Pictured (L-R) Janet Cunningham, Dale Cunningham, and Matt Murphy
of the Natural Resources Conservation Service of West Virginia
Dale Cunningham was selected as the 2018 Calhoun County Conservation Farmer by the Little
Kanawha Conservation District supervisors.
Dale and his wife Janet live on their farm located
north of Grantsville on Back Fork Road just east of Rt. 16. Dale is retired from the gas company and
pipeline work and keeps a very neat operation.
The farming operation consists of cattle, goats, and
vegetables. His pastures are in excellent condition due to his nutrient and grazing management and the
small stream flowing through the pasture is beautiful with grass growing right down to the edge of the
stream.
Dale built a high tunnel a couple of years ago and grows a variety of vegetables such as
tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers which he sells at the farmers market in Grantsville.
He uses compost
and mulch in the high tunnel and drip irrigation. He has received assistance from the Little Kanawha
Conservation District and the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service with several conservation
practices including the high tunnel, water developments, lime, and installation of rock to control
erosion on roads and areas where livestock are congregated.
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