EQIP Program Helps Landowner Maximize Her Farm

Brenda Phillips wanted to maximize her farm to it’s full potential to make sure that her animals are provided the very best.  She contacted the Madison County SWCD/NRCS office for assistance and was approved for financial assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

Conservation practices recently installed through the EQIP program on the Phillips farm includes cross fencing, watering facilities (troughs), pasture plantings (completed last year), pipelines, and heavy use areas. After installing these practices, the farm has become more efficient.

Mrs. Phillips took over the 61-acre farm in July 2003. She has 62 goats, 2 horses, and 4 donkeys. Many of the animals have names and come running when called.

Mrs. Phillips's heart is in farming and she shared some of her fondest memories about growing up on her grandfather’s farm.  She said she was an avid animal lover and would sneak and take the best apples off the tree, that were supposed to be for human consumption, and fed them to the animals. Luckily, she recalled, she was never caught! 

She also described milking cows at her grandfather’s farm, and of the pleasure of drinking a glass of warm milk soon after the milking was completed.

Mrs. Phillips has two children.  Her daughter is an avid animal lover as well, and helps keeps on the farm.

Mrs. Phillips says she really loves what she does on the farm.  She especially enjoys working with her animals and being outside.