Conservation Awards

Conservation Farmer Dexter Jones and Piedmont SWCD Director Donna Kerr

Dexter Jones  was honored at the Amelia Farm Bureau Banquet October11 for his conservation accomplishments on the farm including fencing his cattle out of 1,100 feet of Flat Creek, installing a hardened stream crossing for cattle to access pasture on the opposite side of the creek, and installing a heavy use area where he feeds his cattle in the winter so that runoff will not reach the stream.  “Mr. Jones did the work himself, and the finished project was exceptional” explained Senior Conservation Specialist Charlie Wootton.  “  He kept all parties well informed of his progress and asked for the work to be checked frequently.”

Don Knight – Wildlife Conservation Farmer

Don Knight was presented the Piedmont SWCD’s Wildlife Conservation Farmer award at the Nottoway County Farm Bureau Banquet October 3. Mr. Knight has devoted significant time and resources to wildlife protection by improving and increasing wildlife habitat, and encouraging the growth of diverse and natural landscapes on his farm.  “Mr. Knight takes a comprehensive approach to habitat development” explained Ms. Katie Martin, Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Biologist.  “By creating many varied habitats like small acre patch clear-cuts in the woods, and soft edge habitat corridors between fields and forests, Mr. Knight insures a food source and protective cover for the wildlife on his property”.

Piedmont SWCD Director Dr. Wilkie Chaffin, left with 2011 Outstanding Young Farmer  Raymond Cherlault

Raymond Chernault was honored for outstanding conservation efforts on the farm at the Prince Edward County Farm Bureau Banquet held October 6 .  Mr. Cherlault partnered with the Piedmotn SWCD to plan and finance a comprehensive cattle exclusion fencing project  on the farm that includes 4,250 feet of cattle exclusion fencing, 6 rotational grazing paddocks,  and 3 watering troughs fed  by a well. Dr. Chaffin noted that  “Mr. Chernaults actions reduce the amount of sediment and nutrient entering Briery Creek,  improving water qualilty in watersheds all the way to the Chesapeake Bay.”

Dr. Wilkie Chaffin, left with Outstanding Conservation Farmer Mr. Lindy Hamlett

Lindy Hamlett was awarded Outstanding Conservation Farmer for 2011 at the Prince Edward County Farm Bureau Banquet October 6 for a lifetime of conservation achievements.   A super star at the Piedmont SWCD, Mr. Hamlett has managed our Equipment Program since 1984. “He is committed to a progressive Farm Conservation Plan and is working hard to realize a plan that will eventually include the total resources on his farm” noted Dr. Chaffin. ” This includes constantly practicing no-till to reduce soil erosion and improve soil tilth.”    Livestock on the farm are excluded from any streams or ponds, and cattle are rotated through paddocks.   Mr. Hamlett has protected any drainage swales on the farm by installing sod waterways.