Chowan Basin Soil & Water Conservation District

Chowan Basin is dedicated to implementing effective conservation strategies and providing support to farmers and landowners for sustainable practices.

Our Conservation Mission

The Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practice Cost-share Program is administered by the Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation through local Soil & Water Conservation Districts to improve water quality in the state's waterways. The program encourages voluntary installation of agricultural Best Management Practices by offering cost-share assistance for implementation.

Chowan Basin Soil & Water Conservation District, serves the counties of Greensville, Southampton, and Sussex in Virginia. Our team of conservation experts offers valuable guidance and assistance to enhance agricultural practices and safeguard our natural resources.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Call now to schedule your appointment!

PY2026 Whole-Farm Approach

Cost Share Sign-ups

July 28th - August 29th

By Appointment only!

Andrew (434) 632-1101

Dalton (434) 594-8115

Jennifer (434) 594-5750

* * * * * * * *

~ PLEASE NOTE ~

NO LATE SIGN-UPS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE

AUGUST 29TH DEADLINE

Call now to schedule your appointment!

BMP COST SHARE PROGRAMS

Cover Crop Cost Share Program

The cost-share program offers financial incentives for farmers to adopt best management practices aimed at reducing nutrient pollution, sediment, and waste from entering waterways. These voluntary practices can provide a long-term boost to a farm operation's bottom line through increased productivity and reduced labor and input costs.

Farmers can receive state cost-share reimbursement for best management practices including:

Cover crops
Nutrient management plans

Chowan Basin SWCD works with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to administer the cost-share program funding to local producers and provide technical assistance for its implementation.

Producers interested in applying for funding should contact Chowan Basin SWCD. The new fiscal year begins July 1.

Nutrient Management

Developing and implementing a nutrient management plan improves water quality by decreasing the amount of nutrients from fertilizer or manure that enter local streams. Excessive levels of nitrogen deplete oxygen in surface water, impairing aquatic life. Nutrient management practices can be implemented on any crop or pasture lands, including anywhere corn and small grains are grown. They help producers reduce unnecessary nutrient applications by basing them on realistic yield expectations and matching nutrient sources to crop requirements.

Precision Ag Soil Sampling

Chowan Basin is committed to preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Greensville, Southampton, and Sussex counties to create a healthier and more sustainable environment for current and future generations.

A precision agriculture soil sampling program is offered to producers in the counties of Sussex, Southampton, and Greensville. Soil samples are taken strategically across a field to create detailed nutrient maps, allowing for tailored fertilizer application rates based on the specific needs of the soil. This approach optimizes nutrient use, reduces waste, and can increase crop yields.

COMMUNITY CONSERVATION OUTREACH PROGRAMS

Clean Water Farm Award

The annual Clean Water Farm Award recognizes farmers who demonstrate outstanding commitment in implementing conservation practices and preserving water quality.

One winner is chosen from each county - Sussex, Southampton, and Greensville.

This program is sponsored by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

Tire Recycling

Environmental Education

Chowan Basin sponsors a Tire Amnesty Event yearly in March. Producers in the counties of Greensville, Sussex, and Southampton can drop off used tractor, equipment, and truck tires at a central location. This service is provided at no cost to producers and ensures discarded tires are disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner.

Chowan Basin SWCD is committed to providing quality, integrated educational hands-on environmental experiences to local students in Greensville, Sussex, and Southampton Counties.

Each year, a Farm Day is held for elementary students on a local farm in each of the counties served. Students spend the day on a working farm learning about water quality, conservation, soil, crops, etc. Partner agencies such as the Department of Forestry, Department of Wildlife Resources, Farm Bureau, Cooperative Extension, and FSA man a wide variety of learning stations. The highlight of the day is a hayride around the farm.