Livestock Today

Yesterday, I saw many Facebook and Twitter posts with everyone’s activities for Earth Day, whether it’s planting trees, picking up trash or walking instead of driving their car to do their afternoon errands.

 

But livestock producers know Earth Day shouldn’t be just one day a year—it’s every day on a farm or ranch.

 

And this year is special. Earth Day (and the Environmental Protection Agency) is 40 years old.

 

But, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is turning 75—proof that farmers and ranchers have been working for years to protect and improve the natural resources of this country. Since 1935, NRCS has been working with farmers and ranchers to find solutions that benefitted their land, water, soil and other natural resources.

 

If you’ve checked out the Earth Day website, you know they are asking everyone to commit to being better stewards of their resources and post it on their site. Don’t let agriculture be left out! Post what you do on your farm or ranch to help the environment.

 

I know most of you are busy in the field right now, but here is my Earth Day 2010 challenge: Do one new conservation effort on your farm or ranch this year that will benefit your operation, livestock and the environment. Utilize conservation buffers around fields, limit livestock access to ponds and streams to reduce manure contamination (check out these ideas), or plant trees for a wind break. For more information on the NRCS programs available to you, go to http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/partners/for_farmers.html or your local NRCS office. Many of these activities will improve the environment as well as your operation’s bottom line.

 

Then, come back and post your activities below. We all like to hear new ideas, so share with other farmers. Or, share your activities with me by sending an e-mail to sbrown@farmjournal.com. I’d love to hear from you!