By Blake Jackson
A Pennsylvania farmer has successfully tackled water pollution and enhanced his farm operation thanks to a new manure storage facility and cost-sharing funds from a state conservation program.
Greg Strayer, a Cumberland County cattle farmer, faced the challenge of an aging and leaky manure storage area that threatened a local stream feeding the Chesapeake Bay. Through the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP), he received a 90% cost-share grant, enabling him to install a modern, 185,000-gallon storage unit.
This investment not only protects waterways from nutrient and sediment pollution but also benefits Strayer's farm by allowing him to apply manure as natural fertilizer at optimal times for plant growth. He has further committed to environmental stewardship by enrolling in conservation programs, planting cover crops, and establishing streamside buffers.
"As farmers, we take from the land, but we also want to put back and have that quality product," Strayer said. "If you constantly take from the ground, it's not going to give you anything."
Strayer's story highlights the effectiveness of collaborative efforts between farmers, environmental organizations, and government agencies in achieving water quality goals. ACAP, funded by the Clean Streams Fund, provides vital financial assistance to farmers like Strayer, enabling them to implement best management practices and contribute to a healthier environment.
The success of this project demonstrates the potential for win-win solutions in agriculture, where environmental protection and farm viability can go hand in hand. By investing in sustainable practices and supporting innovative farmers like Strayer, we can ensure cleaner water and a brighter future for agriculture and Chesapeake Bay.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zms
Categories: Pennsylvania, Business