Save the Bay News: How Farms Can Save the Bay

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One of the many cows that enjoy roughly 100 acres for grazing at Blue Mountain View Farm near Annville, Pennsylvania.

Codi Yeager/CBF Staff

Our monthly roundup of engaging and educational content for you to enjoy at home.

Farms cover approximately one-third of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, an area of land second only to forests, making the implementation of conservation measures on farmland critical for achieving restoration goals. This month, we look at some of the farmers leading the way—a dairy farm in Pennsylvania, a vegetable and poultry farm in western Maryland, one of the last Black-owned farms in Virginia's Clarke County, and a cattle farm in the Shenandoah Valley—and explore regenerative agriculture practices that not only improve water quality, but soil health and our ability to fight climate change, too. Find out how the Biden administration can work with farmers to implement these practices on a broader scale, and check out our latest Around the Bay in 60 Seconds video for news off the farm (including updates on legislative budgets and some great oyster milestones). Finally, if you're looking for a way to learn more and support local farmers, we have ideas for movie night.

VIDEO: Standing for the Land

Morgan's Last Standing farm is among the last Black-owned farms in Clarke County, Virginia. The Morgan family worked with CBF to install a rotational grazing system, leading to a more productive farm, healthier soil, and cleaner waterways. It's part of the family's calling to take care of the land across generations.

Dairy cows grazing at Blue Mountain View Farm near Annville, Pennsylvania.

Kelly O'Neill

Small Farms, Big Impact

From a dairy farm in Pennsylvania, to a vegetable and poultry farm in western Maryland and a cattle farm in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, these farmers share why they worked with CBF to implement rotational grazing systems, and other regenerative agriculture practices, that build soil health, protect water quality, and benefit the climate.

VIDEO: How Does a Bay-Friendly Farm Work?

CBF's Clagett Farm in Upper Marlboro, Maryland operates as a real-world example of a farm that is both environmentally friendly and economically viable. Join Farm Manager Michael Heller as he describes how the farm has embraced rotational grazing and other regenerative agriculture methods to sequester carbon, reduce water runoff, and raise grass-fed livestock.

A red farm house sits amoung rolling agricultural hills in York County, Pennsylvania.

The boots on the ground—the farmers and the conservation community—are leading the way. Legislators need to invest in them.

John Pavoncello/York Dispatch

How Biden Can Partner With Farmers

Family farms are a vibrant part of the Chesapeake Bay region's history, culture, and economy. They are also essential partners in the restoration effort. Here's how the Biden administration can work with farmers to implement the conservation practices necessary to ensure clean water in the Bay and its rivers and streams.

VIDEO: Around the Bay in 60 Seconds

Critical clean water investments, oyster milestones, and so much more—February was another busy month for Bay saving. Watch the latest Around the Bay in 60 Seconds video to get all the news to know around the watershed in a mere minute.

Lovin' Local Food

Farming is a labor of love, and regenerative farming practices are key for reducing pollution and showing our love for the Bay. For Valentine's Day, we asked CBF's agriculture experts from across the watershed to share their favorite farm films and local foods to enjoy on your next night in.

What You Can Do

Issues in this Post

Agriculture   Advocacy   Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint   Food and Drink   Locally Grown   Regenerative Agriculture   Water Quality  




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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.


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Founded in 1967, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is the largest independent conservation organization dedicated solely to saving the Bay.

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