Eulo wins Virginia Clean Water Award for 2024

RICHMOND, Va. – Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the nine winners of the Virginia Grand Basin Clean Water Farm Awards for 2024. One of the winners was Nathan Eulo for his farming operation in Accomac.

Nathan Eulo, owner of Eulo Farms, is an environmental steward of the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Eulo Farms spans approximately 1,570 acres of cropland and 20 acres of woodland in Accomack County. Mr. Eulo participates in the Whole Farm Approach and has a new nutrient management plan written every year. He historically plants and terminates wheat cover crops in May to optimize soil benefits and uses split applications of nitrogen and phosphorus for corn and soybeans. For years, he has used no-till practices on his cropland and protects adjacent wetlands by adhering to at least 100 feet buffers. By implementing these conservation practices, Mr. Eulo does his part to protect water quality in the Chesapeake Bay. Mr. Eulo’s conservation ethic extends to wildlife by planting clover near grain fields for the dual purpose of sustaining the local deer population while protecting cash crops. Passionate about education, he participates in career days with local schools to teach students where the food they eat comes from. Mr. Eulo’s dedication to sustainable farming and community engagement embodies responsible land stewardship

The awards recognize farmers or landowners who demonstrate exceptional environmental stewardship and commitment to protecting soil and water resources. Winners are selected from each of Virginia’s major river basins.

“Virginia’s farmers are at the forefront of protecting our streams, rivers and the Chesapeake Bay,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “The Grand Basin Clean Water Farm Award winners are exemplary stewards of our natural resources. Their leadership in conservation is a testament to the central role agriculture plays in preserving the beauty and vitality of the Commonwealth.”

Sponsored by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and Virginia’s 47 soil and water conservation districts, the awards honor farmers who have implemented agricultural best management practices that protect water quality. These practices include planting cover crops, establishing rotational grazing systems, fencing livestock out of streams and no-till practices.

“I applaud these farmers for their dedication to safeguarding Virginia’s natural resources,” said Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources Travis Voyles. “Their innovative use of conservation practices is critical to achieving our clean water goals while preserving the Commonwealth’s natural heritage.”

Virginia’s soil and water conservation districts provide technical assistance and guidance to farmers seeking to implement or expand conservation practices on their operation.

“District staff and the farmers they work with are committed to enhancing practices that protect and enrich our natural resources,” said Dr. Kendall Tyree, executive director of the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. “We take pride in the enduring relationships we’ve built with these farms. We are grateful for the opportunity to support the agricultural community, and we look forward strengthening these partnerships for the benefit of our land and waterways.”