The program not only is good for the environment, it saves the farmer money, said Patty Gabriel, conservationist with the Wayne County office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Farmers who participate install a meter to reduce the amount of water wasted by the animals. A new type of container prevents the animals from spilling as much.

"I think it has been a great success. It's great in reducing the amount of fresh water usage in swine operations, which benefits everybody," she said. "In eastern North Carolina ground water depletion is getting to be a serious issue. Any way we can cut back the amount of ground water used is a good thing."

Julian Nelms of Fremont started participating in the program about six months ago. Nelms said it has helped him keep water costs down.

Source: Goldsboro News Argus