Agriculture
Farmland covers approximately 130,000 acres in Northumberland County. If you farm in Northumberland County, please check out the information below.
Chesapeake Bay Farm Inspections
The NCCD is currently conducting farm inspections throughout Northumberland County. These inspections have been mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and are checking on the status and availability of written agricultural plans and the implementation of these plans. If you have questions regarding how we can help you, contact Rachael Fish at 570-495-4665 x 304 or rfish@nccdpa.org.
What plans do I need?
Agricultural Erosion & Sediment Control Plan
All farms are required to develop and implement a written plan to reduce erosion when plowing and tilling (includes no-till cropping).
The written plan must address animal heavy use areas. A conservation plan may meet these requirements. You can find the latest version of PA DEP’s Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Manual for Agricultural Operations below.
Manure Management Plan
This plan is for all operations that either generate or land apply manure. This includes ALL operations, regardless of number(s) of livestock.
PA DEP’s manure management manual includes a plan that you can complete for your operation.
Nutrient Management Plan
An Act 38 nutrient management plan is required for operations considered to be a Concentrated Animal Operation (CAO) or a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO).
For more information, please contact Amy Zerbe at the PA Department of Agriculture at 215-287-9704.
Agricultural Conservation Funding
PA Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP)
Through the Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Program, farmers, landowner, and businesses earn tax credits for implementing “Best Management Practices” (BMPs) that will enhance farm production and protect natural resources.
Please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture for more information and this year’s application.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
NRCS offers financial and technical assistance to help agricultural producers make and maintain conservation improvements on their land. Please visit the United States Department of Agriculture for more information on their current programs.
You can also contact Janette Lesher, District Conservationist for Northumberland County at 570-415-3117.
Informational Meetings
Please watch our website for meeting flyers once they are released. To be placed on our mailing list to receive notifications of these meetings, contact John Blasius at 570-495-4665 or jblasius@nccdpa.org.
Winter Forum
This meeting is held in March for the agriculture community and municipalities to provide information on current issues. The meeting includes pesticide credits and a meal for attendees.
Twilight Meeting
This meeting is held in September for the agriculture community to provide information on current issues. The meeting includes pesticide credits and a meal for attendees.
Questions?
Contact Nathan Brophy at our office today at 570-495-4665 x 305 or nbrophy@nccdpa.org. We look forward to hearing from you!
