This morning I met with our team from NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service).  Today I had expert advice from David Polk (Resource Team Leader for Anderson County NRCS) and soil conservationists Bryan Padelford and Phylicxia Moore.  As you know, the drought from last year was devastating and the effects will be with us for years to come.  Last year because of the excessive temperatures and constant threat of fires – we did not mow or put chemical out on our pastures.  As a result, this year the weeds and brush have come back with a vengeance.  Today, they were here to look at one pasture and determine a plan of action to implement brush control and restore the pasture for grazing.

A transect involves  walking a line in the pasture – taking samples every 3 to 4 steps – then noting the brush species and % of canopy cover.  The sample must represent the whole pasture.   One person records and one photographs for documentation.  If the canopy is over 10% then it is economically feasible to spend money for brush control.

This one section of pasture contained woody species of greenbrier – dew berry – persimmon – sweet gum – hickory – and red oak.   This is not a tasty cow buffet – it is a cattleman’s nightmare.

Now as you see in this picture – the weeds and brush were as tall as team NRCS.  Even though we rely on mathematical calculations – we knew that this pasture was going to exceed the 10% feasibility.  The canopy actually was charted at 34%.  UGH!! Now, David and his team will make recommendations to restore this pasture.  I will follow-up with a plan of action.

We have great respect for NRCS.  Soil and water conservation is of utmost importance and we are going to seek expert advice to help us take care of this land.  Stewardship matters to us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Legacy of Conservation – NRCS

Our goal is not just a sustainable, nutritious, abundant food supply, but also thriving ecosystems that support a diversity of life. In the next century, NRCS will not only continue to tackle familiar challenges like ensuring clean water and healthy soil, but will also rise to meet new issues, such as clean air, clean energy, climate change, and new technology.

– Chief Dave White

Originally established by Congress in 1935 as the Soil Conservation Service (SCS), NRCS has expanded to become a conservation leader for all natural resources, ensuring private lands are conserved, restored, and more resilient to environmental challenges, like climate change.

Seventy percent of the land in the United States is privately owned, making stewardship by private landowners absolutely critical to the health of our Nation’s environment.

NRCS works with landowners through conservation planning and assistance designed to benefit the soil, water, air, plants, and animals that result in productive lands and healthy ecosystems.