Case Studies
Balancing the Needs of the Land: Louisiana Cotton Farmer Jay Hardwick Celebrated for Sustainability Leadership and Outstanding Conservation
As a Louisiana black bear cub meanders along the fields of Somerset Plantation in Tensas Parish, Louisiana, Jay Hardwick is mindful of the important role that farmers must play in balancing the needs of agriculture with the needs of the land. Formerly listed as threatened species under the Endangered Species Act from 1992-2016, this romping cub signals an achievement that many would be surprised to learn can be attributed to agriculture and efforts from farmers like Jay.
“It is very gratifying to see that our activity is supporting the return of a species that was on the threatened list, maybe extinction, which points to other things that might be happening on a smaller scale—other mammals, other insects that are all contributors to a diversified environment,” shared Jay. “It’s my feeling that a diversified environment in terms of crops that we grow, the trees, the water and the wildlife is a reflection of a landscape that is healthier than without.”
Jay believes in the inherent qualities of the natural landscape to provide solutions to issues like water quality, air quality and soil quality. In addition to actively managing 12,000 acres of farmland, he has restored 450 acres and preserved another 3,000 acres of wetlands on Somerset Plantation, while also maintaining 6,000 acres of bottomland hardwood timber, which provides crucial habitat for the Louisiana Black Bear.
“I've created wetland areas in order to provide extended wildlife opportunities and habitat, resulting in an incredible amount of life burgeoning in terms of wildlife like the Louisiana Black Bear. In addition, these wetlands offer supplementary irrigation if we need to draw upon it, reducing pressures on groundwater resources,” shared Jay.
Passing Down a Legacy
“We have a greater responsibility other than just owning the land. We have a responsibility to the planet in terms of its sustainability, from air, water and soil—and these are all important parts for farmers,” asserted Jay.
This passion for sustainability is a legacy that has passed from father to son, as Jay equips his sons Marshall and Mead to one day take his place in managing the operations of Somerset Plantation.
“What I want to do as a farmer, or my mission so to speak, is try to find the balance between my production and the resources of the habitat itself—what they need. And there is a point where that investment becomes something other than a personal interest, it becomes generational,” said Jay. “In our case, my sons are entering the business. Have they bought into this? Is this something that will continue to go on and they'll improve upon? And I hope so,” shared Jay.
Managing increasingly more of the day-to-day operations of Somerset Plantation, Mead and Marshall are taking up their father’s sustainability mantle.
“Take care of the land, and it's going to take care of you. Just treat it as a living organism—it's got to be cared for; it's got to be maintained and it will give it back to you,” emphasized Marshall.
Learning Through Innovation
“Just trying things and thinking outside of the box I think as that is probably one of the biggest things that makes him a great farmer,” shared Mead.
This comfort level with pushing the boundaries or exploring new practices is a trait that Jay has instilled in both his sons.
“I think he's influenced us and taught us to be open minded. What works best today, we may find a better way to do it tomorrow. Don't be scared to adapt. Don't be scared to try new things,” recounted Marshall.
“There have been plenty of things that we thought outside the box and kind of fell flat on our face, but it was a learning experience,” Marshall continued. “He would just say keep trying. You're going to fail. You may find one thing out of the next 10 that's successful for you, but it will pay off and will help you in the long run.”
“You only fail you only fail if you don't learn something from it,” added Mead.
And learning to fail fast and continue experimenting has become a boundless source for solutions that help conserve soil, water and biodiversity for the Hardwick family. In winter, they use water control structures to block off culverts and catch rainfall to flood fields for migrating waterfowl. They also embrace technology to enhance a multi-faceted approach to nutrient management—experimenting with poultry litter as a nutrient source, planting cover crops and utilizing satellite mapping to determine which areas of each field are in need of specific nutrients.
And this diversified approach is yielding positive benefits by building up organic matter in the soil, which helps it hold water longer. In the same way, by utilizing poultry litter and cover crops to add nutrients to the soil, the Hardwicks are betting on the long-term benefits outweighing any short-term costs.
“Higher organic matter acts like a sponge, so to speak, to absorb not only rainfall but to maintain water in the profile a lot longer. We want those [nutrients] to stay in the field and build upon them rather than lose them and then have to regain them,” shared Jay.
"What I want to do as a farmer, or my mission so to speak, is try to find the balance between my production and the resources of the habitat itself—what they need. And there is a point where that investment becomes something other than a personal interest, it becomes generational,” said Jay. “In our case, my sons are entering the business. Have they bought into this? Is this something that will continue to go on and they'll improve upon? And I hope so."
Jay Hardwick
2018 Farmer of the Year
Newellton, Louisiana
Documenting Results of Stewardship
With increasing consumer interest in where and how food and fiber is grown, Jay and his family are committed to documenting and demonstrating the sustainability performance of their management decisions.
“People want to know what we're doing with our farming. How are we growing our products? What impact are we having on the atmosphere, on the landscape, on the water, on the air we breathe? We have a huge responsibility and agriculture can be an important part of that solution,” emphasized Jay.
Since 2010, Jay and his family have used the Fieldprint Calculator to document the stewardship of their operations. Through the sustainability analysis offered from Field to Market, he quantified the impact of moving non-economic and highly erodible areas into natural habitat and limiting crop production to land most suitable for crops. Moreover, Field to Market’s sustainability metrics have enabled Jay to demonstrate to other farmers, conservation groups, brands and retailers how conservation practices can be employed in a profitable manner.
“The Fieldprint Calculator is truly a valuable tool in the toolbox to evaluate how is this impacting my bottom line, my energy use, the amount of water I'm using? Can I find a better way of managing that water, so I can reduce my costs?” highlighted Jay. “This is the terrain where growers need to go to maximize not only their returns but to look for new opportunities for revenue as well and addressing some of the important responsibilities that agriculture has to a greater society.”
““People want to know what we're doing with our farming. How are we growing our products? What impact are we having on the atmosphere, on the landscape, on the water, on the air we breathe? We have a huge responsibility and agriculture can be an important part of that solution."
Jay Hardwick
2018 Farmer of the Year
Newellton, Louisiana
