The Patrick County Soil and Water Conservation District (Patrick SWCD) announce a voluntary sign-up period for the 2024/2025 Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practice (BMP) State Cost-Share Program.
Agricultural producers who farm in Patrick County can sign up now. To make an appointment for a field visit to see how the District can assist you in your farming operation, please contact the Patrick SWCD office at 276-694-2911.
The state cost-share program supports the use of various practices in conservation planning to treat cropland, pastureland, and forested land, which often helps production while also contributing to the health of the waters in Patrick County. Some BMPs are paid for at a flat rate or straight per-acre rate while others are cost-shared on a percentage basis. These practices can also help boost farm productivity and profitability.
Because demand for cost-share assistance is great, the Patrick SWCD supports the implementation of only those plans that meet local water quality guidelines. Since some requests can’t be satisfied, priority ranking of practices will be used to make sure funds are spent wisely.
Soil and water conservation districts were established in the 1930s after approximately 35 million acres of formerly cultivated land were destroyed for crop production because of poor land management practices. SWCDs develop programs that conserve soil resources, control and prevent soil erosion, and conserve, develop, utilize and dispose of water. With the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Department of Conservation and Recreation state funding and oversight, Districts target millions of dollars annually to address significant agricultural water quality problems in high priority hydrologic units.
To learn more about the Virginia Agricultural State Cost-Share Program, please feel free to contact Tony Collins or Sandra Heath at the District office at 276-694-2911 to schedule a field visit. With their combined 50 years of service, they look forward to assisting you. The Patrick SWCD office is located at 104 Via Avenue, Stuart. Learn about all the Patrick County Soil and Water Conservation District’s programs and resources at patrickswcd.org as well.
By Patrick County Soil and Water Conservation District Office
