For the third year in a row, a conservation friendly farm in the Peter Francisco Soil and Water District was designated the James River Basin, Clean Water/Bay Friendly Farm. The Clean Water/Bay Friendly Farm Award for 2009 was presented to High Bridge Farm, LLC. Farm owners Marshall and Todd Smith are fourth generation farmers and have excluded all livestock from the streams and plant exclusively using no-till technology. Congratulations and thanks to a conservation friendly family for all they do to keep Virginia’s waters healthy.
The Piedmont SWCD annually awards a $1,000 scholarship to a student majoring in, or showing a strong desire to major in, a course of study related to the environment. Applications are available at high school guidance counselor or principal’s offices in Amelia, Nottoway and Prince Edward County, or at the Piedmont SWCD office. Application are due March 1, 2010. The chosen application will be forwarded to the Virginia Association of Conservation District’s to be considered for an additional $1,000 scholarship awarded to 4 statewide applicants.
Two students enrolled in grades 9-12 during the 2009-2010 academic year and residing in Amelia, Nottoway or Prince Edward County are eligible to apply for full scholarship to Youth Conservation Camp. The camp, now in its 34th year, will be held at Virginia Tech July 18-24. To apply for the scholarship contact the guidance counselor or principal at your school, or contact the Piedmont SWCD. Applications are due April 16, 2010. For more information visit the VASWCD website at http://www.vaswcd.org/youthcamp.htm, or contact the Piedmont SWCD office at (434)302-3782 ext 131.
The March 25th Middle James Roundtable annual meeting theme is stormwater, and the agenda includes an exciting roster of speakers. For more information, or to register visit www.mjrt.com or click here to see invite2010.
Cooperative Extension will host a Spring Pond Workshop March 17 at the Blackstone Research Center. Click here for more information.
A sheep and goat specialist, a DVM, and an Extension Agent from Scott Co. among others will speak at this day-long seminar that includes a pasture walk. Click here to learn more.
Click here to find out how to register for one of six VA Forage and Grassland Council sponsored Fencing Schools.
After sharing an excellent meal, the current status of the Chesapeake Bay TMDL program was at the top of the agenda when producers and agency representatives gathered in Farmville Thursday night.
A scrumptious breakfast, followed by a lively discussion about a mandated TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) program under development by the EPA made getting up at 0- dark -thirty worth the effort. 21 producers attended the Breakfast Meeting.
If you are a livestock producer and are wondering how the New EPA Chesapeake Bay TMDL will affect the way you do business, you will want to sign up for one of two meetings scheduled in January. A breakfast meeting is scheduled on Thursday, January 21 at the Piedmont Southern Piedmont AREC in Blackstone at 7:30 am (register by Jan. 18th), and a dinner meeting is scheduled January 28th at the Prince Edward Co. Ag. Bldg. in Famville at 6:30 pm (register by Jan. 25). Reps. from Piedmont SWCD, NRCS, FSA will discuss cost-share opportunities. There is no charge but pre-registration is required by calling 434-392-3782 ext. 133 or 804-561-2947 ext 110.
Uncategorized | admin March 4, 2010 | 
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