Golden Stock Farms receives 2022 MAEAP Award

By Lynda Herremans

Oceana MaeaP Technician

Golden Stock Farms was selected as the 2022 Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) award recipient. A voluntary program, MAEAP is both innovative and proactive in assisting farms of all sizes and commodities to prevent or minimize the risk of agriculture pollution. A family-owned farm, Golden Stock Farms is located in Golden Township and was founded in 1932 by Walter Walsworth. Walter’s son Richard (Dick) Walsworth and then Dick’s son Ryan took over operations as it passed through the generations. The farm is currently owned by Ryan’s wife, Janice, and operated by their son Jordon.

In keeping with Oceana Conservation District’s 50th Anniversary theme, Golden Stock Farms is being recognized for its 50+ year commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship. Dick started working with the newly formed Soil & Water Conservation District back in 1972 making him one of the first farmers in Oceana County to do so. Walsworth was recognized as one of the early “Cooperator of the Year” recipients in 1977.

In those years, the 315-acre farm managed several fields of alfalfa which Dick felt was an excellent way to control erosion on his hilly acreage. The hay provided feed to 50 head of beef cattle (hence the name Golden Stock Farms). Asparagus was grown on 65 acres and Dick was a pioneer in starting the practice of growing asparagus utilizing no-till management in 1972. He was also an early adopter in the use of cover crops in asparagus to manage wind erosion in the early 80’s. Other conservation practices included creation of shallow ponds for wildlife, grassed waterways, windbreaks and crop rotation, the latter practice Dick learned from his father Walter. Dick was quoted in the 1977 Oceana Soil & Water Conservation Annual Report saying “What’s good for the land….is good for me”.

In 2000, the Groundwater Stewardship Program (which has now evolved into the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program)