We're Half Way There: Glenn and Arlene Reid

Portrait photo of Glen and Arlene Reid on thier farm in the Linville Creek Watershed.

The Reid's farm is in the Linville Creek Watershed, which is on the state's impaired waters list.

Bobby Whitecarver.

Broadway, VA: The newborn calf was in trouble. It was born on a steep hillside, and every time the calf would try to get up his mother would nudge him and knock him down. He eventually rolled down the hill into a muddy area of a stream. And there he was, stuck up to his neck until Glenn and Arlene Reid rescued him. “It took us over an hour to get the calf out of the muck,” said Glenn.

The Reids own and operate a cow-calf operation; they also raise vegetables, flowers, and herbs for local markets in their greenhouses. After the stream and muddy area almost took the life of one of their calves, they decided to make a change. The Reids enrolled into the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program to fence their cattle out of the spring that created the muddy area. The program helped install fencing, a hardened crossing, and several waterers as part of a rotational grazing system. Trees were also planted along their stream.

“It is so easy now to move the herd, I can do it myself,” Arlene says. “We used to have lots of help moving the cows when the children were young, but they are all in school now. So, this rotational grazing has really helped us.”

Keeping livestock out of calving risk areas and ease of herd movement throughout the farm are two reasons farmers enroll in programs that keep livestock out of springs, ponds, streams, and rivers.

The Reid farm is in the Linville Creek Watershed, which is on the state’s impaired waters list.

“We didn’t know the creek was polluted until we attended a meeting about it,” Glenn recounted. Not long after the meeting, the Reids met with members of the local conservation team to develop a plan.

“We enjoyed working with the team, they listened to our concerns, and together we came up with a system that works for us and we feel good that the water leaving our farm is a lot cleaner than it used to be,” Glenn said.

Bobby Whitescarver 90x110

Bobby Whitescarver

Former CBF Consultant, CBF

[email protected]

Issues in this Post

Agriculture   Agriculture   Land Use   Restoration   CBF in Virginia  




Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed in the media or articles on this site are those of the speakers or authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions held by CBF and the inclusion of such information does not imply endorsement by CBF. CBF is not responsible for the contents of any linked Website, or any link contained in a linked Website, or any changes or updates to such Websites. The inclusion of any link is provided only for information purposes.


The Bay Needs You

The State of the Bay Report makes it clear that the Bay needs our support now more than ever. Your donation helps the Chesapeake Bay Foundation maintain our momentum toward a restored Bay, rivers, and streams for today and generations to come.

Donate Today

Volunteer

Do you enjoy working with others to help clean the Chesapeake Bay? Do you have a few hours to spare? Whether growing oysters, planting trees, or advocating for a clean Bay, there are plenty of ways you can contribute.

Volunteer
x
This website uses cookies to tailor and enhance your online experience. By continuing, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. For more information, including details on how to disable cookies, please visit our Privacy Policy. Close