Contact: Cathy Akroyd 919-715-6680
Date: May 2, 2001 Distribution: Targeted
Conservation Farm Family Of The Year To Be Honored
Media Advisory:
RALEIGH- The North Carolina Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts will honor the Lutz (pronounced LOOTS) Family, North Carolina's 2001 Conservation Farm Family, at an award ceremony and luncheon to be held on May 4, 2001 at 11:00 a.m. at Piedmont Jerseys Farm, 4399 Ritchie Road (SR1271) in Lincoln County. This program recognizes farmers and ranchers who implement sound, cost-effective conservation techniques on the land they manage.
The North Carolina Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts carefully monitors farm family nominees according to strict guidelines and a screening process utilizing the expertise of distinguished North Carolina conservation professionals from various agencies and groups. Nominees must submit a form describing their conservation techniques (such as intensive grazing and no-till planting), conservation education outreach to the community, and a comprehensive resource management strategy for all of the agricultural and forestry activities on the farm. In addition, nominees describe their own labor, initiative and equipment used in developing and implementing their cost-effective conservation techniques.
Corey Lutz, owner of Piedmont Jerseys dairy farm, commented; "One of our goals is to utilize every acre of our farm to produce feed or shade for our cows. Anything that we can do to improve our soil will enable us to be more profitable. We strive to use every conservation practice we can to continually improve and preserve our soil. As a grazing dairyman, I realize that preserving and improving our soil will determine how successful we will be."
The Lutz family uses conservation practices to maximize the water quality of their ponds, the Southfork River and associated streams. All rivers, streams and ponds have vegetated buffers to prevent erosion. Waste management systems are designed with water and soil quality in mind. Fenced streams prevent water pollution and provide a wildlife corridor.
The family routinely invites school groups to visit and tour their farm to learn how milk goes from a cow to the market. North Carolina State University, the Cooperative Extension Service and 4-H all benefit from learning experiences held at Piedmont Jerseys.
In addition to being named Conservation Farm Family of the year, Bridgette and Corey Lutz will be recognized by the North Carolina Division of Environmental Health for outstanding fulfillment of the requirements of the Grade "A" Milk Sanitation Program. While following these requirements, they have produced a high quality raw milk supply. The Grade "A" Milk Program is housed in the Dairy and Food Protection Branch of the Division of Environmental Health, Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
A luncheon, hayride and farm tour will follow the 11:00 presentation ceremony. Map enclosed. Cell phone contact onsite: Rick McSwain, Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District (704-913-8140)
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