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Smith County farmer receives 2007 Kansas Agroforestry AwardKansas If someone wants to know how to successfully plant and establish trees in Smith County Kansas, Roy and Cherry Brown are the people to talk to. Though most of their lives have been devoted to growing wheat, milo, cattle and raising hogs, the couple now enjoys retirement on their farm near Lebanon surrounded by beautiful windbreaks and a 3.5 acre woodlot of black walnut and bur oak. The Browns have established over ten acres of agroforestry practices that provide benefits and protection well beyond those acres. These practices include field windbreaks, farmstead windbreaks and a livestock windbreak designed in a horseshoe shape as a "living barn" to protect their hog operation. Recipients of the Kansas Banker's Association Windbreak Award in 1993, the Browns have now been recognized by the Kansas Tree Farm Committee as winners of the 2007 Kansas Agroforestry Award. The Agroforestry Award recognizes the Browns as leaders in the successful implementation of agroforestry practices. Their leadership has encouraged other neighbors to establish windbreaks and other agroforestry practices. The Browns began planting trees in the late 70s when Roy realized they would be an effective way to keep snow from drifting into the farmstead. "I got tired of using a scoop shovel to remove snow from feeding areas," Roy said, "There's got to be a better way". Soon, Roy was in contact with Jim Strine, Kansas Forest Service, District Forester, seeking tree planting advice. In 1980, because of the exceptional care and devotion to their trees, Strine certified the Browns as Tree Farmers in the American Tree Farm System. The Tree Farm Program recognizes landowners who own at least ten acres of forest and practice sustainable forestry. After almost 27 years as Tree Farmers, Cherry thinks every homestead with suitable land should become involved with the Tree Farm Program. "I wish every landowner would plant trees," Cherry notes. Both Roy and Cherry are very complimentary of the assistance they've received over the years from Jim Strine who nominated them for the Kansas Agroforestry Award and Sandra Wick, Smith County K-State Research and Extension Agent. Since the Browns began planting trees they have purposefully selected a diverse variety to avoid insect and disease problems like pine wilt and spruce spider mites. Some of the species include eastern red cedar, spruce, junipers, ponderosa and scotch pine, catalpa, bur oak, black walnut and even royal paulownia. However, one of the species that Roy has been most impressed with is arborvitae. "This particular evergreen can withstand snow and ice storms," Roy affirms. Following a severe snow storm that occurred some 15 years ago and the more recent ice and snow received in January, Roy recalls "both times the snow and ice bent the arborvitae almost to the ground but after melting, the trees were in great shape without any breakage." Roy notes that this was not true for his pine trees which suffered from broken limbs and lost leaders. Another benefit of arborvitae, unlike eastern red cedar, is that it does not spread into grasslands and no-till cropland. Many different factors contribute to the success of a tree planting, but nothing can replace the hard work necessary for trees to be established and sustained in western Kansas. Roy remembers hand-hoeing weeds and carrying water before weed barrier fabric was introduced. He also used a 6.5 foot "V" blade to cultivate competing weeds and grass. Years ago Roy encouraged his Uncle to plant additional windbreaks on his property. His Uncle's response which is shared by many was "It will take so many years to get them going". Thank goodness for people like Roy and Cherry who now enjoy the rewards of their investment in trees which will stand as a living memorial to good environmental stewardship. You may have a chance to meet these remarkable people by attending the 2007 Agroforestry Field Day scheduled May 31, in Washington, Kan. There the Browns will receive a sign, a walnut plaque and a brand new STIHL MS-290 chainsaw as winners of the 2007 Kansas Agroforestry Award. None Date: 6/21/07
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