West Virginia Success Story

Orchard Improvements Protect the Bay and Increase Production

Program or Category: Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA)

Overview:
Two Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) program contracts have been successfully completed for a tract of orchard land located in Levels, West Virginia, in Hampshire County, within the Potomac Valley Conservation District. This agricultural tract is located in the Little Cacapon River watershed which is a direct drain to the Potomac River.

Accomplishments:
These contracts provided technical and financial assistance to orchard owners and operators Gary Shanholtz and his son Kane Shanholtz. An agrichemical handling facility was installed where chemicals are mixed on a covered concrete pad in an effort to minimize spills and eliminate potential pesticide contamination of ground and surface water. A water well and irrigation system was installed in an effort to reduce risks from droughts. The most dramatic improvement on this tract was the installation of a deer fence.

Program Benefits to Landowner:
“The results of building the deer fence have been dramatic”, says Gary Shanholtz. “Our yield in this peach orchard has increased by 50% since the fence has gone up”. He is able to concentrate management efforts on this 30 acre orchard and be more profitable than on much larger, unprotected orchards.

Mr. Shanholtz continued, “I appreciate the assistance we’ve received on this program. It has made all the difference”.

Contact:
Steve Ritz, District Conservationist
304-822-3020 ext 101
Steve.Ritz@wv.usda.gov

Romney Service Center-Serving Hampshire County
500 East Main Street
Romney, WV 26757
Phone (304) 822-3020 Fax (304) 822-3728

	The most dramatic improvement on this tract was the installation of a deer fence.
	“The results of building the deer fence have been dramatic”, says Gary Shanholtz. “Our yield in this peach orchard has increased by 50% since the fence has gone up”.

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