PHOTO : Katie Schuler revealed that 77 percent of non-operating landowners in Maryland rely on their farmers to make most management decisions about farm practices . Hickman and Hill have overcome this barrier through a mutual interest and willingness to discuss how conservation practices fit into the long-term operations of the farm . “ I think one of the reasons Joe and I have had such a great relationship that ’ s spanned over 20 years is that we ’ re very like-minded in terms of conservation ,” says Hill about his partnership with Hickman . Hill continues , “ In terms of farming practices , I probably help teach him . We ’ ve developed a true no-till system with cover crops every year , and now we ’ re starting to make those cover crops more diverse , getting more of an ecological benefit .”
One venue through which TNC and other stakeholders in the conservation agriculture community are working to accelerate the adoption of sustainable farming practices are through local 4R partnerships . The 4R Nutrient Stewardship program was established by The Fertilizer Institute ( TFI ) as an innovative , science-based approach to nutrient management that encourages local partnerships to build awareness and education . In our region , the Mid-Atlantic 4R Nutrient Stewardship Association includes members that represent farmers , trusted advisors to farmers such as agribusinesses and ag service providers , conservation organizations , and government agencies — all committed to increase the implementation of 4R nutrient stewardship practices to achieve environmental , economic , and social benefits . TNC is a committed partner in 4R Nutrient Stewardship — both nationally and locally — to make significant gains toward the 2025 Bay restoration goals to ensure the Chesapeake remains a region where both people and nature continue to thrive .
Non-operating landowners also have an important role to maintain the long-term viability and sustainability of their lands . Landowners like Hickman want their property to be part of the solution , not the problem , “ More and more we ’ ve realized
Photo : Severn Smith / TNC
Above left : Maryland farmer Trey Hill ( left ) shares a laugh with non-operating landowner Joe Hickman , one of 60 landowners from whom Hill rents ; bottom : Hill discusses soil health with visiting staff from The Nature Conservancy ’ s sustainable agriculture program in China .
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