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Small Farmer’s Initiative at Work

by Myra Badger, District and NRCS FO Public Relations, Hartselle, AL

Strawberries in plastic - Harvest time at the Champion Farm.Robert and Marilyn Champion search for words to express their appreciation for the new well that was installed on their farm this past month. “It’s just such a tremendous help!” states Marilyn as she stands in the middle of her abundant strawberry crop.

The Champion’s crops are something to be proud of, but their success is not simply the result of luck. Their crops came from a love and dedication for farming along with some help from Morgan County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

John Lyle and Debbie Segars admire Marylin champion's strawberries.The Champions qualified for the Small Farmer’s Initiative through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) that provides cost-share assistance for limited resource and small farmers. The Morgan County SWCD and NRCS worked with the Champions providing a conservation plan for their farm which included the installation of a well, the design of a micro-irrigation system, and the use of plastic mulch. This conservation plan was designed to increase productivity while conserving resources.

With the installation of the well as a water source, Marilyn estimates they will save between $200-300 a month. Her face beams as she discusses how many more crops they will be able to irrigate with the well in the coming year. “We can irrigate much more efficiently than we could before the well was installed. It makes our job easier and gives us a better yield.”

Champion talks about the success of the micro-irrigation system.Robert Champion discussed his satisfaction with the plastic mulch. When asked why he didn’t choose to plant more with the plasticulture system, he responded, “That’s all I need. When that section starts coming in, it will work me to death.” Robert concluded that he can produce the same amount of crops in one acre with plastic as he could in five acres without. The Champion’s farm has been a plus for the community as well providing quality home-grown produce for the county’s quickly growing demand.

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