Wayne began his operation
in 1999 with the purchase of five beef cows. Since then, he and his wife Wendy have expanded the operation
to a herd size of around 30 head. Their farm encompasses about 30 acres off of Creek Road in Pohatcong
Township and is adjacent to the Pohatcong Creek. As the operation grew, the Willevers recognized a need to make some improvements to the farm. The
areas surrounding the water troughs and round bail feeders were becoming unmanageable, the pastures were not being utilized
to their fullest, and managing the animal waste had become daunting. That’s where the WCSCD and the
NRCS came in and worked with Wayne and Wendy to develop a conservation plan for the farm. The NRCS staff developed a grazing plan and comprehensive nutrient management plan
which provide guidance to best manage the forage, both pre and post bovine digestion. Engineering designs for the structural
practices were developed and, with lightning speed, the structures were built. The approximately 2600sf,
covered, concrete, heavy-use area collects about 40-50% of the animal waste and can be easily scraped clean. The
roof on the structure keeps the rain water clean. Gutters at the eaves direct water away from the manure-laden feeding area
to a safe outlet. Wayne spreads wood chips on the pad to increase cow comfort and footing.
The wood and waste are mixed on the floor and begin the composting process. The waste and chips
removed from the feeding area are then stacked on an adjacent pad where they continue to compost and can be stored for about
two months. Continued composting of the waste and chips can occur off the pad, and the material is finally
used as a soil amendment. NRCS
staff is quoted as saying of the Willevers: “They are a joy to work with. Wendy has a knack for keeping meticulous records,
and Wayne creates a nice working environment on the jobsite and has put a lot of thought into the details of the facility.” The Willevers are pleased with the improvements to
their farm. The conservation practices provide benefit to both the farmer and the environment.
The daily operations of tending to the animals are now a bit easier on Wayne, Wendy, and their equipment.
The pastures are kept lush, green, and healthy; and excess nutrients are kept out of the creek. The
Warren County Soil Conservation District commends the Willevers on their outstanding achievements as true stewards of their
land. |
The candidates chosen as the Warren County Soil Conservation Districts’ Forestry Cooperator of the
Year must exemplify a willingness and enthusiasm to improve their woodlands or open areas and demonstrate this by implementing
their state-approved, woodland management plan to the best of their abilities. Because they have demonstrated themselves to
be proven forestry cooperators, Ted and Anna Bryan have been recognized as the 2007 recipients of the Warren County Soil Conservation
District’s Forestry Cooperator of the Year award. Ted
and Anna currently reside on approximately 12½ acres on the outskirts of Washington Township which they purchased around 1998.
Since that time, the Bryans have worked with the WCSCD in administering their woodland management plan. Six acres of their property are wooded while the remaining acreage is used for gardening, livestock, or
tree plantings. Among their many activities has been the clearing of a wooded area for the further propagation of native seedlings.
The material that was harvested from this clearing effort resulted in the removal of sawtimber and firewood from the
tree tops. To date, species such as American chestnut, sugar maple, and black locust have been planted
on the property. In 2004, an 8-foot high fence was erected around approximately 8 acres of the Bryan property in order
to better protect the seedlings against unwanted deer browse. According to the Bryans, it has been effective in deterring
the deer population from invading this area; however, this cannot be said for the local bears that have been seen scaling
this fence on occasion. Since
the inception of their association with the District, the Bryan’s efforts have produced 8,000 board feet of sawtimber,
more than 50 cords of firewood, the planting of 700 seedlings, and abundant produce from their garden area which has produced
such crops as potatoes, corn, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, peppers, watermelons, pumpkins, onions, string beans, beats, cauliflower,
brussel sprouts, broccoli, sunflowers, radishes, and turnips. All the materials and products harvested
from this property are self-utilized, donated to a local church, or sold to friends, family, and neighbors. Some
projects that are planned for the future include plantings of various seedlings, gardening activities, possibly clearing another
small area for livestock pasture, and production of traditional forest products to satisfy the annual income requirements
of the Woodland Assessment Act. It has
been a pleasure to meet and work with Mr. and Mrs. Bryan. Anyone can easily recognize that they are proven forestry cooperators
who reflect and exemplify the characteristics we look for when choosing the Warren County Soil Conservation District 2006
Forestry Cooperators of the Year. Congratulations, Ted and Anna!
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