If you have been “sitting on the fence” about installing fencing to keep your animals out of a stream, pond, or wetland, a new allocation of funding from the Commonwealth of Virginia now allows Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District to fund up to 100 percent of the costs. The new program covers the total cost for fencing keeping livestock out of streams (up to $4.44 a foot for fencing meeting District specifications). When installing stream fencing, farmers and landowners also are eligible for 100 percent funding to install a water system (up to $3.00 per foot of pipeline, and $3600 per trough meeting District specifications.)
These new funds cover the additional 25% not covered by the Virginia Ag BMP Programs 75% cost share and are available on a first come first serve basis until the funds are exhausted. This program will no doubt be very popular state-wide, so contact Loudoun SWCD now to arrange for a farm visit to see if your property qualifies. Stream fencing helps protect water quality while the installation of a spring or well-fed watering system provides your animals with clean source of drinking water and helps better distribute grazing in your pastures.
If you’ve ever considered protecting your streams and ponds and installing a permanent frost-free watering system, now is the time!
