• Article Photo. Commissioner Harold Cassens, Jason & Sondra Cue daughters, Mary Ann Cue, Mr. & Mrs. Mark Boddicker
    Commissioner Harold Cassens, Jason & Sondra Cue daughters, Mary Ann Cue, Mr. & Mrs. Mark Boddicker
  • Article Photo. “Jackson the dog”, Commissioner Harold Cassens, Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Bland.
    “Jackson the dog”, Commissioner Harold Cassens, Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Bland.
  • Article Photo. Carl Gerhold, James Jacobi and Commissioner Harold Cassens
    Carl Gerhold, James Jacobi and Commissioner Harold Cassens
The Benton County Soil & Water Conservation District Commissioners are happy to announce their Winners in Conservation Achievement for 2013. The Benton SWCD Commissioners toured the farms of nominees in June and made their winning selections. This program recognizes outstanding producers who incorporate various and innovative conservation practices in their farming operations.
In the Landlord/Tenant Division, James Jacobi with Carl Gerhold as operator was selected as the District winner. This two hundred acre farm in Fremont Township has some rolling hills. Controlling soil erosion on this farm has been a serious goal for two generations. Mr. Jacobi and Mr. Gerhold have incorporated several soil conserving practices such as contouring, no till, and CRP Filter Strips to address this concern. They are both open to new technology and practices and have recently adopted the use of cover crops and nutrient management plans. These practices will help address soil loss and water quality.
Ronald Bland, who farms in Canton Township, was chosen as the Owner Operated Division winner. Even though his farm does not have a highly erodible designation, Mr. Bland has seriously addressed erosion and water quality issues through out his farming career. He has installed and maintains several waterways, uses no till planting methods and was one of the first in the county to use cover crops. In his “spare” time, Mr. Bland and his wife maintain a large garden of vegetables and flowers.
The windbreak on the Justin and Sondra Cue farm also has a history over generations. Mr. Cues mother and her operator, Mark Boddicker renovated the farmstead windbreak about 15 years ago. Since then, the Cues have maintained the windbreak and enjoyed the benefits it provides. The Benton SWCD Commissioners were impressed
Benton Soil & Water Conservation District
1705 West D Street Phone: 319-472-2161
Vinton, IA 52349-9419 FAX: 855-233-1293
www.bentonswcd.net
All programs and services of the Benton SWCD are offered on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, national
origin, religion, gender, age, familial status or disability.
with the long term, family commitment to the windbreak when they selected it as their District Winner in the Izaak Walton Windbreak Award program.
Congratulations to all our Award Winners this year! We want to recognize their efforts and commitment to preserve and protect our natural resources here in Benton County.