Pennsylvania

Think the family farm in America is a remnant of childhood nostalgia?

Think again. In Saxonburg, PA, the 1,000-acre Armstrong Farm has been in the same family for six generations—since 1816. Some of your other childhood visions of a family farm would match, too. They have 400 mother cows and calves feeding on rotated pastures of verdant healthy grass.

The farm retains woodlots between the cattle paddocks and last year added 350 tree seedlings. Kathy Allen says that this has had unexpected and satisfying results. Wildlife on the farm is abundant, including deer, wild turkeys, grouse, pheasants, and songbirds. Recently the farm served to help reintroduce the native barn owl. A wetland area (you might have thought of it as marsh in younger days) is fenced off to support waterfowl nesting and migration.

If you want to compare your impressions to the actual farm, that’s very possible. Owners John and Kathy Allen host wildflower walks, conservation walks, fishing and archery activities, and run a successful bed and breakfast on the farm. You can view all these operations from horseback or foot on their seven miles of trails.

NRCS Quote: “The Allens have really recognized the value of the resources on their farm and have worked hard to improve and protect them. They also recognize that conservation does pay. We are pleased to be able to help them carry on the tradition of agriculture on their land.”--Robin Heard, NRCS State Conservationist

Conservation At-A-Glance: 1) Prescribed grazing (rotational); 2) forage management; 3) fencing; 4) watering facility (solar-powered); 5) grass buffer (manure filter); 6) field demonstrations; 7) wetland wildlife habitat management; 8) tree planting; 9) pond and spring developments; 10) barn owl releases

USDA Program Participation: Project Grass, Emergency Conservation Program, Agricultural Management Assistance, NRCS Conservation Technical Assistance

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