the implementation of the Continuous Conservation Reserve Program.  Learn more about these inaugural winners of the Governor’s Agricultural Environmental Stewardship Award.

Whitfield County - Petty (66 KB) html

The Petty Family, who have owned this Murray County Dairy since 1915, have been  true innovators in the implementation of the Continuous Conservation Reserve Program.  Learn more about these inaugural winners of the Governor’s Agricultural Environmental Stewardship Award.

Murray County - Petty (66 KB) html

Armuchee Elementary School in Floyd County was named Project WET school of the year and was awarded $3,000 to host a Water Festival for 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th graders to learn about water.

Floyd County - Armuchee (262 KB) html

NRCS joined several other conservation groups to help preserve a Dekalb County preserve. Click below to read more about this successful partnership between federal agencies and others interested in conservation.

Dekalb County - Arabia (325 KB) html

Coweta County Farmer David Brown, shown here, is a conservation pioneer in his community. Click here to learn how the EQIP program and his conservation knowledge has helped him turn his farm into wildlife habitat.

Coweta County - Brown (315 KB) html

Chan and Lou Cabe, shown here, have a successful Boer goat operation in Franklin County. Click here to learn how assistance from NRCS has helped them install watering facilities and construct a waste storage facility on their farm.

Franklin County - Cabe (204 KB) html

Irwin County Farmer Don Register, knows that conservation pays when it comes to his irrigated land and dry crop fields. Click here to learn how he used EQIP funding to install irrigation retrofitting in his fields.

Irwin County - Don Register (231 KB) html

Washington County Farmer Gene Waller, shown here, has received numerous awards for his good stewardship. Click here to learn how terraces have played a significant role in the health of his farm.

Washington County - Gene Waller (307 KB) html

Wayne County cattle farmer Jonny Harris, shown here with his family, wanted to correct a gully erosion issue on his land. Click here to learn how EQIP has helped him correct this issue and incorporate other conservation practices.

Wayne County - Harris Farm (241 KB) html

Since 1953, 357 project dams have been built in Georgia, including the on shown here in Franklin County, through the Safe Dam Rehabilitation Program. Click here to learn how Franklin County has benefited from this program.

Franklin County - North Broad Watershed (336 KB) html

Cherokee County Farmer John Bennett, shown here, operates a cattle and poultry farm that has been in his family for approximately 100 years. Click here to learn how technical assistance through EQIP has helped him to preserve the land for his grandchildren.

Cherokee County - Bennett Farm (177 KB) html

After 15 years in corporate America, Carroll County resident Shelia Simpson returned to her ranching roots and began raising goats and ducks, shown here. Click here to learn how she improved soil quality and forage and increased the availability of water for her livestock through EQIP.

Carroll County - Simpson Farm (229 KB) html

Second generation landowner, Jeff Watson of Haralson County, wanted to attract more wildlife to his 83 acres of hardwoods, shown here. Click here to learn how cost share funding through WHIP enabled him to complete a noncommercial thinning project.

Haralson County - Watson Farm (496 KB) html

Warren County farmer Dan Crumpton, shown here, is always looking for ways to enhance wildlife habitats on his land. Click here to learn how cost share assistance through EQIP helped him thin pre-commercial sized pine stands on his land and create an inviting environment for wildlife.

Warren County - Crumpton Farm (281 KB) html

When poultry farmer Peggy Woolham, shown here, of Marion County was faced with the problem of updating her poultry operation to meet new state and local regulations, she turned to NRCS for help. Click here to learn how cost share assistance through EQIP helped her make necessary updates to her operation.

Marion County - Woolham Farm (240 KB) html

Taliaferro farmer Stan Jackson, shown here, wanted to utilize his land for beef cattle, while at the same time promoting wildlife habitat management. Click here to learn how EQIP and WHIP helped him develop his land.

Taliaferro County - Jackson Farm (344 KB) html

Dodge County residents, Steve and Sandra Dykes, shown here, had major drainage problems around their home that resulted in structure damage and health concerns. Click here to learn how NRCS helped the Dykes install a drainage system.

Dodge County - Dykes Farm (170 KB) html

When Carroll County cattle and poultry farmers Steve and Gail Lovvorn, shown here, began to experience soil erosion due to runoff from their poultry houses, they contacted NRCS for help. Click here to learn how a Comprehensive Waste Management Plan helped them improve the condition of their pastureland.

Carroll County - Lovvorn Farm (289 KB) html

Beryl Landis, shown here, owns and operates a 500-head dairy operation in Burke County. Click here to learn how NRCS helped him develop a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP).

Burke County - Landis Farm (159 KB) html

Ivanhoe Plantation is one of the oldest rice and timber plantations in Camden County. Click to find out how the owners of this historic property improved the wildlife habitat and preserved the land with the help of NRCS.

Camden County - Ivanhoe Plantation (216 KB) html

Cattle farmer and 81 year Carroll County resident Charles Robinson had water quality issues on his farm.  Click to learn how the EQIP program helped him install stream crossings, a watering ramp for his pond and much more.

Carroll County - Robinson Farm (232 KB) html

Catoosa County beef and poultry farmer James Ramey was one of the first farmers in his area to begin “dead bird” composting in the early 1980’s, shown here. Click here to learn how he and his grandson are obtained cost share help through the Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CCRP) for streambank fencing.

Catoosa County - Ramey Farm (151 KB) html

Timothy and Marshall Taylor of Catoosa County, shown here, are second generation beef farmers who know the benefits have establishing a conservation plan, with the help of NRCS. Click here to learn about their participation in the Grassland Reserve Program.

