Shelby County Soil & Water Conservation District - Iowa

08/30/2022

Rowland and Deb Burton received the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award at the Iowa State Fair

Farm families honored by Iowa Governor’s Office, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa Department of Natural Resources for environmental stewardship

Rowland and Deb Burton from Irwin were among 40 farm families recognized for their environmental stewardship during a ceremony at the Iowa State Fair. The award acknowledges farmers who take voluntary actions to improve and protect the environment and our state’s natural resources while serving as leaders in their farming communities. The Burton’s were nominated by the Shelby County Soil & Water Conservation District.

The Burton’s use a cropping system that incorporates many best management practices including no-till, terraces, contour farming and grassed waterways for soil erosion. Nutrient management practices, buffers and rotational grazing systems all to protect water quality and CRP to enhance wildlife habitat.

“Iowa farmers have always led on conservation and land stewardship and continue to do so with more momentum than ever,” said Gov. Reynolds. “We are proud to recognize the recipients of the 2022 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards who have shown great leadership in sustainably feeding and fueling our world, protecting our water and land resources, and supporting the next generation of farm families.”

"Achieving the goals that are outlined in the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy to improve soil health and water quality requires people, partnerships, and resources," said Secretary Naig. "We are proud to recognize these Iowa farm families. They are leaders in their communities and are making long-term investments in conservation that will benefit generations to come."

"We take great pride in recognizing these leaders in our farming communities throughout our state that put sound conservation practices on the forefront of their operations,” said Director Lyon. “It’s now more important than ever that we focus on protecting and enhancing our natural resources—especially our lands and waters.”

More than 690 Iowa farm families have been recognized since the creation of the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award. The winners were chosen by a committee representing both conservation and agricultural groups.

06/22/2022

Sign up for Cover Crops by July 15th!
Landowners and producers in the Walnut and Indian Creek Watersheds have until July 15th to sign up for the annual cover crop fly on program! The cover crop fly on program is an easy worry-free way of having cover crops put on your land. Just sign an application at your local SWCD, making sure to bring your FSA certification maps and we will take care of the rest!
This year we are forecasting cereal rye to cost around $27 an acre and Oats to be in the mid to upper thirties. Producers will receive $25 an acre in cost share no matter if they have done the practice in the past or not. The cost share is paid to the landowner or producer and from there they are responsible for paying the seed and aerial applicator. Last fall we seeded nearly 20,000 acres!
Anyone wishing to drill or arrange aerial application themselves still have until August to sign up.
Stop in by July 15th to ensure you get the great group rate!

04/28/2022

It’s that time of year again! As farmers make their way to the fields for spring planting, remember to use caution. With slow speeds and large machinery, be alert, be patient and be mindful when sharing the road with farmers.

04/13/2022

03/29/2022

SCHOLARSHIP WINNER - CONGRATULATIONS TO OWEN MONSON

Owen Monson, son of Jason and Michelle Monson, Irwin, was the recipient of the 2022 Shelby County Soil & Water Conservation District Scholarship for $500. Owen was cited for his scholastic achievement and involvement in various activities including the Business Professionals of America, FFA and NHS Community Service Day activities. His plans for the future include attending Iowa State University in the fall where he will pursue a degree in Ag Business.

01/19/2022

Application deadline extended to January 28, 2022.

12/02/2021

Mark Assman selected as Regional Winner for the 2021 Iowa Conservation Farmer of the Year Award

This award is co-sponsored by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. This annual award honors an Iowa farmer who has a proven track record of excellence in soil conservation and water quality improvements and is committed to long-term land and water protection.

Mark was nominated by the Shelby County Pheasants Forever. Mark’s farming operation is located mostly in Grove Township where the topography is dramatic. Driving by the farms you would notice the land is being protected using a combination of permanent wildlife cover and conservation crop rotation. Waterbodies are buffered from cropland using vegetative filter strips along with nutrient management to protect water quality. Flood and erosion control dams were constructed some time ago and have provided grade control and stream bank stabilization. The combined conservation efforts have led to an abundance of wildlife.

He is an active member of the Shelby County Pheasants Forever. He provides storage and maintenance for the Pheasants Forever native grass seed drills. These drills are used by the public to install many acres of wildlife habitat. Mark also allows the youth to hunt on his property. He partners a mentor which is a seasoned hunter with a beginning hunter to allow an opportunity to learn about wildlife habitat, game patterns and hunter safety. No other hunters are allowed on the property during this time to keep everyone safe.

The Shelby County Soil & Water Conservation District Commissioners submitted the nomination of Mark Assman for the Conservation Farmer of the Year Award. They are excited to announce that he was selected as the Regional winner of Region 5 which consists of 10 districts in Southwest Iowa.

Mark and his wife Cathy live on the family farm and are parents of three children, Mandy (Bryan) Hackfort of Omaha, Danny (Leslie) Assman of Logan, and Renea (Matt) Smith of Aberdeen, SD. Danny Assman farms with his dad and helps with the conservation of the land.

Our appreciation goes out to Mark Assman and all cooperators in our district contributing to the preservation of our natural resources ensuring Iowa is a healthy productive place to grow now and for future generations!

11/10/2021

REGIONAL POSTER CONTEST WINNER - MAYLEE KNAPP

Congratulations to Maylee Knapp. Her conservation poster was selected as Regional Winner – grades 4 through 6. Last spring, her poster was selected as the local winner for her grade and sent on for the Regional competition. Posters were judged on entry’s conservation message, visual effectiveness, originality, and universal appeal. She is the daughter of Taryn & Brian Knapp of Portsmouth.

She received a $35 cash award from Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company. The theme this year was, “Healthy Forests = Healthy Communities”. Trees are more than just part of our natural landscape. They provide shelter and food for wildlife. They absorb carbon dioxide and produce breathable air. And one of the best things about trees is that they add to the beauty of the world.

08/24/2021

Luke and Linda Croghan received the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award at Iowa State Fair

Luke and Linda Croghan from Manilla were among 89 farm families recognized for their environmental stewardship during a ceremony at the Iowa State Fair. The award acknowledges farmers who take voluntary actions to improve and protect the environment and our state’s natural resources while serving as leaders in their farming communities. The Croghan’s were nominated by the Shelby County Soil & Water Conservation District.

The Croghan’s use a cropping system that incorporates many best management practices including no-till, terraces, contour farming and grassed waterways for soil erosion. Nutrient management practices, filter strips and livestock watering systems all to protect water quality. Rotational grazing and interseeding to improve forage production and Pheasant Recovery-Wildlife Enhancement/Wildlife Habitat and pollinator seeding to improve wildlife habitat.

Congratulations Luke & Linda Croghan!

Since the creation of the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award in 2012, more than 650 Iowa farm families have been recognized by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and Department of Natural Resources.
The winners were chosen by a committee representing both conservation and agricultural groups. The awards were sponsored by Bayer CropScience

05/06/2021

Farmers and landowners can sign up now for state cost share funds to help adopt soil health and water quality practices! The funding can be used for in-field management practices, including planting cover crops, transitioning acres to no-till/strip-till soil management, or applying a nitrification inhibitor. For more information, check out: bit.ly/StateCostShareFunds.