The Tidewater Soil and Water Conservation District began its Agricultural Best Management Practices cost share sign-up period on July 18 and it will continue through Aug. 18. The District partnered with Nick’s Spaghetti & Steak House in Shacklefords to host their annual breakfast buffet meeting that took place on July 18. Above, producers Wayne Bray, in foreground, Austin Revere and others can be seen helping themselves to the spread. The Virginia Agricultural Cost Share Program and the expanded pilot program, the Whole Farm Approach, offer cost share assistance as an incentive to construct or implement BMPs. Voluntary BMPs reduce nonpoint source pollution and improve soil health and water quality. Tidewater SWCD administers the programs to agricultural producers in Gloucester, Mathews and Middlesex counties. The groups’ goal is to improve water quality in the state’s streams, rivers and Chesapeake Bay. All BMPs in the cost share program manual will be considered if specifications ...