The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The AISWCD (Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts) held their 76th Annual Meeting in Springfield, IL; July 14-16 at the Crowne Plaza Convention Center. The theme this year was the MAGIC of Conservation. Several keynote speakers were present, and it was a jam packed 3 day meeting. The event showcased awards, training sessions for directors and staff and a hall of vendors demonstrating their services and products.
For the AISWCD Farm Family Banquet the Henderson County Soil and Water Conservation District submitted a local family for the state Conservation Farm Family Award. Previously this past February, the Henderson County SWCD had awarded Hobby Farms the local recognition of Henderson County Conservation Farm Family of the Year. This took place at the SWCD’s 78th Annual Meeting. They were selected based on their civic and conservation efforts set forth. Their farms showcase to others the benefits of conservation and its implementation.
As a follow up to this award, an application was submitted for Hobby Farms at the state level.
Hobby Farms, consists of Dave and Susan Hobby along with their son Travis and Jennifer Hobby. The application process highlighted the operation, the individuals and conservation practices they have completed.
The Henderson County SWCD drafted the application and a letter of support and was quoted,
“Hobby’s have demonstrated outstanding general farm husbandry and the SWCD once again fully supports their efforts and finds them worthy of the AISWCD Farm Family of the Year.”
Hobby’s Farm has long been rooted in conservation. There has always been a diverse crop rotation including hay and pastures for the cattle. They practiced no-till in the 1980’s and then moved onto the use of strip till in the 1990’s. The cattle manure is carefully tested at different times and provides the fertilizer needed for their farm. It is now applied in strips to even utilize it better.
Hobby’s also use cover crops on their farms. Some are grazed, baled or left for the soil health.
They have also adopted new practices and participated with conservation programs administered by the SWCD, NRCS and FSA offices.
Travis constructed a cattle building with the EQIP Program that allowed him to grow from background feeding 400 calves a year up to the 800 to 1000 a year mark. The building has brought better rate of gains and allowed the manure to be used more effectively. Their chores have become more efficient, and it allowed them to keep the 100 head of cows that they continue to run.
Like all farmers with livestock, they got tired of fighting the mud and made the decision to put their cattle under a roof. Dave often shakes his head and said, “I should have done this a long time ago.” In addition, Dave has implemented several conservation practices on his farm. He has constructed waterways, dry dams, structures and built farmable terraces. All these practices have helped stop the soil erosion.
The Hobby’s Conservation Philosophy: We try to maintain and care for our land to the best of our ability, striving to keep our land in the best state possible.
At the AISWCD Farm Family Banquet, there were three farms represented at the state level. Following a prime rib meal provided by the IL Beef Producers, a presentation of the farms was given by Cyndi Young, Brownfield Network. Following her presentation Cyndi Young and the President of the AISWCD, Tom Beyers, announced the winner of the award. With that said we are pleased to announce Hobby Farms was the winner. They received an Award that night and will be recognized at the Illinois State Fair at the Ag Day Breakfast on August 9 to kick off the Il State Fair.
The Ag Day Breakfast is held on the IDOA (Illinois Department of Agriculture) lawn by the Director of Ag, Jerry Costello II. At this time the Governor will award them with a sign for their farm.
This was the first time the Henderson County SWCD had a local family awarded this honor.