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Conservation is alive and well in Bourbon County
The day known as "Black Sunday," April 14, 1935, people of the Great Plains suffered physically, emotionally and financially from the devastating effects of a drought. Then the wind started to blow and an estimated 300 million tons of topsoil blew from the land, according to the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts' website.
As a result of that devastation, the Kansas Legislature passed a bill that created conservation districts statewide in March 1937, ushering in a commitment by farmers and government to preserve land and resources.
The Bourbon County Conservation District is active in providing services to land users, educators, private and public interests and youth and youth leaders.
The organization is involved in no-till drill, native grass drill, pollution programs and youth activities that promote conservation.
Drill services are available for rent to landowners in the district, with more than 2,500 acres being drilled. Burn equipment and manure spreaders are also for rent from the district, along with grass seed for farmers that is normally not available locally. Drilling is when a disc blade rolls the ground, penetrating the ground and planting a seed.
On Saturday, Jan. 19, members and friends filled the Uniontown High School Commons Area for the district's annual meeting, where landowners who have worked diligently to preserve the soil were recognized.
The annual Bankers Award was presented to David and Gayle Goodbody, who farm south west of Redfield. He has built terraces, waterways and devised an erosion plan on his farm.
Bob and Joyce Love, who farm southwest of Fort Scott, received the Water Quality Award. Their entire farm, 320 acres has been seeded to grass.
Jack and Peggy Jackson, who live west of Hiattville, received the Grassland Award. All of the Jackson's 1,200 acres is in timber, grass and pasture.
The Continuing Conservation Award was presented to Wayne and Roberta Peck, who farm southeast of Fort Scott. The Pecks experimented with no-till in the 1990's and increase the acreage every year, and has used no-till planting 100 percent since 2005.
The current board of supervisors includes Dean Bailey, chairman; Ronnie Brown, vice chairman; and Wayne Thorpe, treasurer; Robert Miller and Robert Larkin are members.
The BCCD board meets the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. The meetings are open to the public.
