2005 News

August 17, 2005
Conservation District "2005 Farmer of the Year"

(From left) Conservation District Board President Jeffrey Garton, Commissioner James Cawley, Commissioner Charles Martin, Commissioner Sandra Miller and Michael Feeney.

The Board of Bucks County Commissioner presented a letter of Commendation to Michael Feeney in recognition of his receiving the Bucks County Conservation District 2005 Farmer of the Year award.

As one of the premier growers of nursery stock, Feeney is recognized as having a constant commitment to sound farming conservation principles.

Feeney began to plant trees and shrubs before graduation from Susquehanna University in 1977. He enrolled as a stewardship cooperator with the Conservation District in 1983 and, since then, has been implementing sound conservation practices on his five farms and 450 acres of land - 200 of which have been permanently preserved.

There are many ways to protect precious land. Feeney fulfills his conservation responsibility by the use of water diversions, grassed waterways, subsurface drains, terraces and water control structures. His trees are rotated every three to five years, and his farms maintain more than 95 percent of the ground cover in permanent grass. Soil tests are conducted every other year to maintain an effective fertilization program.

The commissisoners extend their hearty congratulations on this achievement and commend Michael Feeney for his commitment to sound conservation practices and for setting an example for others to follow.