The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program tour is being held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Green Valley Dairy in Beaver County. The farm's owners, the Albert Weltner family, operate a dairy farm and bottler/processor. They jug their own milk and market it in three states. Although it is located in Beaver County, the farm has some acreage in West Virginia and Ohio.

The Weltners investigated the CREP program first to determine if it was suitable for the farm. After learning about eligibility rules, they decided to implement several CREP practices. The financial return to the operation was substantial and made the difference in enrolling in CREP. Environmental benefits and improving wildlife habitat were added bonuses.

Green Valley Dairy will provide white and chocolate milk for tour participants. Ice cream will also be served following the tour during a question-and-answer session.

The Weltner farm in located three miles south of the Hookstown Fairgrounds, west of Route 168 on Gas Valley Road. The tour is open to anyone interested in CREP. More detailed directions are available from the Farm Service Agency. Car pooling is also available on a limited basis.

Albert Weltner will showcase several of his CREP practices and lead the discussion on how CREP worked on the farm. Some practices that will be discussed and viewed include stream crossings, spring developments, water troughs, tree planting, sod waterway, warm season grasses, cool season grasses, wildlife habitat buffer, fencing and more.

CREP handouts will be available for tour participants to take home. They will include more detailed information about the program.

For more details on CREP or to schedule a spot on the tour, contact the Farm Service Agency at 724-482-4761.