We're Half Way There: Smithfield Farm

Half Way There: Smithfield

Forrest Pritchard has implemented best management practices which have raised the soil health on his farm.

Bobby Whitescarver.

(Berryville, VA)—Forrest Pritchard's life changed in 1996 when he became "farmer in chief" of his family farm. So did the direction of his farm.

"We made only $18.16 net profit that year from our cash grains of corn and soybeans," Pritchard said.

What a coincidence, the soil organic matter content of those fields averaged only 1.8 percent. But since then, soil health and profits have steadily climbed.

"The poor soil came from decades of commodity based, commodity dependent, corn and soybean production and not paying attention to soil health," Pritchard stressed. 

The following year, he planted every crop field to perennial forage and converted their farming operation to a pasture-based, direct market system. Their soil organic matter now averages 5.3 percent.

"Soil health is everything," Pritchard said.

A soil organic matter test is one indicator of soil health. The higher the percent, the healthier the soil.

"Our goal at Smithfield Farm is to balance soil fertility. We do that by rotating livestock, importing all our hay and grain, using soil tests, and never leaving the soil bare," Pritchard added.

Smithfield Farm, a family operation that began in 1816, produces beef, lamb, pork, and chicken for direct market sales. It is now a very successful and profitable business.

The farm is located in the Long Marsh Run watershed in Clarke County, Virginia. Long Marsh Run flows to the Shenandoah River.

Pritchard enrolled in USDA's Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program and the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) in 2002. Funds and technical assistance from those programs helped him fence off streams from livestock and develop a rotational grazing system. Abundant, clean water, distributed throughout the farm, was critical for livestock health and production.

"Not only is Forrest a good steward of the land, he lets people know what he's doing by having field days and through his books and public speaking," Brent Barriteau, District Conservationist for the NRCS said.

Bobby Whitescarver 90x110

Bobby Whitescarver

Former CBF Consultant, CBF

[email protected]

Issues in this Post

Agriculture   Agriculture  




Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed in the media or articles on this site are those of the speakers or authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions held by CBF and the inclusion of such information does not imply endorsement by CBF. CBF is not responsible for the contents of any linked Website, or any link contained in a linked Website, or any changes or updates to such Websites. The inclusion of any link is provided only for information purposes.


The Bay Needs You

The State of the Bay Report makes it clear that the Bay needs our support now more than ever. Your donation helps the Chesapeake Bay Foundation maintain our momentum toward a restored Bay, rivers, and streams for today and generations to come.

Donate Today

Volunteer

Do you enjoy working with others to help clean the Chesapeake Bay? Do you have a few hours to spare? Whether growing oysters, planting trees, or advocating for a clean Bay, there are plenty of ways you can contribute.

Volunteer
x
This website uses cookies to tailor and enhance your online experience. By continuing, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. For more information, including details on how to disable cookies, please visit our Privacy Policy. Close