Over the years, Madison County Soil & Water Conservationist District (SWCD) has recognized hundreds of individuals and families that have done outstanding work to conserve our natural resources and embody what it means to be a steward of the land.
This year, the 2024 Conservation Award was presented to Kincade Farmland Trust, including grantors Jerry and Becky Kincade and their five adult children who serve as trustees: Angela Stephens, Elizabeth Kennedy, John Adam Kincade, Kristen Campbell, and Stephanie McCord.
The Kincade Farmland Trust’s land is located southwest of Winterset in Lincoln Township, in the Fletcher Branch watershed that flows into Middle River. They purchased their first parcel in 1997 and have added adjacent properties over the years. Today, there are about 740 contiguous acres, including 450 acres of timber, 60 acres of land enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program, and most of the remaining acres in pastureland.
The Kincade family has been working to continuously improve their land. In the pasture, Jerry says, “We have been trying to do our best to get our farmland in shape for the cattle.” They have been improving their pastures by removing cedar trees, adding livestock watering sources, and rotationally grazing their cattle through seven paddocks. They have also been doing forest stand improvement by removing cedar trees, hedge trees, and other invasive species in the timbered area.
When asked about the reasons for their conservation efforts, Jerry shared that they want to take care of the land and be a positive influence on their children and grandchildren.
The 2024 Conservation Award presentation was held on Wednesday, July 17 at the Madison County Fair. The SWCD Commissioners presented a metal award sign to Jerry and Becky Kincade, son Adam Kincade, and son-in-law Colt Stephens.
Madison County SWCD would like to thank the Madison County Fair Board for providing an opportunity to recognize stewards of our natural resources at the fair, and Madison County Farm Bureau for sponsoring the metal award sign.
Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District is an equal opportunity provider and employer.