MHC Farm Stewardship Committee Report


YOUR MARYLAND HORSE COUNCIL PUBLICATION


Celebrating High-Quality Horse Farm Stewardship in Maryland Spotlight on Persimmon Tree Farm, Westminster, Carroll County


When it comes to implementing best practices to protect our natural


environment, horse farms can be significant and important contributors to meeting the goals of carbon reduction, clean water protection, and wildlife habitat preservation. Persimmon Tree Farm, owned by Mary- land Horse Council member Carolyn Krome, is an example of a horse farm managed for the maximum benefit of the twenty hunter/jumper show horses on the property AND for implementing high-level environ- mental protection practices. Krome purchased the farm in 1985 and has installed a variety of best management practices over the course of many years. Persimmon Tree boarders appreciate the high-quality care of the horses as well as the natural beauty of the farm. Tis 132-acre farm has hilly topography, woodlands, and multiple


natural water sources. Because quality farm management starts with the layout and maintenance of the pastures, the horses benefit from quality grazing in fields laid out to minimize erosion around gates. All water courses are outside of the pastures. Te pastures are mowed, limed, dragged and over-seeded on a regular basis. Based on the turnout management system, the number of horses per pasture is in the range of two acres per horse. Te pastures provide forage and natural exercise for these top competition horses. Te pastures are also a net plus for the environment. Te grasses and soil fix atmospheric carbon through photosynthesis and the breakdown of organic matter. Te roots in the ground and consistent grass cover slow down water runoff to minimize erosion, remove sediment, and absorb nutrients before the water enters the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Water management on the farm incorporates best practices for streams,


wetlands and hard surface runoff. Te buildings, driveway, and parking areas are bordered by grassy verges to slow down rainwater runoff. Ma- nure is collected on a concrete pad and hauled off the property. Te steep slopes of the farm that are not suitable for pastures are planted in warm season grasses to hold the soil. Tese are kept healthy through dethatch-


ing and controlled burns. In an area that regularly flooded, a wetland was established and the stream was restored with vegetation along the banks to reduce sediment and nutrient runoff. New trees were planted to increase the soil’s water retention capacity and to fix atmospheric carbon. Te water leaving the farm is now clean. Te several acres of woodlands on the property are managed with ex-


pert advice for tree health and propagation of native species. Trees within pastures provide shade and wind breaks, and they are fenced off to pro- tect them and to provide sheltered places for wildlife. Tese mature trees are also carbon fixing champions. Wildlife habitat is of special interest to Krome. Each zone of the farm


Persimmon Tree Farm (Westminster) was recently awarded one of four Maryland Leopold Conservation Awards for farm owners


who inspire others with their dedicatoin to land, water, and wildlife habitat management on private, working lands.


provides support for birds, forest animals, bees, and butterflies. Native plants are cultivated around the farm and maintained in a healthy condi- tion through dethatching and reg- ular seeding. Wildlife of all types is seen on the farm every day. Finally, Krome is a leader in using and promoting the many farm and environmental support programs at


the county and state levels, including technical and financial assistance. In her experience, these land management practices can be put in place while keeping costs reasonable and tapping into available resources. She also uses the farm, through offering guided tours and hosting meetings of experts, to educate horse farm owners and managers, as well as other interested parties, on how to respect the land and run a successful riding operation at the same time. In recognition of her leadership, Persimmon Tree Farm was the first horse farm in Maryland to qualify for the Farm Stewardship Certification and Assessment Program (FSCAP) of the Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts (MASCD). She has been and remains an invaluable resource for the Maryland Horse Council Farm Stewardship Committee. If you are interested in serving on MHC’s Farm Stewardship Commit- tee, please contact me theryjane@gmail.com.


COMING UP: SPOTLIGHTS ON MORE MARYLAND FARMS AND A RESOURCE BOX AS A GUIDE TO TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WITH HORSE FARM STEWARDSHIP PROJECTS.


www.equiery.com | 800-244-9580 THE EQUIERY YOUR MARYLAND HORSE COUNCIL PUBLICATION | NOVEMBER 2021 | 35


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