The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy is helping dairy farmers save money and conserve many of our natural resources.  Dave White, Chief of NRCS, stated that, “By helping farmers conserve energy, we’re helping to reduce agriculture’s carbon footprint; helping to reduce our dependence on...

'Forests for People - More Than You Can Imagine' is the Soil and Water Stewardship theme for 2011. Take this opportunity to learn about forests, tree identification, tree structure, management, conservation, and wildlife habitat. Forests cover 30% of the land area on Earth. Forests grow in many...

Water is essential to life. Promote water conservation through the use of rain barrels. What is a rain barrel? A rain barrel is a system of collecting and storing water from the roofs of homes, barns and sheds. Rain barrels prevent water from attaching to soil or pollutants and being carried away...

It is no secret. I love winter! Whether it is snuggled inside with a cup of cocoa, snapping photographs of winter scenery, or taking care of our cattle in winter conditions, I love winter. There is so much to do during the winter months! Here are just a few activities kids and families can do...

The Henry County SWCD has continued to implement valuable conservation programs. 2010 has been another productive year for the Henry County Soil and Water Conservation District. The following are activities the Henry County SWCD participated in or sponsored this past year:    ...

Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are nutrients essential to plant growth. Over-application of nutrients is not good for plants or the environment. Nutrients may leach through the soil and into the groundwater or run off into storm drains. Soil testing measures the nutrient level of the soil and...

Two of my nieces were visiting the farm one day in July. My dad and I decided to take Alexandra and Brenna for a ride out to the fields in the Mule. On our way, we talked about the cows, butterflies we spotted and the native plants growing along the pasture fence. When we stopped beside a corn...

It takes over 500 years for one inch of topsoil to form. As urban or rural residents, it is imperative that we protect soil from erosion by wind and rain. We all need to be conservationists. Each of us needs to do our part in being good stewards of the land and conserving and protecting our...

On my four-wheeler rides back and forth from our farms, I have observed the variety and amount of wildlife in the countryside... Monarch Butterflies, Bull Snakes, American Toads, and Meadowlarks just to name a few. I have especially noticed Quail. That is a wonderful sight to see! It used to be a...

My mom and I made our annual trip to the local nursery this past weekend. As I was planting flowers, it got me thinking about butterflies and how I love the site of them fluttering around the yard. Do you want to attract and view the beauty of butterflies? Create a butterfly garden in your...