Atkinson Farms

Corinth Holders Community

River Friendly Farmer

2010 

Photo, from left to right, John Langdon, Chairman of the Johnston Soil and Water Conservation District, Tad Atkinson, with plaque designating him as Johnston County's River Friendly Farmer and James Massey, Director of the Johnston Soil and Water Conservation District. 

Atkinson Farms, owned and operated by Tad Atkinson of Corinth Holders, has been awarded the River Friendly Farmer award for 2010.  The River Friendly Farmer award has been given for the past 14 years by the Johnston Soil and Water Conservation District, to a deserving individual that makes special efforts to improve water quality through the use of best management practices and environmental stewardship. Atkinson Farms was recognized at the Johnston SWCD’s annual awards banquet that was held in late January, 2010. 

Atkinson farms have been a family operation since the early 1900’s.  Tad Atkinson is the current farm manager and the son of Rose and the late Edwin Atkinson.  Atkinson Farms is comprised of nearly 500 acres of owned and rented land which produces corn, wheat, soybeans and hay.  There is also a 40 head beef cattle operation as part of the farm.  Tad Atkinson utilizes the latest in conservation tillage methods and currently has approximately 200 acres of row crops planted in this manner.  Conservation tillage helps to reduce erosion and conserve moisture on farmland.  It also reduces labor and fuel costs by limiting the time required in the field.  Grassed waterways serve to remove surface water from the farm and rotational grazing on the cattle operation helps to improve the quality of forage pastures.  Fencing systems are in place to keep cattle out of surface water, streams, and other sensitive areas.  Exclusion fencing systems also help to reduce animal waste and other pollutants from entering water supplies. Atkinson Farms has also worked with the NC Forest Service to prepare and implement a woodland management plan on the forested areas of the farm. 

Tad is extremely dedicated to his farm and its operation.  He also serves as a fireman for the Town of Zebulon.  Tad lives on the family farm with his wife Renee and Daughter Kristen. 

The Johnston SWCD is very proud to recognize Atkinson Farms as our River Friendly Farmer for 2010.