Jason Benton of Benton Farms Inc. was recently presented the Chesapeake Bay Coastal Clean Water Farm Award for 2020.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult to properly recognize his achievement, but we were finally able to get him his sign,” said Sam Markwith, Conservation/Education Specialist with the Tidewater Soil and Water Conservation District.

“Mr. Benton has always been a proponent of implementing agricultural Best Management Practices to protect the soil and waterways and participates in several conservation programs offered by the district,” Markwith said.

Benton takes soil tests and follows a custom Nutrient Management Plan to ensure he does not add excess fertilizers to his cropland. He also practices no-till farming to help prevent runoff and to maintain soil health.

Benton has many of his acres under a Resource Management Plan, guaranteeing his land will be maintained with conservation in mind for years to come. For the last 12 years, Benton has particip...