• By Mark Tucker
• Posted Monday, November 21, 2011

Local Farmer Wins Conservation Award

Shields, who grew up in the Union Cross area, and has farmed his entire life. For many years tobacco was the primary crop on the Shields farm; however sweet corn, soybeans, wheat and vegetables have replaced the tobacco.

Toby Bost, Vice-Chair of the Soil and Water Conservation District Board says that Shields does an outstanding job growing crops and has recently become well known for his delicious sweet corn, but that is only part of the reason he was given this award. Mike’s dedication and determination to practice good environmental stewardship, prevent erosion and conserve his soil and water resources on the farm are the primary reasons for the award. Shield’s installs his own conservation practices such as grass waterways, field borders and no till planting. In fact Shields has used his grading equipment to install such practices on many other farms in the county as well. Shields wants to keep the land in production and involves his children in the farm.

Photo: Toby Bost, Vice-Chair Soil and Water Conservation Board, Mike Shields, daughters, Stephanie and Jessica and son, Jack. Not pictured Mike’s wife Velma.