NRCS has increased production yields and reduced cost inputs for Johnathan by improving his soil health, water availability, wildlife enhancements, as well as his water, air, and energy management
Due to the advance improvements in Johnathan’s farming operation, the Marlboro Soil and Water Conservation District (MWSCD) recognized Johnathan M. Helms as a Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) success story. Johnathan is a 4th generation farmer in Marlboro County. Johnathan’s operations focus on rotational row cropping with corn, wheat, and soybeans on approximately 1400 acres of cropland. He also has 70 acres of pastureland and a trucking business where he transports seed and feed to farmers across South Carolina. NRCS has increased production yields and reduced cost inputs for Johnathan by improving his soil health, water availability, wildlife enhancements, as well as his water, air, and energy management.
According to Johnathan, “Helping us execute precision agriculture is the largest contribution NRCS provided for our operations.”
Johnathan was introduced to NRCS through his father, who benefited from the NRCS cover crop program. But after starting in his operation in 2002, he has utilized NRCS to install several pivots to increase water availability, improved his water usage by implementing his water management plan, improved his crop rotation with use of cover crops on fallow fields. This was done thanks to NRCS’ Environmental Quality Incentive program (EQIP) when Johnathan was new to farming. Johnathan later utilized the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) which helped Johnathan to get started with precision agriculture, No-Till system, enhance his energy and water management activities, establish wildlife food plots to enhance wildlife habitat development. When asked where he sees his operation going in the future? Johnathan humbly smiled and said, “I could use some more pivots and grain bins.”
With enhancements in energy and water consumption, precision agriculture, rotational cropping, no-till practices for air quality, maximizing cover crops to improve his soil health and reduce his pest pressure and wildlife habitat improvements, the future is looking great for Johnathan M. Helms’ operations. NRCS is happy to highlight Johnathan’s conservation achievements and thrilled that MWSCD has voted him to be showcased as a success. NRCS is available to provide technical assistance and cost share programs such as EQIP and CSP to help farmers and ranchers, just like Johnathan M. Helms. Please see your local Field office and to talk to an NRCS agent today to see how they can help in improving your operations.