A new program offers expert technical assistance—and up to 100% cost reimbursement—for small cattle herds.

By Rebecca Jones, Department of Conservation and Recreation

It’s a good time to be a small farmer. Especially a small cattle farmer. If you are a farmer with 20-49 head of cattle, you can now receive exclusive benefits through the new Small Herd Initiative. Under this program, your small cattle operation can receive significantly higher cost-share rates
for Virginia Agricultural Cost-Share best management practices that exclude cattle from streams.

The Small Herd Initiative is run by the Virginia Department of Conservation and administered through the state’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

Large cattle operations receive 55-75% reimbursement rates for most stream-exclusion practices. But under the Small Herd Initiative, your small farm can now get up to 100% reimbursement—as much as $50,000—starting July 1. Covered practices:

  • Stream exclusion with buffer and land management.
  • Stream protection fencing with buffer.
  • Portable fencing.

Experienced farmers know that excluding livestock from streams benefits a farm in several ways. It reduces rates of animal injury and disease, promotes greater weight gain in cattle and increases the quality and quantity of milk produced. It also helps curb soil loss from stream
bank erosion.

If you opt to enroll in the Small Herd Initiative, you will also get ongoing, expert technical support for installing and maintaining these practices in ways that maximize these benefits to your operation. This assistance is tailored to the needs of smaller livestock operations. And, as always, it’s tailored to your goals and priorities for your farm.

Why not let the Small Herd Initiative foot the bill for significant improvements to your small cattle operation? Reach out to your local Soil and Water Conservation District to learn more. Your animals and your bottom line will thank you.

Find your district at www.dcr.virginia.gov/soil-and-water/swcdlist.