Since 1993, the Pickens Soil & Water Conservation District has sponsored a no-till drill rental program.  During this period, over 5000 acres of pasture have been renovated using the drills.  This program benefits the livestock producer through forage improvement, reduced energy cost, protection from soil erosion, and improved water quality. Other benefits of the program reach far beyond the pasture fence.

One producer who has utilized the drill to improve forage is Hutton Farms.  Jim Hutton began to notice the results of inter-seeding clovers, orchard grass, and some annuals in existing pastures.  Jim explained that without changing his herd genetically, weaning weights on the calf crop increased.  He attributes the extra pounds to forage improvement following pasture renovation.

Other producers have used the drills to over-seed semi dormant pastures with high producing small grains.  David Chappell of Pickens has seeded wheat and oats in his dormant Bermuda grass pastures in the fall.  This has provided grazing in pastures which normally would be idle for about four months.  David estimates this has reduced the amount of hay and supplement required over the winter.  Annuals are a good source of digestible protein livestock can harvest on their own.

Some benefits from this program are indirect.  Suppose these 5000 acres had been plowed and a seedbed was prepared for planting. According to Gene Hardee, Agronomist with NRCS in South Carolina, these acres would have an average erosion rate of 8 tons per acre. This gives a potential for erosion in the amount of 40,000 tons.  Erosion at this amount would significantly decrease soil productivity. Water quality would also be adversely affected.

It takes several things coming together to result in a successful program.  The Pickens Soil & Water Conservation District would like to salute one of their own commissioners for his dedication to this program.  Harold McJunkin keeps the drills at his farm, provides service and maintenance, and runs  the rental program. Harold has volunteered hundreds of hours helping over 300 producers improve forage quality on their farms.