On Tuesday, July 20th Three Rivers SWCD was finally able to host our Annual Awards Banquet at Nick’s Spaghetti and Steak House in Shacklefords, Virginia. Three Rivers Directors presented MTG Partners LLC (David Taliaferro & Bill Henley), Brandon Farms (Rob & Bob Waring), and Benjamin Ellis, Inc. with Partnership Awards to recognize their help in promoting adult education through on-farm research, such as choosing various cover crop species and documenting how those cover species affect crop yields on their farms.
(Left to right: Bill Henley, Benjamin Ellis, TRSWCD Director – Bruce Taylor, Bob Waring, and
TRSWCD Director – Robbie Longest)
David Johnson with Old Place Farm was recognized for the 2019 Clean Water Farm Award and Robert T. Bland, Inc. was awarded the 2020 Clean Water Farm Award. Both Clean Water Farm recipients are recognized for their dedication to conserving natural resources and implementing no – till grain production, incorporating cover crops, and installing precision nutrient management applications to improve water quality and soil health.
(Old Place Farm- the Johnson Family)
(Left to right: Lloyd Mundie – Chairman, Michelle Bland, Robert Bland, Sarah Bland, and Kathryn Bland)
Three Rivers 2021 scholarship recipients were also recognized at the banquet. The John F. Townsend Sr. recipient was Addie Johnson, a King William High School graduate, who plans to prepare herself for an occupational therapy career at East Carolina University.
The Earl H. and Anna K. Longest Memorial recipient was Kathryn Bland, a Christopher Newport University student, who is working towards a career in elementary education.
The J. Franklin “Frankie” Townsend Jr. recipient was Ashley Upshaw, a King William High School graduate who plans to study Agribusiness at Virginia Tech.
Three Rivers also helps promote the Larkin Hundley Memorial Endowment, which is administered by Colonial Farm Credit. This year Larkin’s granddaughter, Arria Gross, was the recipient. Arria is attending the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
(Left to right: Kathryn Bland, Ashley Upshaw, Arria Gross, Addie Johnson, and Langdon Townsend – TRSWCD Director)
Three Rivers SWCD enjoys working with conservation minded growers, partners, and students throughout the year!