The Paulson Family Farm in Rockingham County is a multi-generational dairy operation along the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. Since 2009, Karl, Andreas and their mother Claudia have worked closely with NRCS to launch new conservation practices every few years that benefit their 360-cow dairy and the surrounding environment.
They’ve added bedded pack barns where used bedding is mixed with manure to create compost that’s spread on fields, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizer. Each barn includes an indoor feeding area and connects to a rotational grazing system, giving cows shelter in bad weather while preventing overgrazing in high-use areas.
Protecting their stretch of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River has also been a priority. The Paulsons have fenced cattle out of the waterway and planted seven acres of streamside trees to filter runoff and reduce erosion.
Conservation Practices
Most recently, they installed an underground piping system to transport liquid dairy manure to the fields where it will be applied as fertilizer, which eliminates the need for heavy trucks—thereby reducing soil compaction—and boosts nitrogen efficiency by 40-50% compared to surface application. Paired with their composting system, this has lowered fertilizer costs and improved soil health.
What began as a smart business decision has grown into a deep commitment to sustainability. As Karl put it, “The added responsibilities are a small price to pay for the environmental and community benefits.”
These ongoing investments keep the farm modern and competitive, ensuring long-term viability in a changing marketplace. More broadly, programs like this help strengthen rural communities, support family farms, and contribute to food security nationwide.