Preserving the Farming Legacy with ACAP

Family farms have long been the backbone of American agriculture, serving as both livelihood and legacy for countless generations. For Dave and Renee Dickson of Washington County, Pennsylvania, preserving this legacy is not just a goal but a heartfelt mission. On their 365-acre farm, the Dicksons have embraced agricultural best management practices (BMPs) to ensure their land remains productive, sustainable, and ready to pass down to future generations.

Family First

Dave and Renee's commitment to their family is the cornerstone of their efforts. Married for 42 years, the couple dreams of seeing their farm inherited by their children and grandchildren. However, they recognized that for their vision to become reality, changes needed to be made. Farming has always been a family affair for the Dicksons. After years of helping Renee's parents run the farm as a dairy, they transitioned to beef in 1987. Dave and Renee took over the reins 14 years ago, and in addition to raising beef cattle, they grow corn, oats, and hay. 

"We've always believed that if we take care of the land, it will take care of us," says Dave. This philosophy has driven their efforts to address key challenges on their farm. 

Caring for the Land, Caring for the Future

Farms are more than businesses; they are living legacies deeply tied to the land. By adopting conservation practices, farmers like the Dicksons are ensuring that their farms remain viable and productive for generations to come. These practices not only improve sustainability but also instill a legacy of stewardship, teaching future generations the value of nurturing the land that sustains us all.

Overcoming Challenges

The Dickson farm faced numerous environmental resource concerns, including:

• Severe erosion and loss of topsoil
• Streambank degradation
• Manure management issues
• High animal stress and mortality rates due to poor drainage and exposure

Adding to these challenges, the farm's original infrastructure was designed for dairy cows, making it inefficient for raising beef cattle. These inefficiencies not only created stress for the livestock but also for Dave and his son, Bryan, daughter, Rachelle, and their families, as they worked tirelessly to manage their herd under suboptimal conditions.

Discovering ACAP

Dave was visiting another local farming agency one day and ran into Tom Ulrich, an Agricultural and E&S Technician with the Washington County Conservation District. Dave, off-hand, asked Tom if he had any money available to help with some projects on his farm. Tom said, as a matter of fact, he did! Tom was referring to the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP) funding. Dave and his son, Bryan, who is a mechanical engineer by training, had been working for about 4 years on the ideas and design of a roofed heavy-use area for their cattle. They were at the point of figuring out how to fund the construction when Tom introduced them to ACAP.

Transforming the Farm

Through the implementation of BMPs, the Dicksons have turned their farm into a model of efficiency and sustainability. Some of the key improvements include:

• Animal Walkways and Streambank Fencing: Creating designated paths for cattle has minimized erosion and protected waterways from contamination. Streambank fencing further prevents livestock from accessing and degrading streams, ensuring cleaner water for the farm and downstream ecosystems.
• Spring Developments: By establishing reliable water sources, the Dicksons have improved pasture utilization and provided their cattle with clean, consistent access to water.
• Roofed Heavy-Use Area with Covered Manure Storage: This facility has revolutionized manure management, reducing runoff and ensuring nutrients are captured and utilized effectively.
• Safe and Controlled Livestock Handling Areas: A dedicated birthing area and efficient handling facilities allow the Dicksons to monitor their herd more effectively. This has significantly reduced calf mortality rates and improved overall animal health.

Results That Speak for Themselves

The benefits of these improvements have been profound:

• Increased efficiency in managing livestock
• Healthier, less stressed cattle
• Reduced soil erosion and sediment loss, preserving the farm’s topsoil
• Improved pasture viability and soil health
• A safer environment for handling livestock, reducing stress for both humans and animals

"Now we're able to monitor the animals' health more closely," Dave explains. "We no longer have to worry about searching for calves in the woods or fields, and the birthing area has greatly improved survival rates."

Building a Legacy

For the Dicksons, these changes aren't just about improving day-to-day operations—they're about ensuring their farm's future. By embracing conservation practices, they've created a legacy of sustainable farming that will benefit their family and community for generations. "I love our life that we have built," says Renee. "Our entire family lives on the farm, and we are very blessed to watch our grandchildren grow up and be a part of their lives. Making improvements in farming to make it more efficient and prosperous for the next generation is a great concern of our family. Receiving ACAP funding has helped us achieve this."

Promoting ACAP, Farmer to Farmer

Dave and his family have been extremely pleased and grateful for the funding through ACAP. The assistance provided by Tom Ulrich was invaluable. Dave commented, "Tom was great. He's common-sensical. He's a farmer too, so he knows what’s going on." He said that Tom guided them every step of the way and helped them understand the funding, the process, and what could and couldn't be funded.

Because of their great experience with Tom and ACAP, Dave has become a great advocate for ACAP. He promotes it whenever he can to other farmers, even to his cousin, who is a farmer in Cambria County.

This farmer-to-farmer approach harnesses the power of shared experiences and practical knowledge. Farmers are often the most credible messengers when it comes to conservation practices, as they can demonstrate real-world successes and address potential challenges based on firsthand experience. By organizing peer-led workshops, field days, and mentorship opportunities, ACAP fosters a collaborative environment where farmers can discuss techniques like cover cropping, nutrient management, and erosion control. This approach not only builds trust and confidence in conservation practices but also creates a network of support, empowering farmers to become leaders in sustainable agriculture and encouraging widespread adoption of conservation methods.

Dave and Renee's story is a powerful reminder that conservation isn't just about protecting the land; it's about protecting the families and futures that depend on it. Through their efforts, the Dicksons have set an inspiring example of how stewardship today can safeguard the farming legacy of tomorrow.

Written by: Dana E. Flowers, Extension Educator, Penn State Extension, CACAT

Thanks to:

• Dave and Renee Dickson, Washington County Farmers
• Tom Ulrich, Washington County Conservation District
• Chris Canfield, Extension Educator, Penn State CACAT, editing