Powell Farm

The Soil Conservationist put in a cost share project at the Powell farm to fence out a pond that lead to a creek. They agreed to leave a 35 foot buffer and were able to get 100% cost share.

There was a solar panel installed to run the well because to run electricity to the well it was going to cost $25,000.

The well pumps water to a resivoire that can last for 3-4 days if the power goes out and then the water goes to fill up the troughs. The well is 300 feet deep and can pump 8.5-9 gallons per minute. The type of pump put in is more durable than an electric pump. The troughs used are Ritchie troughs.

The project was engineer designed with government specifications. There is a 10 year contract and if it is not maintained the farmer pays the remaining amount based on the years left in the contract. Richmond picks 30 clients a year from each county to be spot checked. The agency that does the checking gives the farmers a 2 month notice before they come so the farmer will not be checked without fair warning. If an emergency arises or the pump arises the farmers are exempt from the contract until the troughs are okay to be used again. There are no restrictions within the buffer zone so the farmer can mow, or spray pesticides or herbicides. Mr. Powell was able to tell the agency what he wanted and they designed the project to fit his wants and needs. Augusta County receives $1.1-1.3 million each year. This year all of the money was spent by March with a fiscal year starting July 1. The agency also helps pay for cover crops and helps set up rotational grazing systems. By 2025 they are hoping to have all of the animals fenced out of the creeks.

This gave me many job options. I do feel as though all cost share projects should be under the same specifications instead of individualized projects dependent on the farmers wants, especially when 100% cost share is involved. I also feel that the contracts should be better watched and monitored.