Kentucky Conservationist Success Stories

Updated 08/21/2008

Silver Bend Farm in Madison County

Submitted by Sam Miller, DC, Madison County, Kentucky

Paul and Renee Thomas own and operate the 219 acre Silver Bend Farm on picturesque Silver Creek in Madison County. Paul and Renee utilize the farm to pasture an average of 150 head of feeder cattle. Until recently, the farm was also utilized for tobacco production  Since the tobacco buyout, the Thomases have focused on their beef cattle operation.

When the Thomases purchased their farm in 1998, they researched the conservation programs that would assist with improvements on their farm. The only livestock water sources available at that time were two unfenced ponds and Silver Creek. With assistance from 1999 Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) funds, Paul and Renee installed their first pipeline and tanks.  These tanks are attached to the municipal water supply.   In 2003, Phase I Tobacco funds were utilized to extend the pipeline system to supply additional fields.

State Cost-share funds assisted with the installation of two Heavy Use Areas which alleviated problems with winter feeding. An Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) contract installed 1,000 feet of fence along Silver Creek and once again extended the pipeline system to more fields.  After seeing their cattle gain weight more efficiently while drinking municipal water instead of pond/creek water, the Thomas’ participated in 2005 EQIP and installed 5,000 additional feet of fence to completely finish excluding cattle from Silver Creek.  Again, the municipal pipeline system was extended.

Paul and Renee received a 2005 CSP contract that financially rewards their stewardship efforts. Silver Bend Farm is an excellent example of utilizing cost-share programs to not only protect the environment, but to also increase farm productivity and profits. Paul and Renee Thomas were recently named Master Conservationists for all their efforts.

Beginner Farmers Make Conservation a Priority on Their Farm

Submitted by Sam Miller, DC, Madison County, Kentucky

Tim and Cathleen Bentley own and operate a 180 acre farm on Brookstown Road in Madison County, Kentucky.  The family manages a 50-head cow/calf operation.  Both Tim and Cathleen are new to farming.  Tim grew up in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky and Cathleen moved to Kentucky from Florida.  Being eager to learn the business of farming, the Bentleys sought advice from the USDA Service Center in Richmond.

They purchased the farm in 2001 and numerous improvements were necessary to operate a productive beef cattle farm.  Fences were in disrepair, cattle drank directly from ponds and streams, and the pasture fields were continuously grazed.

In 2002, the Bentleys received an Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) contract to make conservation improvements on their farm.  Since that time, the Bentleys have made the following improvements using various conservation practices and programs on their farm: 

• A severely eroded portion of a pasture field was treated with Critical Area Planting (342).  
• Over four thousand feet of Pipeline (516) and five Watering Facilities (614) were installed to facilitate Prescribed Grazing (528).   
• A winter feeding lot was treated with Heavy Use Area Protection (561).
• Over one hundred acres of Pasture and Hayland Planting (512) were completed, converting fescue to an orchard grass, clover, and alfalfa mixture.
• Over four thousand feet of Fence (382) were installed to exclude cattle from a stream that runs through the farm. 
• A Stream Crossing (578) was installed to control streambank erosion and still allow the movement of cattle.

The Bentleys have participated in other programs as well.  In 2004, they completed a Covered Feeding Area/Waste Storage Facility (313) through the Kentucky State Cost-share Program.  A Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan was written and is being implemented as a result.

The Bentley Farm is an excellent example of the impact that EQIP can have on the environment and in support of beginning farmers.

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