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.

Money for Farmers: Virginia Agricultual Cost-Share and Tax credit program is now accepting applications for the current fiscal year

Support for Budding "Grass-Farmers" Cost Saving Opportunities through Services

Stockpiling for Winter Grazing in Drought Years: A Leap of Faith

2009 Bay Friendly Clean Water Farm Award

Pablo and Esther Elliott of Stoney Lonesome Farm in Gainesville, VA were nominated by the Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District (PWSWCD) to win this year’s local Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation 2009 Bay Friendly Clean Water Farm award. The 90-acre farm has been in the Elliott family since 1971 and is one of 2,000 farms in the United States that participate in the Community Supported Agriculture program. The farm operates under a soil and water quality conservation plan and a forest management plan using best management practices that protect the environment while supporting the farmers’ production goals.

Community Supported Agriculture farms operate with the help of non-farming members who purchase a share in the farm and in return receive fresh, locally grown products. Often shareholders may help with planting and harvesting. The Elliotts’ operation has the added bonus of being a completely organic farm that uses natural production methods designed to protect air and water quality while improving soil fertility with compost and green cover crops. Currently about 50 shareholder families enjoy Stoney Lonesome’s produce.

Stoney Lonesome Tomatoes PWSWCD staff began working with the Elliotts in 2008. In addition to their 3-acre organic garden they have a 45-acre rotational grazing system for cattle, goats, and horses. The Elliotts also raise chickens. The implemented grazing system excludes a pond and Resource Protection Area stream in the Broad Run watershed. These sensitive areas are protected by 35-50 foot wide buffers of tall grasses and trees that filter and slow the velocity in rainwater flow, keeping the waterways cleaner and reducing erosion damage caused by fast moving water.

Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District congratulates Pablo and Esther Elliott of Stoney Lonesome on their well-deserved recognition.

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 Use 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

Paul House Soil Nutrient Testing for Crop Production
Nutrient Management Planning
Fertilizing with Manure

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
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 Technical Assistance
State Technical Committees
Conservation Stewardship Program
Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program
Agricultural Water Enhancement Program
Environmental Quality Incentives Program

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2009 Bay Friendly Clean Water Farm Award