What does it mean to be called a “conservation farmer?” The Conservation District’s new program Conservation Farmer of the Year recognizes individuals or family partnerships directly engaged in farming and exemplifying excellent conservation stewardship on their farm. Part of the qualifications of this recognition is to have demonstrated an adherence to sound conservation principles. This statewide program was originally created through the state association, Alabama Association of Conservation Districts (AACD). Jefferson County Board members, however, decided to implement this program on a county level to better spotlight agriculture happening in Jefferson County.
With a tough choice to make among many qualified and nominated individuals, the Jefferson County Conservation District Board ultimately decided to award Mr. James Donald Walker of the Bagley Community in northwest Jefferson County as the very first overall Conservation Farmer of the Year. The District Board also awarded and recognized four other finalists that you can read about on our website in articles to still to come. These 4 finalists are Brooks Baker, Lloyd Burton, James Fountain, and Evan Nelson.
Mr. Walker, our Conservation Farmer of the Year, is a fourth-generation farmer. His farming interest began very young as he helped his own father on their vegetable farm. The Walkers raised handpicked vegetables which were mostly sold at the Birmingham Farmers Market. It was a common sight in the community to see a truck with loads of watermelons, cantaloupes, corn and smaller bushels of peas, peppers, and beans headed to the market. Ultimately, in the early 1990s, Mr. Walker began to notice the vegetable market change and dwindle. He gradually began making the change over to his now booming hay and cattle production.
Other than serving in the army during the Vietnam War, Mr. Walker has lived in the Bagley Community of northern Jefferson County his entire life. A true family farm, Mr. Walker has never had an off-the-farm job and his wife Roselyn and son Tim help in various aspects of managing and working the farm. Their operation includes various tracts of land as a cattle and hay operation. In total, the Walkers manage about 600 acres of land across the borders of Jefferson and Walker counties. Currently, they harvest around 8,000 square bales of hay and about 3,000 large bales each year while also managing and expanding their cattle herd to over 150 breeding cows.
Mr. Walker received an award of $1,000 and a special sign to display at his farm stating his recognition status. Accepting the award, he stated,
“I am truly honored to even be considered for this recognition. I thank you all.”
Mr. Walker was one of the first farmers in Jefferson County to enroll in USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) “Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).” Through this five-year program, landowners are rewarded for maintaining existing conservation practices that have been installed. The program also allows for new conservation enhancements too. Mr. Walker continually works hand in hand with NRCS and the Conservation District to remain current in all aspects of conservation, soil health, no-till cover crops, wildlife considerations, and pollinator restoration. With all his experience and stewardship combined, he unequivocally deserves to be the “2021 Jefferson County Conservation Farmer of the Year.”
article & photography by Holly Lynne Killian, District Administrative Coordinator for the Jefferson County Conservation District
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