Larry and Randy Luze receive award from Commissioner Jeremy Sills as Commissioner Hank Wehrman introduces them. Mr. & Mrs. Randy Vogeler receiving award from Commissioner Jerey Sills as Commissioner Hank Wehrman introduces them. The Benton Soil & Water Conservation District Commissioners are proud to participate in Iowa Conservation Program each year. This program recognize outstanding producers who incorporate various and innovative conserving practices in their farming operations. The Benton SWCD also is happy to select a District winner for the Izaak Walton Windbreak Award Program each year. The Commissioners develop a group of nominees, tour the county viewing their farms in June, and make their winning selections. Awards were presented to the winners at the Field Day sponsored by the Tall Grass Prairie Center and Iowa Practical Farmers held September 14. Benton SWCD Izaak Walton Windbreak Award Winner Randy & Deb Vogeler - In 1990, Randy and Deb contacted the Benton SWCD office wanting to renovate their old "grove" �. Working with the office staff and the District Forester, a design for a new windbreak was completed for the farmstead in the north central part of the county. This design included the use of the new Hybrid Willows, and was one of the first to use these trees as the outside row of the windbreak, which also included other conifers . It has now grown wonderfully and provides protection and beauty to the farm home. It also provides habitat for songbirds and other wildlife. Iowa Conservation Award Program - Farmer of the Year District Winner Luze Farm Corporation, Randy Luze - .This operation has several pieces of land in the very northwest corner of Benton County. Randy has always been willing to try new practices to protect these farms. He was very active in including cover crops in his operations. And now has included a very new idea, buffer strips planted to native prairie plants within some fields. In addition, he has always been willing to share what he learns using these new practices by hosting field days. The Benton SWCD Commissioners Congratulation all our Award Winners this year! We want to recognize their efforts and commitment to preserve and protect our natural resources here in Benton County.