Farmer Charles Rich of Richland Farms in northern Gloucester, has been honored with the Tidewater Soil and Water Conservation District’s 2021 Clean Water Farm Award.

Rich grew up on a farm in the county, and began farming on his own after graduating from high school in 1967. Throughout the years, Rich has entered into many different agricultural ventures including raising cattle, hogs, grains and timber.

“No matter the avenue, Mr. Charles Rich always recognized the importance of conservation practices and the benefit they have on his land,” TSWCD’s Conservation/Education Specialist Samuel Markwith said.

Rich adopted conservation practices into his operation very early in his career. He noticed the advantages of controlling erosion and installed grass/sod waterways and drop structures into his farm. Both of these practices substantially cut back the risk of gully erosion. He has also been practicing no-till farming for over 40 years and grows cover crops through the winter. No...