The Gibson County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) staff consisted of Ethel Osborn and Ann Ice.
The SWCD recognized landowners for their accomplishements in conservation. Kenny Doerner, a life time farmer, received the Master Farm Conservationist for his devotion to soil and water conservation. he has kept the family farm going since 1904. His son, Steve, an associate supervisor, has now continued the tradition on the family farm.
Marvel Family Farms received the River Friendly Farmer Award. Mark and David Marvel take care of the daily operations. They farm in multiple watersheds and have improved water quality through better nutriend management techniques. They also have installed erosion control structures when NRCS did not have a structure design to fit the situation. Steve and Gale Pohl received the Conservation Farmer of the Year award. They installed many conservation practices on their farm. All award winners are very conscious of the work involved in soil and water conservation adn are conserned for preserving our natural resources.
Ann Ice coordinates the fourth grade farm fair and the fifth grade poster contest. These two events are the most popular for Gibson County students. The annual Tri-County Soils Judging Contest for high school students rotates between Gibson, Vanderburgh and Posey counties. Gibson Soiuthern FFA has won first place for several years. The Gibson County SWCD also supports high school students participating in the regional and state envirothon competition. The Gibson County Home School tem placed in the regional contest and went on the place first at the North American Contest. Ann visits classrooms with natural resources and agriculture education and volunteers at the Pathway to Water Quality exhibit.
The SWCD designed and installed a billborad on Highway 57 near Mackey promoting conservation. We also have a roadside buffer program to reduce erosion and assist drivers at intersections and 90-degree turns.
The Gibson County SWCD has had many accomplishments for 2011 including the development of a strong partnership with the adjoining southwest counties of Posey, Vanderburgh, Warrick and Pike. The southwest SWCDs partner to educate and assist landowners with their conservation needs. We received a joint Clean Water Indiana grant for adult education and to cost share with producers planting cover crops. With help from NRCS and ISDA, landowners were given the opportunity to have their cover crops flown on or conventionally planted. A total of 2598.53 acres were planted in southwest Indiana with 422.35 acres planted in Gibson County.
With soil health a priority, the southwest conservation partnership held a breakfast with speakers providing information on building good soil health and what to look for in healthy soil. A no-till planter setup workshop was also held to assist farmers in achieving maximum efficiency from their equipment.
The Gibson County SWCD appreciates all the support from sponsors and volunteers to help achieve their conservation goals. To keep up with the Gibson County SWCD visit our web page www.gibsonswcd.org or like us on our facebook page.