And getting his feet in the ground and in the water.

The south Florida native has joined the Rowan County Conservation District office, working and training in the growing field of conservation.

Simon, an agronomy major from the University of Florida, is concentrating on waste storage facilities, currently working with Patterson Farms on a chemical storage facility.

His work in Rowan County is a world away from his first experiences with farming.

Fresh out of college in 1998, Simon signed up with the Peace Corps. His assignment was working to help farmers in Senegal, a west African country, along the Atlantic Ocean.

For the first three months, Simon underwent intensive training in local languages.

And then time went backward. From the college atmosphere of Gainesville, Fla., Simon was now living in a mud hut in a village of less than 200 people.

Where individual farmers didn’t have plots of at least three acres, farming was done in community plots.

Farming was reduced to the basics, men using oxen and primitive plows to break the ground.

Planting of seed and harvesting was done entirely by hand, with men and women having clearly defined daily tasks in the struggle to grow enough rice and corn to sustain their families.

Simon’s job was to provide improved varieties of seed, primarily rice, and try to talk the villagers into using it. Along with providing assistance, he collected data on growth and yield.

In the village where Simon lived, and in most of the country, the biggest obstacle to growth is the lack of rainfall. Much of the country, which borders on the Sahara Desert, averages less than one inch of rainfall a year.

Simon missed out on the great millennium scares, as fears mounted that computers would crash and stop much of the industrialized world in its tracks.

On Dec. 31,1999, Simon was in a village with no computers, no vehicles and no electricity.

Upon completing his six-month assignment in Senegal, he spent three months traveling in west Africa.

It took only a short stay in Madrid to get reacquainted with the 21st century and to overcome a wave of culture shock.

And then it was time to go to work, using his knowledge and skills to conserve soil and water in the midst of increasing demands.

With several job possibilities, Simon opted for the job in Rowan which offered the chance to work with all aspects of agriculture.

His job here is a mix of working with farmers, as well as attending sessions throughout the state for additional training.

On a brief stint in the coastal area this summer, he worked to supervise clearing of storm debris.

At times waist deep in the swamp, Simon quickly learned to spot cottonmouths and kill them when necessary.

But most of the last six months has been concentrated in Rowan.

Simon was aware of North Carolina’s reputation in agriculture and conservation.

But he admits that he was surprised at the widespread usage of conservation techniques.

“The amount of no-till farming here is far above the national average,” said Simon. “Conservation is working here. It’s good stewardship of the soil and an economic pay off.That’s a good combination.”

Simon has found the attitude behind the conservation practices here far more impressive.

He cited the Johnny Moore family as an example of the commitment to conservation as an integral part of the farming process.

The Moores were recently selected as the state conservation family of the year.

Simon spent time consulting with the Moores on the dairy waste system in place.

Simon and other staffers with the Conservation District provide continuing assistance to farmers and landowners.

Bruce Rider, conservationist with the Rowan District, points out that although the number of farms is shrinking, the job of the conservationist is increasing.

“Farming has to be more environmentally sensitive,” said Rider, pointing to the residential and commercial developments which are rapidly moving into the farming areas.

“Now farmers must be careful about spraying pesticides and herbicides. They have to use the best management practices to ensure that nothing washes off,” said Rider.

He adds that a conservationist who grew up in the Fort Lauderdale suburbs provides an added element to the Rowan office. Rider grew up in Long Island , N.Y., on a potato farm.

Simon agrees that the mix of agriculture in Rowan is providing great opportunities for work and training.

Farmers or landowners wanting more information about assistance available from the Conservation District may call 704-637-1604.