Conservation awards go to Andreesen, Zumbach families

Published by admin on Wed, 07/31/2024 - 2:21pm

Jones SWCD Commissioners presented Ron Andreesen and son Kurt Andreesen with the 2023 Farmer of the Year Award at the Andreesen family farm. From left are SWCD Commissioners Jeff Von Behren, and Julie Orris, Ron Andreesen, Conner Andreesen, Madelyn Andreesen (Ron’s grandchildren; Kurt’s children) Kurt Andreesen and Commissioner Janine Sulzner. (Photos submitted)

Jones Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) Chair Julie Orris presents Garry Zumbach with the 2023 Farmstead Windbreak Award in memory of Garry’s wife Carla at the Zumbach family farm. Carla established windbreak in 2014. From left are SWCD Commissioners Janine Sulzner, Jeff Von Behren and Orris, Garry Zumbach and his granddaughter Lilly Stoll.

   The Andresen family and the Zumbach family, both of Anamosa, were presented awards by the Jones Soil and Water Conservation District in separate events July 10.

   Kurt and Ronald Andreesen were presented with the Conservation Farmer of the Year Award for practices implemented to prevent erosion and improve water quality.

   They operate three farms: one owned by Kurt, one by Ron and Barb Andressen, and one by Kurt’s father-in-law, Randy Stolte.

   Practices they have applied include field borders, filter strips, grassland conversions, cover crops, and constructed or enhanced wetlands.

   Kurt Andresen is a Farm Bureau board member who promotes farm and conservation programs through local legislators.

   Garry Zumbach and his wife, the late Carla Zumbach, were presented with the Trees Forever Windbreak Award.

   Carla established the farm’s windbreak in 2014. It has one row of arborvitae trees and one row of spruce trees. The rows are 14 feet apart; the trees have 15 feet between them.

   Livestock is fenced out to protect the trees, and weeds are controlled through mowing, pulling, and some spray.

   The awards were presented by Jones SWCD Chair Julie Orris as well as other SWCD commissioners.

 

 

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