ACAM Virtual Peer Meeting November 6

Louisiana farmer Hilery Gobert returned to rural Iowa, Louisiana after retirement to connect with his roots and start a farm that mirrors the one that he grew up on. Now, Hilery is using his diversified, organic
operation to restore his land’s soil health and feed his family and community. During his recent field day, Hilery shared challenges and successes in soil health restoration, water conservation and growing healthy and sustainable food.

Join us for another opportunity to talk with Hilery and his local USDA-NRCS in an open discussion about how conservation can work on your farm.

Hosted by Conservation Steward Hilery Anthony Gobert
Hilery is the owner/operator of Driftwood Farm in Iowa, Louisiana. Driftwood Farm is a highly diversified family farm using organic methods with plants and animals working together to build healthy soil and cultivate crops in a way that is sustainable and environmentally friendly. Born on a farm in South Louisiana, Hilery was the eighth generation in his family to farm in Louisiana. As a student at Southern University and A&M College, Hilery began his lifelong education in Agriculture. Hilery holds a B.A. degree in Government, a degree in Horticulture from Gwinnett Technical College and has many years of large market garden production experience. After college Hilery served in the Army for 7 years, working in telecommunications with a top-secret clearance. During his service in Vietnam, he served as a LRRP team leader and as acting platoon sergeant for the 101st Airborne brigade Reconnaissance Platoon. Hilery is also a Certified Permaculture Instructor, Georgia Certified Landscape Professional, PLANET Landscape Industry Certified Professional, Georgia Master Gardener and a Square Foot Garden Instructor. Hilery believes that education is the future of small farmers. Knowledge of crop production and less dependency on inputs and petroleum products is the key to profitability. Hilery was one of the founders and served as facilitator of Gwinnett Tech's Learn-In Farm, located on the campus to teach students how to examine environmental factors such as light, temperature, rainfall, wind, and soil separately and to learn how important each one is to the agroecosystem and ultimately to each plant. The program focuses on implementation of new technology since it has the potential to level the playing field for small and mid- sized farms, by making it easier for them to manage operations, better utilize resources and sell their products. Learn more about Driftwood Farm by visiting: https://www.driftwoodfarminiowa.com

About the Virtual Peer Network Series
Join America’s Conservation Ag Movement in a live, farmer-led networking event where you’ll hear the latest from experts and innovators moving the needle in conservation ag. Glean insights and meet other like-minded farmers and ranchers in your state at these interactive virtual events. In 2024, ACAM is hosting a series of VPN events in Montana, Georgia, Louisiana, Oklahoma and New York.

Learn more about upcoming VPNs and other virtual and in person conservation agriculture events at americasconservationagmovement.com!