Jefferson County is excited to announce another finalist in this year’s brand-new Conservation Farmer of the Year program: Mr. James Fountain of Fountain Family Farm! Mr. Fountain and his wife Sheila utilize just about every inch of their 20 acre farm, from raising goats and chickens to growing fruits and vegetables in their raised beds and new high tunnel. They have installed several benefiting conservation practices through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
Approaching Mr. Fountain’s Farm, one of the first things that catches the eye is a large high tunnel structure. Thanks to an NRCS urban initiative, Mr. Fountain was able to acquire the 30 by 72 foot high tunnel in an effort to boost his vegetable production. The high tunnel was currently overflowing with turnips and other green and leafy vegetables. The tunnel is a great illustration as to just how much can be grown in a limited space with the winter season drawing near. Many high tunnel structures have been installed across Jefferson County in the past three years. Their growing popularity and obvious advantages have certainly made them popular in the urban communities and small-scale farms.
Nearby, he continues to experiment and test new varieties of vegetables in his raised beds, including different types of bananas, some of which might end up planted in the high tunnel later. A short walk from the high tunnel sits a simple and quaint looking well house. Although a small structure, it provides a large benefit to his farm by cutting the costs of watering his livestock and produce. Through participation in the NRCS EQIP program, Mr. Fountain drilled into the earth and was able to establish a water well. Establishing water wells can be difficult and are not always guaranteed, but thankfully it worked out to Mr. Fountain’s advantage. Centered in the middle of his farm, it provides access for the high tunnel, raised beds, chickens, goats, 2 farm dogs, and even the 2 donkeys.
Finally, Mr. Fountain also takes pride in his new fencing around his land, providing enclosed areas for his goats to roam and graze. Because part of his land is somewhat forested, Mr. Fountain practices both traditional grazing and silvopasture with his goat herd. He also allows his two donkeys, who also provide added protection as livestock guardians in addition to his 2 dogs, to rotate through each area. Silvopasture is a practice to integrate trees with a pasture. The trees can be harvested for timber when mature, while the pasture can be used for grazing livestock. Additionally, In the center of his land stands a small barn for shelter with a small, fenced area for his chickens and a larger area for the goats.
While the Fountains do not yet publicly advertise and sell their produce and products directly to the public, they do sell small quantities to their neighbors and often give surplus to their community. Mr. Fountain strives to make his farm the best it can be with the proper conservation practices, no doubt an influence that can be partly credited from their son who previously worked for NRCS. Mr. Fountain and his wife are great examples of what it means to be a conservationist, and the Conservation District is proud to have them both as examples of a “Conservation Farmer of the Year.” The District commemorated their finalist status by presenting the Fountains with a metal sign to display on their farm and awarded them a $500 check.
article and photography by Holly Lynne Killian, District Administrative Coordinator for Jefferson County Conservation District
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