West Virginia Success Story

EQIP Improvements Extend Grazing Season

Category: Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP)

Overview: Mr. Kennedy started working with the USDA-NRCS in Morgantown, WV in 1999. He was selected conservation farmer of the year for The Monongahela Conservation District in 2003. Mr. Kennedy has a herd of 40 beef cows on 120 acres. Mr. Kennedy has worked with the Morgantown NRCS staff to develop a whole-farm plan consisting of beef calf and hay production. Mr. Kennedy received an EQIP contract in 2004 which is providing cost share on infrastructure needed to provide more flexibility and options for his rotational grazing system. His primary goal is to extend his grazing season and reduce livestock hay requirements.

Accomplishments: Mr. Kennedy extended his grazing season and reduced his winter feeding requirements by stockpiling fescue/orchardgrass pasture. Mr. Kennedy stockpiled 15 acres with $200 in fertilizer costs for 18 head. The stockpiled forage saved 48 days of winter feeding. Completed infrastructure improvements under the EQIP contract to date are:

· 1,500 feet of high-tensile fence,

· 2 freeze-proof livestock water troughs,

· 2,400 feet of pipeline.

Benefits to Landowner: The additional infrastructure installed under EQIP added flexibility to the rotational grazing system. With the new fence and freeze-proof livestock water trough, Mr. Kennedy extended his grazing season more than 6 weeks and thus lowering his winter feeding costs.

Benefits to Community: The Kennedy Farm is a working, privately owned farm with virtually zero soil erosion. All woodland acres are protected from livestock use. All riparian areas are managed separately from other pastures. Mr. Kennedy has made his farm available for educational opportunities. Already, the Kennedy’s have hosted a pasture walk, 4-H Land Judging Contest, and field training for NRCS personnel.

Contact:
JR Wolfe, District Conservationist,
304-291-4377 ext. 130
JR.Wolfe@wv.usda.gov

Tim Canfield, Soil Conservationist,
304- 291-4377 ext. 131
Tim.Canfield@wv.usda.gov

Morgantown Service Center−Serving Monongalia County
201 Scott Avenue
Morgantown, WV 26508
Phone (304) 291-4377 Fax (304) 291-4139
http://www.wv.nrcs.usda.gov/contact/morgantown.html