Timely Topics
A weather front brought autumn-like temperatures but very little rain to Rockbridge last week. So significant drought challenges remain with some Rockbridge farmers dealing with springs, wells, and surface water sources that have gone dry.
The USDA Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) is currently being offered for Rockbridge and Bath county farms where the primary water source has failed due to drought. The sign-up deadline is Nov. 9.
There are a number of criteria that must be met for the water source and farm to qualify. For those farms that qualify, assistance for well drilling or other water source restoration is provided at 75% of installation cost with a benefit cap of $7,500 per water source. Contact the Farm Service Agency through the Lexington USDA Service Center at (540) 463-7124 to schedule an appointment to learn more specifics of the program.
Drought this year is challenging stockmen with how to meet the nutritional needs of livestock this year.
Virginia Cooperative Extension is holding a drought management meeting at the Shenandoah Valley Agriculture Research and Extension Center (SVAREC, “McCormick Farm”) at Steeles Tavern on Oct. 12 from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. Topics will cover limit feeding, hay purchase strategies, and feeding strategies to stretch forage. To register for this event that includes dinner, please email [email protected] or call the Rockbridge Extension Office at (540) 463-4734.
The late fall and winter can present great opportunities for land stewardship. Accomplishing tasks such as clearing unwanted vegetation and establishing desirable native trees and shrubs can build resilience in our landscape. Perennial native plants strategically placed on the farm can slow the movement of stormwater and enhance water retention to the benefit of our ground water reserves.
Contact the Rockbridge Extension Office at (540) 463-4734 or at [email protected] for more information on land resource stewardship.
