Jasperites Are Conservationists of the Year

Sue and Martin Knowles of Buttercup Farm have been named Jasper County’s Conservationist of the Year by the Upper Ocmulgee River Soil and Water Conservation District. The award was presented after a small farmer workshop at the district’s annual program for achievements in soil and water conservation on the farm.

The Knowles’ started their venture of farming with a love of the outdoors and the need for a place to keep their horses and grow basil for their pesto operation.

Their farming operation has been growing over the years. Future plans are to be able to grow basil for their pesto on the farm instead of a host farm. The pesto is sold at area farmers markets.

It has always been important for them to be environmentally friendly and to learn new practices to help them along the way. Buttercup Farm is off to a great start but they insist that there is still a long way to go for growth and efficiency.

Conservation practices installed on the farm have helped the Knowles operation tremendously. Practices include a new well and pipeline supplying water to troughs on heavy use water facilities.

Fencing projects include cross and exclusionary fencing which has allowed Buttercup Farm to establish rotational grazing systems.

Each year clover is planted in all fields which utilizes nitrogen from the air. Mrs. Knowles has been approved also for a high tunnel house to grow basil and other vegetables.

Future plans include growing everything needed on the farm and having a processing kitchen on the farm. They would also like to raise sheep in the future and plans to plant fruit bearing trees for wildlife are underway.

The Upper Ocmulgee River Soil and Water Conservation District includes Newton and Jasper counties. The district serves as guardian of the soil and water resources for the citizens of its counties.

For more information about the Upper Ocmulgee River Soil and Water Conservation District, contact the State Soil and Water Conservation Commission Region IV office in Milledgeville at 478-445-5766.