February SWCD Board Meeting will be held Feb 16th at 9 a.m. at EMS building
Partnership
2022 Outstanding Conservationist
Partnership
We work together to put conservation practices on the ground by utilizing State Funds and working directly with local producers/landowners and area engineers.
Buffers
2022 Outstanding Conservationist
Partnership
Lots of discussion in the State of Minnesota has been revolving around Buffers to improve water quality in the state. If you are interested in learning more, contact our office or click on the link below.
2022 Outstanding Conservationist
2022 Outstanding Conservationist
2022 Outstanding Conservationist
Mike and Kathy Hachmann along with son Allan and his wife Peyton Hachmann are 3rd and 4th generation farmers, they have a beef cattle operation with stock cows and finish cattle as well as crop production that is certified in Minnesota’s Ag Water Quality Certification Program through Department of Agriculture to mitigate any identified risks to water quality. They have a diversified rotation including corn, soybeans, winter rye, millet, alfalfa, perennial grass and pasture. They utilize cover crops in their rotation when possible. The Hachmann’s have continually worked toward conservation; implementing practices such as no-till and minimum tillage, creating and maintaining waterways, improving pasture, enhancing wildlife and utilizing integrated pest management. Since Allan has joined the operation after graduating from college, they have integrated more technology to assist in tillage reduction, planting capabilities and nutrient management such as split application of nitrogen. They have worked with Pipestone NRCS to install a 3-acre tree planting for wind erosion in addition to improving wildlife habitat; this was since enhanced with Allan’s Eagle Scout project of creating prairie swallow houses. Other wildlife improvements have been creating a vernal pond, utilizing a flush bar when cutting and adding fence markers for the upland birds; they are able to enjoy partridge, pheasant, deer, turtles, turkey and much more with these practices. They have also worked with NRCS and Pipestone SWCD to install waterways, improve pest management and technology, enhance water and runoff capabilities in the cattle yard and upgrade manure management.
Importance of Soil Health
NACD Secretary-Second Vice President Ian Cunningham
Second Vice President Ian Cunningham owns and operates a fifth-generation family farm, Cunningham Family Farm, LLC, with his son Richard just outside of Pipestone, Minn. An NACD Soil Health Champion, Cunningham was an early adopter of soil health practices like cover crops, no-till and strip till.
Cunningham is a district supervisor for Pipestone Soil and Water Conservation District in the southwest corner of the state and has served on the board since 1999. He climbed the ranks of the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD), serving as area secretary-treasurer, area co-director, area director, state board member, vice president and president of the state association. Cunningham first became involved with NACD as a member of the board of directors in 2012. He served on the district outlook task force, the farm bill task force, and served as chairman of the association’s legislative committee. Most recently, Cunningham served as the North Central Region Representative on NACD’s executive board.
In addition to his previous work on the Couteau des Prairie Resource Conservation and Development Council and his leadership at the Pipestone Performing Arts Center, Cunningham remains an active member in his community, serving on the Pipestone Area Community Foundation board of directors and as a member of the Al Opland Singers since 1988.
https://www.nacdnet.org/about-nacd/nacd-leadership/nacd-officers/
NACD Secretary - Treasurer Ian Cunningham
Interested in testing your water?
Click below for details:
https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/wells/waterquality/tips.html