2005 Annual Report for ONE03-010
Sustainable agriculture and forestry demonstration project
Summary
From its beginning, Sustaining Greene County (SGC) realized the need for a centrally located demonstration farm highlighting sustainable agriculture and forestry practices, and making it available to local as well as regional landowners. SGC representatives approached local mining interests with a proposal to establish a long term demonstration project on a farmstead, and Consol Energy responded by offering use of a 66 acre tract in rural Wayne Township, Greene County. Soon named Tally Hollow Farm, it features moderate to severely sloping fields so typical of local topography. Out of production since the early 80’s, most of the outbuildings were in disrepair with the exception of the vacant house and one outbuilding. For SGC and Tally Hollow Farm, 2005 proved to be a challenging and rewarding year.
Objectives/Performance Targets
Poultry Project
Approximately ten acres of the farm were remnants of meadows, pastures, and vegetable gardens and were in the beginning stages of succession back into woodland. SGC is pleased to report that with a lot of work, some aged equipment, and most importantly volunteer labor there is a noticeable difference in these fields. An improved agricultural crossing has been installed, a seeming insurmountable amount of undesirable vegetation has been removed, extensive work on the house has been completed, fencing has been installed, and a pastured poultry operation has been put in place. SGC is now ready for additional poultry in 2006, as well as multi-species rotational grazing, small crop production, and additional stream water quality sampling.
Forestry Project
Forestry plan written and awaiting approval by funding source
Perimeter fencing established, including stream bank fencing
All best management practices identified for demonstration have been installed
Many undesirable species cut and/or eliminated by use of herbicides
Plan for protection of endangered species and species of interest in place
Outreach and Education
Field day target number met
Goals for FFA/Vo-ag, student involvement met
Strong ties with made with Waynesburg College, a Christian liberal arts school
Strong ties with Canaan Valley Institute established
Web site was developed and withdrawn for re-design
Graphic arts student developing new logo and “better look”
Accomplishments/Milestones
Site Maintenance
Additional funding secured late in 2005
Extensive updates to house underway
Majority of debris piles, scrap metal on site removed
Fencing laid out, partially installed
Additional equipment purchased
Pastured Poultry Project
Movable pens constructed and in use by May 2005
Processing equipment purchased
Brooding and production successful
Marketing approach successful, prices ranged from $1.50 to $4.00 pound
On farm composting established for poultry by-products
Outreach and Education
Display featured at local events
Web site designed, subsequently removed for re-design
Graphic arts student designing “new look”
Exceptionally strong ties with vo-ag, FFA, and Waynesburg College
Numerous newspaper articles throughout the year
On site signage
Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes
Impacts and contributions/Outcomes
This has been an exceptional year for SGC. While the excessively hot weather in July and August combined with the presence of raptors resulted in higher poultry mortality rates than anticipated, the poultry project has been successful. The outpouring of support from friends and volunteers has enabled us to meet and in specific cases exceed our yearly goals.
Partners and Friends for 2005
Consol Energy
Rep H William DeWeese
Sen J Barry Stout
PA DEP
Waynesburg College
West Virginia University
California University of PA
PA Dept of Community and Economic Development
SARE Northeast
Greene County Watershed Alliance
USDA NRCS
Canaan Valley Institute
SCI Waynesburg
Greene County Prison
WCHS Vo-ag/FFA
Volunteers