Ten Virginia farms were recently recognized for exemplary conservation practices. The owners of these farms were recognized with a Virginia Clean Water Farm Grand Basin Award. The awards are given each year to farmers or farm owners who are doing their part to protect soil and water resources. One winner is selected from each of Virginia’s 10 major river basins

Included in the list are Jeff and Liz Parrish, W.J. Farms, Lunenburg County, nominated by the Southside Soil and Water Conservation District; Robert “Bobby” M. Jones, Poor House Dairy, Prince Edward County, nominated by the Piedmont Soil and Water Conservation District; David and Lorrie Barron, Poplar Grove and Wildwood Berries and Produce, Charlotte County, nominated by the Southside Soil and Water Conservation District.

The program is sponsored by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation in partnership with Virginia’s 47 soil and water conservation districts. The awards were presented Dec. 7.

“These farms represent the best in conservation farming in Virginia,” said DCR Director Clyde Cristman. “By voluntarily implementing practices such as stream fencing, cover crops, riparian buffers, nutrient management plans and more, these producers are not only improving conditions on their properties, but they’re also improving conditions for people who live downstream.”