Theodore "Teddy" Nesmith, in Williamsburg County, SC, is proud of
his home. "The town of Nesmith was named after my great, great, great
grandfather," he explained. Nesmith still lives on the farm where he was
born and, along with his son, raises cows and goats on 12 acres. Nesmith
received cost-share assistance from NRCS’ Environmental Quality Incentives
Program (EQIP) to install watering tanks and for pasture planning and prescribed
grazing.
During the past year, Nesmith has worked with NRCS District Conservationist
Reginald Hall to improve his livestock through techniques such as rotational
grazing. "Teddy is willing to try anything that will improve the quality of
his farm," commented Hall. "He tried rotational grazing in one field
and was really pleased with the results, so he put the rest of his pastureland
into EQIP." Hall assisted Nesmith in preparing a prescribed grazing plan to
control the harvest of vegetation by his livestock. Prescribed grazing systems
can—
- improve or maintain the health and vigor of plants and maintain a stable
and desired plant community
- improve or maintain food, cover, and shelter for animals
- maintain or improve water quality and quantity
- reduce soil erosion and maintain or improve soil condition
Rotational grazing allows pastureland to receive a rest period (non-grazed)
during the growing season for reseeding, hay production, or other reasons. The
frequency and duration of rest periods depend on the number of pastures, pasture
size, and forage growth rate.
Nutrient management helps producers control the amount, form, placement, and
timing of applications of plant nutrients. This includes nutrients such as
organic waste, commercial fertilizer, legume crops, and crop residues. These
practices allow plants to receive proper nutrients for maximum forage and crop
yields, while minimizing runoff of nutrients to ground and surface water.
"Teddy is practicing nutrient management by monitoring the amount of
fertilizer he applies and he is also doing soil testing," said Hall.
Nesmith also found success through fencing and installation of water tanks.
"Before the fencing, the livestock was eating anywhere and
everywhere!" said Nesmith. "Now, I can control where and how much they
eat with the fencing and rotational grazing." The water tanks have provided
the cattle and goats with an excellent water source and also keeps them out of
Nesmith’s pond and a nearby creek branch.
Nesmith is also involved in South Carolina State University’s 1890
Extension Service Heifer Program and Meat Goat Program. He grows his own
vegetables and does not use any chemicals or commercial fertilizers—only
chicken litter. "Teddy is a farmer with a great respect for the environment
and he is dedicated to conservation," said Hall. He also added, "His
land is located within the Black Mingo Priority Area so his conservation efforts
are helping to improve the area’s overall health."
It’s no secret to other landowners and conservationists in Nesmith that
"Teddy" cares about the environment. "I tell all the farmers I
know about the USDA cost-share programs, and especially about EQIP and what it
has helped me to accomplish," he said. "I tell them what they are
missing out on if they don’t know about it and tell them to get
involved," he added. Because of Nesmith’s outstanding conservation ethic,
he was presented with the 2000 Williamsburg County Soil and Water Conservation
District (SWCD) Cooperator of the Year Award.
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