GLRI Upper Genesee River Video Series
Learn more about the GLRI Upper Genesee River Demonstration Farm Network program through this educational video series. In this series, experts discuss the innovative practices being implemented by the three landowners participating in the program.
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The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: Upper Genesee River, Potter County, PA
Welcome to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Upper Genesee River Watershed Demonstration Farm Network in Potter County, Pennsylvania! Learn how three demonstration farms are implementing innovative practices to reduce the number of agriculture-related pollutants that will enter the watershed.
In this video, Amanda Murdock, District Conservationist with the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service and Jason Childs, Manager of the Potter County Conservation District provide an introduction to the Potter County region and the national and regional GLRI initiatives. |
Improving Water Quality with Agricultural Best Management Practices
Agricultural best management practices are being used used to reduce sediment and nutrient pollution as part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Upper Genesee River project in Potter County, Pennsylvania with the goal of reducing the number of pollutants that enter the watershed.
Danielle Rhea, Penn State Extension Water Resources Educator explains the impact agriculture has on water quality in Pennsylvania and the agricultural best management practices that are being implemented on demonstration farm participant Mike Thompson’s farm in Potter County, Pennsylvania to reduce sediment and nutrient pollution. |
Planting Green and Cover Crops
in a Short Growing Season The benefits of no-till management and cover crops can include improved soil structure and health; lower costs for labor, equipment and fuel; and reduced soil erosion and impact to waters. Additionally, farmers can overcome some of the challenges of a short growing season by implementing cover crops that help moderate soil moisture.
In this video, Penn State Educator Nicole Santangelo discusses practices implemented at GLRI Demonstration Farm Participant Dean Erway’s farm. Mr. Erway has been no-till farming for 8 years and implements cover crops on his farm. He monitors soil temperature and soil moisture, maintains adequate plant nutrient levels, and through this project is practicing rotations that reduce phosphorous in the soils where levels are high. Mr. Erway is seeing the benefits of these practices, particularly in dry years. |
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Soil Health Practices
in the Genesee Watershed Amanda Murdock, District Conservationist for the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service demonstrates the benefits of planting cover crops and no-till management by providing an in-depth analysis of a root system affected by both practices. This hands-on analysis provides real world examples of the benefits of cover crops to producers and their role in reducing nonpoint source pollution.
In this video, practices implemented at GLRI Demonstration Farm participant Dean Erway’s farm are discussed. Mr. Erway has been no-till farming for 8 years and implements cover crops on his farm. Cover crop root systems are compared to demonstrate their ability to reduce soil compaction. |
Monitoring Soil Health
in Your Grazing System Proper grazing management can improve soil health by improving both the biological and physical aspects of soil. Farmers who properly manage their pasture and soil health may see increased production, a potential increased grazing season, and lower inputs. Environmental benefits from good pasture and soil management include less runoff, less nutrient loss, and less erosion, which results in cleaner waterways.
In this video, Matt Havens, Soil Scientist with the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service in the Soil and Plant Science Division discusses the components of healthy soil, which is critical to a maintaining a healthy pasture. Proper grazing management can improve soil health by improving both the biological and physical aspects of the soil. |
Implementing a Heavy Use Area on the Farm to Keep Clean Water Clean
The installation of a Heavy Use Area for farm animals has many benefits including preventing pollutants from entering waterways, turning a pollutant into a harvestable product (manure), improving animal health, and possibly increasing goodwill from neighbors.
Sean Rukgaber for the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service discusses the Heavy Use Area implemented on demonstration farm network participant Mike Thompson’s farm. The Heavy Use Area was implemented to relieve cattle from concentrated feeding areas that often result in sediment runoff polluting waterways. |
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Improve Forage Health in Pastures
with the NRCS Pennsylvania Grazing Stick The Pennsylvania NRCS Grazing Stick is a simple, yet powerful tool developed to estimate pasture allocation in a rotational grazing system. The basic, simple formula makes it a great place to start when estimating pasture sizes.
Demonstration Farm Participant Mike Thompson has converted a continuous grazing system to rotational grazing as part of the program. The Pennsylvania NRCS Grazing Stick has been an invaluable tool throughout the process. In this video, J.B. Harrold, Grazing Specialist with the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service demonstrates how to use each of the four sides of the Pennsylvania NRCS Grazing Stick. |
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Ensure the success of your tree planting with the proper planning, seedling planting, and maintenance explained in detail by Eric Monger, Forester for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. These steps will ensure conservation and recreation benefits for many years.
Eric demonstrates the importance of selecting the proper site, timing, species, soil, and seedling stock when preparing for a tree planting. He goes over various tools needed for planting as well as the recommended site preparations to control competing vegetation. Several other tips are provided that will help ensure the survival and continued success of your tree planting. |
Mary Baker, Forester for the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service explains conservation plans that include brush management, herbaceous weed management, tree and shrub establishment, and the development of a riparian forested buffer and a deer exclusion fence.
GLRI Demonstration Farm Network participant Brent Bacon is implementing forest management practices on his land that help protect the watershed and native wildlife. Mr. Bacon developed a Forest Management Plan with the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service several years ago. |
The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) is a national initiative that aids in the evaluation of the physical, chemical, biological, social, and economic impacts of agriculture on nonpoint source pollution within the Great Lakes basin. Multiple states within the Great Lakes basin are participating within this initiative including Pennsylvania.
GLRI Upper Genesee River In the News
GLRI Partner Organizations
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