Mouton Farms help protection of Sodus Creek

Scott and Amanda Mouton operate a family dairy farm directly within the critical areas of drainage for Sodus Creek. The Moutons have implemented Best Management Practices (BMPs) through Phase 1 of our watershed program to improve their manure storage facility, along with implementing various individual practices through conservation tillage and field rotation.  The 100-cow dairy has made improvements in its barnyard area and storm water control at the farmstead and in adjacent fields.

Mouton Heavy Use Area before implementation

Mouton Heavy Use Area after implementation

The project was installed in the late months of 2011 and completed January of 2012. Agriculture specialist Terry Reynolds designed the project with farm management in consideration. He stated, “The area near the bunk silo previously was unstable with no hard surface to provide a cleanable surface for spilled silage. This allowed clean water to mix with dirty water and mud. The project that was designed to take care of the problem consisted of installing millings, grading, and shaping to redirect surface water. Implementation stabilized the soil and prevents water contamination and runoff into the flow path of Sodus Creek.