WFP revisions occur when the farm’s water quality issues are not sufficiently addressed by the existing WFP. These shortcomings may be due to:
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changes in the farm business (like the addition of livestock),
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the physical nature of the farm (like erosion caused by a 100-year flood event), or
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a failure of an existing BMP to adequately address an original issue.
The revision process is similar to that of the original WFP approval and implementation and may take time to execute. But ultimately, the planner and landowner work together to establish and maintain a flexible Whole Farm Plan, reviewed annually, that meets the growing and changing needs of the farm operation.
The Watershed Agricultural Program values its relationship with farmer/landowner and visits the farm each year. A staff planner conducts an annual evaluation of Best Management Practices (BMPs), their functionality and effectiveness, with a tool called an Annual Status Review (ASR). An Annual Status Review of a Whole Farm Plan (WFP) includes:
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A Whole Farm Plan follow-up where the farmer/landowner and the WAC planner discuss how the Plan worked over the past year (or didn’t) and identify changes made on the farm since last year that may impact the WFP in the coming year.
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BMP inspections to verify that the practice is withstanding the farm’s demands and daily wear-and–tear;
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Ensuring the landowner understands and is following the O&M Agreement, by making repairs and conducting routine maintenance.
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Scheduling outstanding BMPs that may be pending.
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Measuring landowner satisfaction with the Whole Farm Plan and its overall impact on farm operations.