Jonny Harris, Greenview farms, Georgia

Excerpt

The Harris family has farmed the land near Screven, Georgia, since 1860. Jonathon (Jonny) Harris is the fifth generation of his family to farm, and his son Paul is the sixth. The Harris's 2,800-acre operation includes cattle, crops, and timber.

“We didn't just start this. Each generation is trying to leave it in better shape.”

Harris participates in a number of USDA conservation programs, including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. “I found conservation plans [for our farm] since 1942,” reports Jonny Harris, “so we didn't just start this. Each generation is trying to leave it in better shape.”

District Conservationist Rita Barrow of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service lists some of the many conservation practices Harris has implemented with his cattle operations: “He rotates his cattle to maintain soil and water quality and to provide quality forage for his cattle. He has installed concrete pads under hay rings and water troughs to maintain water quality and prevent soil erosion. And he's installed a manure storage facility to help maintain water quality.”

Harris also based his Forest Stewardship Plan on best forest …