McElhaney Conservation Award

"The McElhaney's are truly good stewards of the land. We are lucky to have them to count on when we want to demonstrate new conservation ideas. They were one of the first to demonstrate a solar water system for us. We appreciate their conviction to conservation and willingness to share their experiences with others." – Robin Heard, Pennsylvania NRCS State Conservationist.

Grazing, stewardship and economics – what do these three things have in common? McElhaney Family Farm thinks the three are made for each other. They made them the cornerstone of their beef operation located on 100 acres plus some leased land in Beaver County in western Pennsylvania.

Beaver dams, wetland areas, tree plantings, stream crossings, and paddocks and alleyways for their championship purebred Shorthorns are part of the multi-generational farm operation.

Dick McElhaney grew up on the family beef farm that is now the entrance to Pittsburg International Airport. That's appropriate since Dick, his son David, daughter Diane and her husband Don all work or have worked for USAir at the airport. They all work the family farm as well, including another son.

                Grazing hillsides while using hilltops for hay, protects the soil and increases the economic benefits.

                Woodland management and wildlife habitat are part of farming on McElhaney Family Farm.

                Conservation  practices on the farm include prescribed rotational grazing, forage management, fencing, water development, solar powered watering systems, forested riparian buffers, wildlife habitat, tree planting, wetland habitat development, stream crossings, nutrient management for year round feeding and water runoff filter system for a state road.

                They participate in USDA programs such as Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program, Project Grass, and Emergency Conservation Program.