Buffer Initiative

In 2000, the National Buffer Initiative was initiative by USDA. Delta F.A.R.M. took the lead in the Yazoo-Mississippi Delta by assisting the USDA in disseminating information about new the Continuous CRP Program and approved practices such as Riparian Forest Buffers and Grass Filter Strips. Delta F.A.R.M. also partnered with Delta Wildlife to implement a buffer program using a suite of plant materials that would provide both water quality and wildlife habitat benefits. The project protected 78 miles of streams and lakes in 8 counties. The project reduced sediment loading by 37% and was measured at 23,323 tons per year. Habitat created by the buffers provided homes to 116 species of birds, including threatened species like the grasshopper sparrow. Several publications were completed and can be found HERE.

Mapping Voluntary Conservation

By holding a key to the farm gate, Delta F.A.R.M. is in the unique position to know what is going on in the field of voluntary conservation. These efforts are documented annually through the Delta F.A.R.M. Evaluation and Environmental Stewardship Report. In 2003, Delta F.A.R.M. began an effort to map many of these conservation practices. BMPs were mapped in several locations so the data could be used to correlate the relative abundance of various BMPs being documented in the annual Environmental Stewardship Report. The information and relative distribution also provided insight as what level of environmental benefits are being accrued by Delta F.A.R.M. members.

Bee Lake Watershed Restoration Project

Bee Lake is a 1,400 acre oxbow lake in Holmes County, MS that was identified as an impaired water body by EPA and listed as a priority for restoration by the Yazoo Basin Team. Delta F.A.R.M. and Delta Wildlife partnered to address all the pollution concerns. A local stakeholder and technical committee were formed to identify issues and develop solutions. The results of this planning process were documented in the Bee Lake Watershed Implementation Plan. The plan was implemented over the course of a 3-year period. All identified pollutants and concerns were addressed. After 120 BMP were installed sedimentation was reduced by 67% according to monitoring data from the USGS. Today, the Bee Lake Project serves as a model project to demonstrate how local stakeholders can address water quality concerns.

Steele Bayou Watershed Restoration Project

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) implemented a project on the upper drainage basin of Steel Bayou in the late 1990's. Results from the project were so dramatic that is was thought that the project should be replicated on the balance of the watershed. If the results on the lower reaches were as significant as the upper reaches, it was thought that Steele Bayou could become a reference stream for water quality and fish diversity in the Delta. Through a partnership with the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, EPA and USACE, the Lower Steele Bayou Watershed Restoration Project was initiated in 2006. It would be the task of the USACE to address major head cuts, bank stabilization and other major BMPs while Delta F.A.R.M. would focus on smaller drains and reducing non-point source pollution from adjacent croplands. The project is still underway, but positive results are already being documented by both the USACE and USGS.

A.C.E. Pilot Program

In 2008, the Mississippi Glyphosate Stewardship Coalition established the A.C.E. Pilot Program to recognize the best aerial applicators in Mississippi based on environmental criteria. The goal of the program is to encourage voluntary practices that reduce pesticide drift. All Mississippi licensed aerial applicators qualify for the program. Winners receive a large sign, recognition in regional media outlets, and a substantial cash award.

Pesticide Stewardship and Risk Reduction Project

Delta F.A.R.M. constantly works to provide its membership with the most relevant and accurate information. In 2008, Delta F.A.R.M. will begin assembling a panel of experts to begin the development of three new additions to its Program Manual. The additions will focus on pesticide stewardship specific to the production of three commodities, corn, rice, and soybeans. A BMP manual for each commodity will be developed to empower growers to used new technologies and science to reduce un-needed pesticide applications or transition to reduced risk pesticides. The new commodity specific BMP manuals will be available in 2009.

Wolf & Broad Lake Watershed Restoration Project

Wolf & Broad Lakes have been recognized to be impaired by EPA. With the publicity coming from Bee Lake, local homeowners and farmers voiced their interest in implementing a similar project on Wolf & Broad Lake. In 2007, stakeholder and technical committees were established to begin the planning process. In the summer of 2008, implementation is scheduled to begin.