Catoosa County - Taylor Farm (321 KB) html

Conservation has been a long-term venture for Chatham County farmer Pete Waller, shown in this photo. Click here to learn how Mr. Waller incorporated silvopasture practices to his farm.

Chatham County - Waller Farm (147 KB) html

When rain fell on the dirt roads and tank trails in the training area at Fort Benning in Chattahoochee County, heavy armored tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles created impassable ruts and gullies. Click here to learn how NRCS assisted the U.S. Army in devising a road stabilization plan to correct the problems.

Chattahoochee County - Fort Benning (312 KB) html
 

Charline Chambron owns and operates the Rosewood Farm, a goat farm in Cobb County. Click here to learn how the EQIP program enabled her to improve fencing, adopt good nutrient management practices and install a stream crossing for her prize-winning goats.

Cobb County - Chambron Farm (269 KB) html

Eastman-Dodge Recreation Department planned to construct a new community soccer field and gymnasium, with the help of a private Engineering firm, on the site shown here by board member Steve Knight. Click on the link below to learn how NRCS assisted the Recreation Board in implementing erosion and sediment control practices, while saving taxpayers $30,000.00.

Dodge County - Community Soccer (112 KB) html

Douglas County residents Skip Glover (shown here) and his wife Cookie are known as pioneer of organic farming. Click here to learn how this former cattle and corn operation has transformed into respected educational farm, with some assistance from NRCS.

Douglas County - Glover Farm (112 KB) html

Floyd County Farmer Dan Norton, shown here with his cattle, received funding from the Grazing Lands Conservation Coalition to assist him in adapting his grass plantings and to install fencing. Click here to learn about other improvements that he made to his farm.

Floyd County - Norton Farm (234 KB) html

Hurricane Ivan’s impact on Gilmer County was severe, with effects ranging from property damage to streambeds filled with rocks, shown here. Click here to learn how the NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection Program has helped this county to recover. 

Gilmer County - Emergency Watershed Protection (283 KB) html

Gwinnett County residents are now enjoying the benefits of a rehabilitated dam in a bustling suburban park, shown here. Click here to learn more about this “first of its kind” project in Georgia.

Gwinnett County - Dam Rehabilitation (214 KB) html

Life-long Haralson County livestock farmer Bill White is a role model conservationist in his area.  He is shown here standing next to his newly installed roof runoff system. Read about White’s plan to stabilize barn traffic as well as his commitment to conservation by clicking on the link below.

Haralson County - White Farm (319 KB) html

Severely eroded pond banks at the Wetlands Trail in Lamar County spurred 4-H Club members to organize a clean-up project.  Click to learn more about this effort.

Lamar County - 4-H Cleanup (173 KB) html

When Bobby and Jan Allen installed a new water trough for the cows on their Dudley farm, shown here, little did they know that the conservation plan would include the adoption of two goldfish. Click here to learn about the Allen’s unique conservation plan.

Laurens County - Allen Family (333 KB) html

Reggie Faulk’s farm is along the Gator Creek in Laurens County. Faulk, shown here with District Conservationist Britt Parker, has increased his crop production, eliminated soil erosion and even sees quail on his land, through his conservation efforts. Click on the link below to learn more about Reggie Faulk. 

Laurens County - Faulk Farm.pdf (236 KB) html

Morgan County farmer Amos Jones, shown here, was concerned about the quality of water leaving his property and the overall health of his cattle. Click here to learn how a heavy use crossing and silvopasture tree planting techniques have helped him improve the quality of his farming operation.

Morgan County - Jones Farm (211 KB) html

Rabun County farmer Robert Mitcham is a seasoned conservationist with a long history of working with NRCS and other USDA agencies. Mitcham, shown here, has witnessed the changes taking place in the farming industry and discusses his thoughts on the future of farming and conservation. Click on the link below to learn more about Robert Mitcham.

Rabun County - Mitcham Farm (148 KB) html

The Breedlove family of Oconee County, shown here, struggled to maintain their family homestead due to rising property taxes and pressure to sell to developers. Click here to learn how the Farm and Ranchlands Protection Program (FRPP) helped them to preserve their land for generations to come.

Oconee County - Breedlove Farm (220 KB) html

Sandhill cranes and other wetland wildlife are heading to Panola Mountain State Conservation Park. Click to read about the conception and design of the 30-acre wetland wildlife preserve in Rockdale County.

Rockdale County - Wetland Wildlife Preserve (220 KB) html

Telfair County cattle farmers Adam and Erlene Graham, shown here, wanted to improve grazing for their 100 Brangus Beefmaster, Angus, Limousine, White Face and Texas Longhorn cows. Click here to learn how EQIP and a prescribed grazing plan has helped them.

Telfair County - Graham Farm (220 KB) html

When Christine Bagley of Ware County became concerned about runoff from chicken litter from her farm, she contacted NRCS for help. Click to learn how a new a stackhouse help her and the community.

Ware County - Bagley Farm (233 KB) html

Wheeler County farmer Emmitt Gillis has won numerous awards for production efficiency on the district and state level for his soybean, corn and peanut yields. Click here to learn how strip-tilling practices have changed the way Mr. Gillis farms.

Wheeler County - Gillis Farm (234 KB) html

Wilkinson County farmer Jason Howell, shown here with District Conservationist Britt Parker, learned that adopting conservation tillage practices could save him time and money, Click here to read his story.

Wilkinson County - Howell Farm (340KB) html

Landowners Chris and Jeffery Young, shown here, grow cotton and peanuts in Worth County. Strip tillage along with pest and nutrient management plans are helping them produce more crops, while protecting the land. Learn more about the Young’s by clicking on the link below.

Worth County - Young Farm (141 KB) html