Ford County conservation award nominations to take place

The purpose is to stimulate a greater interest in the conservation of the agricultural resources of Kansas by giving recognition to those farmers and landowners who have made outstanding progress in the establishment of soil and water conservation on their farms.

The following points are considered in selecting soil conservation award winners. They include: use of land according to its capabilities; the completeness of farm plan applied; the balance of farm enterprise; the quality of conservation work done and maintenance of practices; and special practices unique to the farming operation.

The windbreak award considers windbreaks which provide protection from damaging winds for residential or other structures, livestock or fields. Windbreaks should be a minimum of three years old to be considered. The points considered are windbreak design, management, location, density and length. The original windbreak must consist of planted trees and shrubs. The plants must be managed and in healthy condition, with no significant gaps or openings in the windbreaks.

The nominees for selection will be done by the following individuals: county Extension Agriculture Agent, county chairman of the Farm Service Agency, chairman of the County Extension executive board, district conservationist, chairman of the conservation board and the county key banker.

The cooperating groups include the State Conservation Commission, Kansas State University Research and Extension, state and Extension forestry, Farm Services Agency, Natural Resource Conservation Service and the Kansas State Board of Agriculture.

A total of five nominees can be chosen for soil conservation and windbreak awards. The award winners for Ford County will be recognized at this year's Ford County Conservation District banquet, in January, 2001.

Conservation efforts today will play an important role in the future use of natural resources and the agricultural productivity of Ford County.

For more information, contact the FSA or NRCS office or the Ford County Extension office.