Conservation district holds awards banquet

Sherry Koster, district manager, of Jewell welcomed more than 60 adults and 20 children to the Jewell County Conservation District's Annual Meeting held Wednesday evening, Feb. 22. A Power Point presentation showing the activities of the district, during 2022, played during the meal. The Rangeland and Banker Award winners were also included in the presentation. After the meal, sponsored by the local banks, Chairman Brett Walker, Esbon, called the meeting to order. The minutes of the 2021 annual meeting were approved as well as the 2022 treasurer's report.

Two supervisors had terms that were expiring. Zach Bruns, Burr Oak, and Chad Simmelink, Esbon, both agreed to serve another term. There were no nominations from the floor. Matt Becker, Mankato nominated Zach Bruns and Chad Simmelink for the two board positions. Chairman Walker then directed the voters to mark their ballots. Both Bruns and Simmelink were elected to serve another term by votes of 17-0 each.

Door prizes were awarded while the ballots were counted. Winners of the two chairs donated by Star Seed were Amber Greene and Brooke Wright. NRCS soil calendars were given to Susan Greene, Bill Roe, Duane Atwood, Brian Shulda, Blake Davis, Van Smith and Art Befort. Justine Angleton, Matt Becker, Ryan Carlgren and Dave Warne were the winners of the infiltration test pipe.

Tonya Atchinson, Jewell-Mitchell County FSA CEO, was introduced. She reminded producers of several deadlines and mentioned several sign-ups that are on-going or nearing their starting dates.

The conservation district sponsored coloring and poster contests for elementary students. Several of the students attended the meeting. Board members Simmelink and Bruns presented each student with a personalized certificate.

First grade winners: first, Allyson Hollerich; second, Grady Warne; third, Addicus Wells; fourth, Wyatt Walker

Second grade winners: first, Pierce Coil; second, Selene Davis; third, Eli Angleton; fourth, Sawyer Scheidt

Third grade winners: first, Brystol Badger; second, Brynlee Jeffery; third, Emma Ruthstrom; fourth, Mallory Underwood

Fourth grade winners: first, Wren Woerner; second, Emmitt Dunstan; third, Kinley Greene; fourth, Makaya Juarez

Fifth grade winners: first, Jace Bruns; second, lzzy Couch; third, Jordan Hilpire; fourth, Bennett Lindberg

A short video that showed the conservation work completed by Bruce Meyer on BMEYERS Farm property was shown. Jeremy Jacobs, NRCS district conservationist and Brian Shulda, County Key Banker, then presented Mr. Meyer the Kansas Bankers Award soil conservation sign and award certificate.

A short video of the Wilson Property was played. Cross fencing and water facility development were some of the improvements put in place by Paul Wilson, owner. Operators Dave and Chase Warne were on hand to accept the award, with the initial owners of Robert T. and Lola F. Wilson listed on the Grassland Sign. Rick Gardner, NRCS soil conservation technician and Corbin Greene, board member, presented the sign which is sponsored by Sharp Bros. Seed Company.

Rick Gardner gave a short summary of the conservation practices and the timelines for the construction of the conservation work completed by Bruce Meyers and Paul Wilson.

The evening's program was a video titled Hugh Hammond Bennett: The Story of America's Private Land Conservation Movement. Mr. Bennett was a leader in conservation work before most landowners and government officials realized conservation was needed. He understood that locally administered programs, were the best way to get the word out on the importance of conserving the land for the next generation.

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was quoted as saying, "The Nation that destroys its soil, destroys itself." The video explained the importance of conservation districts by bringing the farmer into the conservation process. Mr. Bennett was a strong believer in "locally led is the way to go."

After the Bennett video the meeting was adjourned.