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.

The Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) invites fairgoers to stop by their booth in the Farm Bureau building during the 2024 Madison County Fair.

Since 2015, the Madison County Farm Bureau has shared their space with Madison SWCD, which will be staffing a booth Wednesday through Saturday.

This year, the Badger Creek Lake Watershed Model will be on display to show how water runs off the land, into the creek, and eventually flows to the lake. Visitors can also take a quiz to test their knowledge and win prizes!  There will be free Water Cycle posters available, as well as conservation-themed temporary tattoos. 

There will also be an opportunity to learn about the North and Middle Rivers Watershed Management Authority, which recently received a grant to develop a Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan and is seeking public input.

Madison SWCD also encourages the public to attend the Conservation Awards presentation on Wednesday, July 17 at 5:45 p.m. at the North Show Ring (before the Queen and King Contest). This year, the SWCD is recognizing the Kincade Farmland Trust for their land stewardship efforts. 

Madison SWCD’s booth at County Fair is a great place to learn more about the Conservation District and its programs and activities in Madison County; or visit www.madison-swcd.org for more information. Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District has a job opening for a District Soil and Water Resource Technician.  This position will work together with Madison SWCD’s partners at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to provide technical assistance to landowners and farm operators in Madison County by assisting with the planning, design, and implementation of conservation practices, and other activities that advance Madison SWCD’s mission and goals. 

This position provides an excellent opportunity gain experience in the field of natural resources and conservation, and to make a positive difference.  Previous technicians have enjoyed getting to work outside doing field visits, surveying for conservation practices such as grassed waterways, terraces, and ponds, and meeting with landowners. 

Prior experience is not necessary; the successful candidate will receive on-the-job training, as well as have opportunities to participate in trainings provided by the NRCS, in order to gain the experience and skills for this position.

The District Soil and Water Resource Technician position is funded primarily by a Technical Assistance grant through the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), with matching funds provided by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and Madison SWCD.

To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and list of three references to Madison SWCD by Monday, June 17, 2024. 

See the position announcement for details.