Delaware Valley University, in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Bucks County Conservation District (BCCD), has announced plans for the implementation of best management practice improvements at its livestock facility on campus.

The plans include a new cattle building, pasture renovations, new fencing, wetlands protection, and improved manure management. When complete, the project will enhance campus-wide conservation efforts, provide a healthy environment for the animals and the ecosystem, and showcase a healthy and sustainable environment for successful cattle farming.

“We are very excited at the prospects of this project,” said Dr. Broc Sandelin, Dean of DelVal’s School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. “The new cattle barn, along with the renovations, will not only improve our facilities on campus but will also help us grow our number of beef cattle to accommodate the increased demand of our animal science program. Also, working with two alumni to close this deal brought a lot of pride to me and the university.”

Funding for the improvements was secured through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) at NRCS and the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP) funding from BCCD.

A pair of DelVal graduates were on campus representing the partners affiliated with the deal. Rosalynd Orr, Class of 2003, is a supervisory district conservationist with the NRCS, and Ryan Herstein, Class of 2019, works as an agricultural conservation technician with BCCD. The partnership served as a full-circle moment for the two alumni.

“The USDA-NRCS is excited to partner with the Bucks County Conservation District and Delaware Valley University to implement this valuable conservation project on campus,” said Orr. “The proposed waste system project at the beef facility will address the water quality resource concerns and also serve to educate current and future students about the benefits of conservation. As an environmental science alumna, it’s truly rewarding to be able to assist DVU in implementing conservation on campus as the NRCS District Conservationist for Bucks County.”

“This partnership will assist BCCD in achieving our mission of providing for the wise use, management, and development of the county’s soil, water, and related natural resources by improving soil and water quality, pasture and nutrient management, and wildlife habitat through improved riparian function,” said Herstein. “As a recent 2019 graduate of DelVal, I am excited not only for the improved environmental benefits of this project but also for the education it will provide the students attending the university as it relates to agricultural conservation.”

DelVal plans to begin implementation of these efforts in early 2025, starting with the new open-air cattle facility.

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