In Lancaster County, dairy farmer Elam King has taken steps to restore and protect his land with conservation-focused improvements, setting an example of how tradition and environmental stewardship can go hand-in-hand.

After years of dealing with muddy barnyards, over-grazed pastures, and stormwater runoff, Mr. King reached out to USDA"s Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS), Lancaster County field office for assistance. After working through the planning process with NRCS field staff, Mr. King developed a whole-farm conservation plan that would dramatically improve his farm efficiency and the sustainability of his farm while meeting his goals and improving the environment. 

“It was a big benefit for me not having all this water just running down; it was always mud or manure going into the creek,” said King.

With support from NRCS’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Mr. King addressed long-standing resource concerns on his property. Livestock high-traffic areas were stabilized with new animal trails and bare areas in the barnyard were reseeded with grass to prevent erosion. Concrete curbs were added to his existing barnyard lot and now guide runoff directly to the manure storage, while newly connected downspouts keep clean rainwater away from contaminated areas.

The improvements don’t stop at the barn. King’s pastures were also overhauled with the help of a Prescribed Grazing Plan. Livestock is now managed using a rotational grazing system, with access to fresh water in each paddock. These changes have restored the fields, reduced erosion, and improved healthier vegetation.

A forested 35-foot riparian buffer was planted along a stream in partnership with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, which helps protect local water quality, ensuring that clean water flows downstream.

The process began with a simple call to the NRCS Lancaster County office and a site visit from NRCS staff, who helped identify resource concerns and provide recommendations on conservation practices to help meet the farmers’ concerns and objectives. Experienced NRCS staff guide producers through alternative options, financial assistance programs, and implementation steps. NRCS offers free technical assistance and may provide funding through available Farm Bill Programs for projects that meet conservation goals.

This collaborative, step-by-step approach is designed to empower farmers like Elam King while protecting natural resources for generations to come and keep farms sustainable.

Understanding the Planning Process:

Every successful conservation project begins with a thorough understanding of your operation’s unique dynamics and goals. Here’s how the process typically unfolds:

1. Initial evaluation: begin by requesting a site visit by NRCS technical staff to examine and identify resource concerns on your farm. Call Lancaster County field office at 717-874-2558.
2. Evaluating alternatives: a follow-up meeting is scheduled to review and discuss alternatives, and a set of conservation practices are selected to address your goals and objectives.
3. Plan development and implementation: Receive an NRCS-developed Conservation Plan that outlines the resource concerns, planned alternatives, and selected conservation practices and producer’s plans for implementation.
4. Funding opportunities: apply for potential cost-share funding through Farm Bill programs to help offset costs to implement conservation practices. After completing the assessment and ranking process, you could be offered a contract to sign for financial assistance. In some cases, local partner agencies may also offer funding for “piggyback” cost-sharing.

This collaborative approach not only meets immediate conservation objectives, it also secures the long-term sustainability and productivity of your farm. By aligning your operational goals with environmental stewardship, you’re setting the stage for ongoing improvements and a resilient future.

For assistance, contact your local USDA NRCS field office today. Contact information can be found at www.farmers.gov/service-locator. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.