BY AMANDA CUTSHALL
Keep in mind
Agricultural acreage over time Over a 20-year period, Bastrop County has lost more than 54% of the total acreage used for farming and ranching.
The rapid loss of agricultural land can be seen throughout the county, said Shayne Bates, co-owner of Triple B Ranch. “A lot of ranchers around here are multigenera- tional, and we are seeing that when the kids inherit several million dollars worth of land, they don’t know what to do with it or may not be willing to do long hours of literally hard labor,” Bates said, noting that oftentimes he has seen where those inheriting the land prefer other careers, such as oce jobs. “So, ultimately, you see one of two things happen: The kids either sell it all, or they carve it up into many tracts of land, and new subdivisions pop up,” he said. Agricultural land shrinkage is also problematic for the local ecosystem, Fulton-Smith said. Hilary Bravenec, Bastrop County District Con- servationist for the U.S. Department of Agricul- ture Natural Resources Conservation Service, said free conservation advice and nancial assistance are available.
-54%
600K
400K
200K
0
2002
2004
2006
2008
2010
2012
2014
2016
2018
2020
2022
SOURCE: USDA CENSUS COMMUNITY IMPACT
“NRCS works one-on-one with producers to identify natural resource concerns on their land and recommend conservation practices that can be implemented to address those concerns,” Bravenec said. A few of the nancial assistance programs include those related to environmental quality incentives, conservation stewardship, and agricul- tural management assistance, as well as easement programs. Those with questions can reach out to Bravenec at hilary.bravenec@usda.gov.
Bastrop population density
+31%
120 80 100
0 20 40 60
2010
2020
SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU COMMUNITY IMPACT
Lend a hand
Along with utilizing programs such as the SNAP Double Up Food Bucks and visiting farmers markets, community members can volunteer with local organizations, including:
4
Elgin
5
Manor
3
290
McDade
The consensus among ocials is that partnerships from the community, government, and local producers are vital. “To have the heart for it and the love for it to produce food locally outweighs those challenges, and you nd a way to get through it,” Culberson said.
1 Farmshare Austin in Cedar Creek 2 Green Gate Farms in Bastrop 3 Refugee Collective in Elgin
4 Simple Promise Farm in Elgin 5 Shepard’s Flock Farm in Elgin
130 TOLL
Del Valle
95
290
Utley
1
71
2
Bastrop
21
N
SOURCE: LOCAL FOOD ACTION PLAN COMMUNITY IMPACT
Exceptional Apartment Homes in Bastrop
Mention this ad & receive $150 one time move in credit
• Stainless Steel Appliances • Farmhouse kitchen sinks • Subway tile backsplash • Granite countertops • USB outlets • Spacious closets • Full-size washer/dryer
• Resort pool & sun shelf • Shaded outdoor kitchen • 24/7 Fitness center • Social clubroom • Pet-friendly dog park • Detached garages ** • Carports ** *In select apartment homes. **Limited availability for rent
• Smart thermostats* • Dimmable lighting*
844-749-0360 | 945 Blakey Ln, Bastrop TX 78602 | Altatrailsapts.com
13
BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION
Powered by FlippingBook