Conservation district chairman Jared Morgan welcomed those in attendance and district treasurer Mitch Wilson in the invocation thanked God for the natural resources that producers have and to bless those who participate in stewardship programs.
Morgan thanked all of the sponsors and conducted the business meeting. The 2010 annual meeting minutes and financial reports were approved. Morgan was re-elected to the board and Matt Gustin was elected to the board of supervisors. Gustin will take the place of Justin Lefert, who chose not to seek re-election.
Sandra Ifland, conservation district manager, read the names of poster award winners for three grade levels and recognized Macey Langvardt, a Chapman Middle School student. Langvardt read her top essay, which cdetailed her beliefs about the importance of preserving Kansas grasslands as well as conservation practices that help in crop production.
She said trees were vital to the earth’s capability to clean the air. Langvardt said trees and grassland all work together. She said Kansas’ grasslands are the most productive in the world.
Dennis Marston, vice chairman of the conservation district, presented the students with their trophies and ribbons.
Six major awards were presented during the evening.
Max Knopp, Dickinson County Key Banker, and a loan officer at Abilene’s Pinnacle Bank, presented the Kansas Bankers Conservation Award to Eldred and Mary Brockmeier.
Mitch Wilson presented the Grassland Award to Mike Lorson.
The Young Farmer Conservation Award recipient was Bryon Lorson. His award was presented by Greg Legleiter of Frontier Farm Credit.
The Buffer Award recipient was Kevin and Lynne Murphy. They were presented the award by Lefert.
The No-Till Farmer Award was presented to Daren Bebermeyer. His presenter was Marston.
The Wildlife Award was presented to Larry and Karen Kellogg. Mark Schmidt, District Conservationist, read the information for the award. Clint Thornton of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, presented the award to the Kelloggs.