Conservation on the Farm
The Conservation District is committed to assisting farmers with conservation practices on their farms that are both economically and environmentally beneficial. These best management practices (BMP’s) can include: cover crops, streambank restoration, streambank fencing, riparian buffers, stabilized animal heavy use areas, off-stream watering facilities, and animal walkways associated with rotational grazing systems. The Conservation District also assists with manure management plans that serve as a foundation for conservation and nutrient management on the farm.
The Conservation District can provide both technical and financial assistance for BMPs and plan development. Funding for agricultural BMP projects has come from the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Program, the Chesapeake Bay Program, and from our various partners such as the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy to name a few.
Cover Crop Incentive Program
In 2022, HCCD was awarded Countywide Action Plan funding from the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to implement a cover crop incentive program throughout the county. Nearly 2,700 acres of cover crops were implemented through this funding program. Cover crops help reduce soil loss, build organic matter in the soil, and can also be used as forage for livestock. The cover crop incentive program will be continued in 2023, and interested farmers need to apply before November 15, 2023. The application is available here and paper copies can be requested in our office. Completed applications should be turned into the office or emailed to agriculture@
Our Agricultural Programs
Please click the red links to your right to explore agriculture topics addressed by the conservation district.
