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Nature Takes its Course

Dairy Farm, Dairy Farming, dairy farming taking its natural course

One of the latest trends in farming is “conservation buffers” - large sections of grass and trees planted along streams, lakes and fields to help protect soil, air and water quality and improve fish and wildlife habitat. Buffers work by slowing water runoff, trapping sediment, and enhancing water infiltration in the buffer itself. This prevents potential pollutants from reaching surface or ground water sources.

Other modern-day erosion control methods are more subtle. Alfalfa is a soil-friendly crop used for cow feed that doesn’t need to be replanted each year. Because the plants remain in the ground year-round, annual plowing isn’t necessary, therefore, the topsoil is left protected.