Story by Karissa Frick, SCD Technician, McKenzie County
 

WATFORD CITY, N.D., Nov. 8, 2024 —This event allows us to recognize the passionate producers in our county who prioritize conservation. Each year, we present four awards: Annual Achievement Winner, Soil Quality Manager, Grazing Land Manager, and Windbreak Manager. We are proud to honor these outstanding producers for their commitment to conservation.

Annual Achievement Winner: Lloyd and Ardyce Alveshere
This year’s Annual Achievement Winner is Lloyd and Ardyce Alveshere and family. Every decision they make on their farm incorporates a regenerative approach, considering soil health, wildlife, livestock, neighbors, and quality of life.

The Alvesheres have implemented extensive conservation practices, including miles of fencing and pipelines to enhance their grazing system. They maintain a diverse crop rotation of flax, cover crops, wheat, oats, and peas, while using minimal fertilizer. Their collaborative spirit is evident in their partnerships with neighbors who graze cover crop ground.

Lloyd, who retired from the NRCS in 2023, remains an invaluable resource through land tours, educational outreach, and his unwavering support at soil health events. His dedication to learning and sharing knowledge continues to inspire us.

Soil Quality Manager: Dustin Ceynar
The Soil Quality Manager Award recognizes McKenzie County producers who excel in cropland systems management. This year’s winner, Dustin Ceynar and family of Arnegard, exemplifies soil stewardship through their dedication to no-till farming, diverse crop rotations, cover crops, and livestock integration.

Dustin’s commitment to soil health has significantly improved his cropping and grazing systems. His willingness to share insights has also been a learning opportunity for our staff.

Grazing Land Manager: Bobbi and Lee Geiger
The Grazing Land Manager Award honors producers demonstrating exceptional grazing management. This year’s recipients, Bobbi and Lee Geiger of Grassy Butte, have applied numerous practices, including water pipelines, tanks, cross-fencing, and rotational grazing, to enhance grass conditions and production.
Their focus on family and sustainability is evident in every aspect of their operation, making them a deserving choice for this recognition.

Windbreak Manager: Lynn, Maureen, and Cody Moe
The Windbreak Manager Award recognizes producers who excel in tree conservation practices. This year’s winners, Lynn, Maureen, and Cody Moe of Keene, have planted and maintained miles of trees that provide farmstead protection, wildlife habitat, erosion control, and landscape beautification.

The Moes are known for their dedication to planting and caring for trees, consistently participating in conservation programs and advocating for tree conservation in our community.

Honoring Youth Conservation Efforts
Our banquet also celebrated the next generation of conservationists through education contests:
• Kindergarten Coloring Contest: Isalani, Badlands Elementary
• First Grade Coloring Contest: Lavin, Badlands Elementary
• Fourth Grade Grocery Bag Decoration Contest: Riley, Alexander
• Fifth Grade Conservation Day Essay Contest: Cheyanne, Alexander

Congratulations to all the youth winners for their creativity and enthusiasm!

Thank You to Our Conservation Partners
We extend our gratitude to all the producers who work with us to implement conservation practices. A special thanks to our Earth Team volunteers and seasonal crew for their invaluable support in making conservation happen across the county.

Congratulations again to all our award winners and thank you for your dedication to conservation!

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USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. To learn more, visit usda.gov.