For us, farming is all about nurturing and protecting the environment so that mother nature is able to provide us with a sustainable agricultural enterprise and an edible product. In recent years, The Sell Farm, LLC has introduced a number of conservation practices that are designed to reduce erosion, the possibility of water contamination, and to provide a safe protected environment for our cattle. We also developed riparian buffer zones and wildlife feeding plots and eco-friendly stream crossings for use by cattle when moving from one area of farm to another. Cattle feeding and watering areas were also developed and a gravity flow water system was installed. We thank the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service for their advice, technical expertise and cost share grants during this project. Intensive rotational grazing was also implemented, another method for improving pastures and the growth of cattle who graze on them. We also introduced a new variety of white clover developed by scientists at the UGA. Clover adds nitrogen to the soil, is a great source of protein for the cattle and reduces the need for added fertilizer.Pond RenovationBefore There was erosion on a dam of a small pond when we took over the farm. This was completely renovated, trees removed from it, the banks were re-seeded with fescue and rye grass and completely fenced off so cattle cannot enter the pond. After Stream CrossingsNext we created two stream crossings so that we can move cattle from one side to the other, and at the same time prevent animals from standing in the water. The crossings were created and then geotextile fabric laid and covered with gravel.Immediately above is a completed stream crossing that is fenced and gated. It is used by cattle only when crossing the stream. Each pasture side of the stream crossings were also fenced off from cattle entry. This create riparian buffer zones that act to filter any water run off from the pastures. Natural vegetation returns and in some areas we have planted food plots for quail and other wildlife.Cattle Feeding and Watering AreasHay is fed during the winter. Since it is usually wet weather in the winter, the cows spend hours standing around the hay rings and it can get very muddy. We initially constructed feeding areas similarly to the stream crossings in which the land is covered with geotextile fabric laid and then covered with gravel. This worked very well for some years, but the constant use degraded the areas and renewal of gravel was necessary.The picture above shows an old hay ring area surrounded in yellow. The grass is torn up, gets muddy in wet weather, and was just a mess. This was reseeded and now is covered with lush grass. The blue area outlines a new graveled feeding area.In 2008 we converted the most heavily used hay feeding areas to concrete pads. This is a more permanent solution and it only requires periodic clearing manure from the pad. We’ve observed the cattle have fewer foot problems in the winter. It is also easier for us to put hay into the rings. Below are photos of hay ring pad and watering tank pad preparation.Hay Ring Pad PreparationWater Tank Pad PreparationWe take our job as stewards of the land very seriously, and have taken steps to insure that it will continue in agriculture into the future. In September, 2003 we also teamed up with the USDA and placed a twenty year easement on our farm so that it cannot be developed and will continue as pasture for beef cattle.Beaver Lake is in the middle of the farm and was built forty years ago as a watershed lake to help prevent flooding downstream by Honey Bee Creek. It certainly does help. When we have a big rain, the lake rises some 8, or more, feet and then recedes over several days.Beaver Lake - Fall ColorsDurana Clover to Improve PastureEnvironment
For us, farming is all about nurturing and protecting the
environment so that mother nature is able to provide us with a
sustainable agricultural enterprise and an edible product. In
recent years, The Sell Farm, LLC has introduced a number of
conservation practices that are designed to reduce erosion, the
possibility of water contamination, and to provide a safe
protected environment for our cattle.
We also developed riparian buffer zones and wildlife feeding
plots and eco-friendly stream crossings for use by cattle when
moving from one area of farm to another. Cattle feeding and
watering areas were also developed and a gravity flow water
system was installed. We thank the USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Service for their advice, technical expertise and
cost share grants during this project.
Intensive rotational grazing was also implemented, another
method for improving pastures and the growth of cattle who
graze on them. We also introduced a new variety of white
clover developed by scientists at the UGA. Clover adds
nitrogen to the soil, is a great source of protein for the cattle
and reduces the need for added fertilizer.
Pond Renovation
Before
There was erosion on a dam of a small pond when we took
over the farm. This was
completely renovated, trees
removed from it, the banks
were re-seeded with fescue
and rye grass and completely
fenced off so cattle cannot
enter the pond.
After
Stream Crossings
Next we created two stream crossings so that we can move
cattle from one side to the other, and at the same time prevent
animals from standing in the water. The crossings were
created and then geotextile fabric laid and covered with gravel.
Immediately above is a completed stream crossing that is
fenced and gated. It is used by cattle only when crossing the
stream.
Each pasture side of the stream crossings were also fenced off
from cattle entry. This create riparian buffer zones that act to
filter any water run off from the pastures. Natural vegetation
returns and in some areas we have planted food plots for quail
and other wildlife.
Cattle Feeding and Watering Areas
Hay is fed during the winter.
Since it is usually wet weather in
the
winter, the cows spend hours
standing around the hay rings
and it can get very muddy. We
initially constructed feeding areas
similarly to the stream crossings
in
which the land is covered with
geotextile fabric laid and then covered with gravel. This worked
very well for some years, but the constant use degraded the
areas and renewal of gravel was necessary.
The picture above shows an old hay ring area surrounded in
yellow. The grass is torn up, gets muddy in wet weather, and
was just a mess. This was reseeded and now is covered with
lush grass. The blue area outlines a new graveled feeding
area.
In 2008 we converted the most heavily used hay feeding areas
to concrete pads. This is a more permanent solution and it
only requires periodic clearing manure from the pad. We’ve
observed the cattle have fewer foot problems in the winter. It
is also easier for us to put hay into the rings. Below are photos
of hay ring pad and watering tank pad preparation.
Hay Ring Pad Preparation
Water Tank Pad Preparation
We take our job as stewards of the land very seriously, and
have taken steps to insure that it will continue in agriculture
into the future. In September, 2003 we also teamed up with
the USDA and placed a twenty year easement on our farm so
that it cannot be developed and will continue as pasture for
beef cattle.
Beaver Lake is in the middle of the farm and was built forty
years ago as a watershed lake to help prevent flooding
downstream by Honey Bee Creek. It certainly does help.
When we have a big rain, the lake rises some 8, or more, feet
and then recedes over several days.
Beaver Lake - Fall Colors
Durana Clover to Improve Pasture
Environment
