Long-range planning , along with programs from NRCS , are helping this couple build the operation they ’ ve always dreamed of
Slow and Steady
Long-range planning , along with programs from NRCS , are helping this couple build the operation they ’ ve always dreamed of
Tabby Bennett
Jeff and Janet Allen are the owners of Meadow View Farm in Moundsville , West Virginia . Over the past ten years they have transformed their farm from a goal-driven project to a fully self-sufficient 197 acres of productive land .
Jeff and Janet purchased their farm in 2006 , then in 2010 , purchased more land nearby to complete what is now Meadow View . Although Jeff spent some time on his grandparent ’ s farm , neither Jeff nor Janet had farmed extensively before .
“ When we bought the farm there was a lot we wanted to do , but of course you have to be able to afford it . We had to prioritize , and we made a 7-8 year plan ,” said Janet . “ NRCS helped us get a lot done and helped us by cost sharing . They have a lot of great ideas too .”
The Allens raise hay and cattle , and with the financial and technical assistance of Natural Resources Conservation Service ( NRCS ), this couple has steadily made improvements that have allowed them to farm the way they had intended from the beginning .
“ We are able to completely stabilize 30-40 head of cattle on our own , and our goal is 50 head ,” said Jeff . “ We also sell round bales .”
The Allens utilize many aspects of several NRCS programs to ensure their farm is able to run sustainably and smoothly .
“ It ’ s always been a personal goal of mine to have something like this ,” said Jeff . “ You can ’ t take from the land without giving something back .”
One major program the Allens use most on their farm is Environmental Quality Incentives Program ( EQIP ). With EQIP , they have developed five springs with watering troughs . The spring developments and water troughs ensure their cattle get all of the fresh water they need , and eliminates the cattle ’ s need to enter water sources like creeks and rivers .
Additionally , the Allens have built 23,000 feet of exclusion and division fence for rotational grazing , as well as 3,500 feet of wildlife friendly fencing . Exclusion and division fencing help by making sure cattle remain in areas where they belong , and makes the transition from field to field more easy when all of the vegetation in a field is consumed and the cattle need to move to another . Wildlife friendly fencing is helpful to the farmer when animals such as deer visit the farm . Reflectors are attached to exterior fences so wildlife can see them and jump over or go around the fence instead of crashing through .
Jeff and Janet also built a 30x120 foot feeding facility for cattle and a manure storage facility . The feeding facility is helpful because it makes
West Virginia Farm Bureau News 9