Spotlight Series
Father-Son Team of District Conservationists Connect Virginia Farmers with Conservation Programs
When NRCS district conservationist Trenton Howell runs into a tough situation on the job, supporting Virginia farmers in improving their water and soil quality, he usually knows who to call – his father, Anthony Howell, who has worked in the same role for 37 years in the state.
A rare father-son duo of NRCS conservationists, the Howells support a diverse community of Virginia farmers – both small and large, urban and rural – in finding the right technical and financial mechanisms to improve their land. As third and fourth generation family farmers themselves, the Howells strive to bring a shared approach to their respective regions, using a common sense, community-forward style in supporting their fellow Virginia farmers.
“We’re based two hours away from each other, but we’re often bouncing different situations off each other and working together to get the job done,” says Trenton, who works in NRCS’ field office in Chesapeake, Virginia. “The obstacles for farmers are always changing and as advisers, we should never stop learning and listening.”
“With my son and with our community partners, our network is so strong that we’ll help each other in times of need,” agrees Anthony.
As NRCS conservationists, Trenton and Anthony provide information and advice on the potential effectiveness and return on investment for farmers interested in adopting new conservation practices. “We offer financial assistance through Farm Bill programs to help them explore these different approaches,” Anthony explains.
Anthony and Trenton Howell
NRCS District Conservationists
Virginia
“How can we help our producers reach their objectives, get their return on investment, and do that while making the world a better place for all of us? That’s what really keeps me going.”
Trenton Howell
NRCS District Conservationist
Chesapeake, Virginia
Over the course of his career, Anthony has seen an evolution in the way many farmers approach conservation, as he has watched cover crops go from a niche practice to a more widespread approach.
“Most of the farmers I work with who are planting cover crops have planted them for a while,” he explains. “Now they are starting to expand to multi-species cover crops – which could be more expensive at first, but it pays off. Farmers are seeing the benefit, and that’s the most important thing.”
Working in tandem with partners at the Soil and Water Conservation Districts and Cooperative Extension Agents throughout Virginia, the Howells help to encourage conservation adoption alongside a strong support network for farmers throughout their regions.
In Trenton’s experience, supporting farmers as they share their own success stories is the key to convincing interested farmers of the environmental and financial benefits available through NRCS support. “A lot of times, the producers hear about the successes of these programs by word of mouth. Their neighbors have tried it, and its working for them,” he observes. “Farmers then know that they can get financial assistance through NRCS, so they are more inclined to try out new conservation practices.”
As small farmers themselves, the Howells understand the importance of building community and connections when establishing trust as an adviser. Anthony jokes that he most often finds himself talking with farmers about conservation programs in the local hardware store on Saturday mornings.
“I love working with Virginia farmers,” Trenton agrees. “We connect on a stronger basis because I have that same background. I’m able to relate to what they’re going through, speak their language and understand what they are trying to accomplish.”
In addition to supporting farmers across Virginia through NRCS, the Howells have first-hand experience using conservation practices on their own 280-acre family farm. For his part, Anthony hopes that working alongside his son brings value not just to other Virginia farmers, but by building a sustainable future for their own operation.
“I don’t try to know everything,” explains Anthony with a laugh. “Trenton is going to take over the farm one day, and I want him to be able to have input into the land now.”
As he looks to the future, Trenton stays focused on how he can provide a positive future for his family and his community. “How can we help our producers reach their objectives, get their return on investment, and do that while making the world a better place for all of us?” Trenton asks. “That’s what really keeps me going. I hope that our legacy is that we left the land better than we found it.”
"Farmers are seeing the benefit, and that’s the most important thing."
Anthony Howell
NRCS District Conservationist
Dinwiddie, Virginia
