On November 7, 2024, 24 farmers and agricultural professionals gathered at the Worth County Ag Pavilion in Sylvester, GA for an insightful and hands-on field day. The event, hosted by the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), provided valuable information on sustainable farming practices, focusing on cover crops and pasture improvement. The day was filled with presentations from industry experts and real-world demonstrations aimed at improving land productivity using conservation based farming methods.
The day kicked off with a warm welcome and coffee, allowing attendees to network and settle in before the sessions began. Representatives from the Flint River SWCD set the tone for the event, highlighting the importance of soil health, conservation in agriculture across the region.
“It’s a privilege for the Flint River SWCD to be able to connect farmers, researchers and industry professionals in events such as this field day demonstration to learn about practices, technologies, and programs that support conservation efforts,” says Perri Cooper, Executive Director of the Flint River SWCD.
Nick McGhee from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) took the stage next to discuss various grazing and cover crop strategies. McGhee emphasized how these practices can help improve yield, increase soil health, reduce erosion, and enhance pasture quality.
“It’s not just about the quantity [of cover crops], it’s about quality as well,” stated McGhee.
NRCS State Agronomist Kendrick Holder also touched on how farmers can access cost-share programs that make implementing these conservation practices more accessible.
Blake Shepard from Mixon Seed gave an overview of seed selection for both pasture and cover crops. The session highlighted the importance of choosing the right varieties based on soil type, climate conditions, and desired outcomes. His expertise provided valuable insights into how the right seed choices can maximize yield while improving soil health.
“I think access to a no till drill and availability of that equipment to farmers is important,” highlighted Shepard. “A diversified crop rotation feeds the soil biology, and adding species into a cover crop mix helps achieve this.”
After the morning sessions, attendees traveled to nearby Gwines Farms, where producer Mark Gwines welcomed the group and shared his experiences with implementing conservation based farming practices on his operation. This stop offered a firsthand look at how conservation practices are being applied in the field, and Gwines’ insights into the challenges and successes he’s encountered were both informative and inspiring.
Tim Barnes from the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association discussed the practice of over seeding pastures, a key technique for maintaining healthy forage during the cooler months. Over seeding is essential for extending grazing seasons and improving the overall productivity of pastures. Barnes walked participants through the process of using the no-till drill, providing tips on setting seeding rates, planting depth, down pressure, and more. He also provided information on timing, seed selection, and best practices for over seeding to ensure healthy, thriving pastures year-round.
After the field visit, attendees returned to the Ag Pavilion for lunch provided by Fat Boy's BBQ and a final round of discussions. This session provided an opportunity for participants to ask additional questions and reflect on what they had learned throughout the day. The event wrapped up with closing remarks, with a call to action for participants to apply the knowledge gained and continue exploring conservation practices to improve their land.
The highlight of the day was the demonstration of seeding pastures using the no-till drill that the Flint River SWCD has for rent to the public. This method of planting helps minimize soil disturbance, prevent erosion, and improve soil structure while establishing cover crops or pastures. Attendees had the opportunity to see the drill in action, learning how to use it efficiently for pasture renovation. A demonstration was planned to plant cover crop in nearby a row-crop field, but recent rains prevented that from happening on the day of the field day.
“we’ve seen increased interest in the availability of the no till drill from individuals seeding feed plots, to farmers testing new methods of planting before investing in new equipment,” says Taylor Sinquefield, Flint River SWCD Soil Health Coordinator. “This is the first time we’ve been able to host an event to show the many uses and benefits of the drill in a hands-on fashion.”
The Field Day was an outstanding opportunity for farmers and landowners to deepen their understanding of conservation based farming practices. By providing expert-led presentations, on-the-ground demonstrations, and ample networking opportunities, the event helped attendees take away valuable strategies for improving land productivity and environmental stewardship, at the time of year when it's actually time to implement these strategies.
Special thanks to Scott Carlson, Worth County UGA Extension agent, the USDA NRCS, Mixon Seed, the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association, and all the speakers and participants who made the day a success.
For more information about the no-till drill rental, visit http://flintriverswcd.org/no-till-drill.
The Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District is comprised of farmers, landowners, and community leaders that are dedicated to the conservation, wise use, and protection of natural resources in the Flint River Basin. Learn more about the District at flintriverswcd.org. This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, under Agreement number NR204310XXXXC030. Photos courtesy of Motion House Media.