The Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), Madison County Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Forage and Grassland Council, and Iowa Beef Center invite the public to attend a Pasture Field Day on Thursday, September 7^th starting at 5:00 p.m.

Madison County farmer, Randy Gamble, is hosting the event at the Cobett Livestock Waterer Building located at 2651 265^th St. north of East Peru, and will speak about several aspects of his grazing operation, including rotational grazing, stockpiling, fescue challenges, trees, weed control, soil health, and others.

The event will also feature speakers from the Iowa Beef Center, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA Farm Service Agency, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, and Iowa Forage and Grassland Council.

There will be an opportunity to tour a pasture, followed by a complimentary provided by the Madison County Cattlemen’s Association.

This event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is requested but not required. Attendees can register by calling Madison County SWCD at 515-462-4884 extension 3 or emailing Anna.Golightly@ia.nacdnet.net.  Attendees needing accommodations should explain when they register.

For many years, Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) has honored individuals and families that have done outstanding work conserving natural resources and exemplifying what is means to be a steward of the land. 

This year, the Madison SWCD recognized Downs Family Farm with the 2023 Conservation Award.  Commissioners presented an award sign to Steve and Kim Downs on Wednesday, July 19 at the Madison County Fair.

Downs Family Farm is owned by brothers Steve Downs and Howard Downs, and has been in operation for 30 years.  They grow corn and soybeans using minimum tillage methods, and started using cover crops in 2022.  They do grid sampling every three years, and apply nutrients based on soil test recommendations. Other conservation practices include terraces, grassed waterways, a silt pond, and CRP on highly erodible acres. 

Steve and Howard’s reasons for incorporating these practices is to take care of the farm so they can pass it down to the next generation!

Madison SWCD would like to thank the Madison County Fair Board for providing an opportunity for to present the conservation award, and Madison County Farm Bureau for sponsoring the award sign.     

Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Photo courtesy of Vicki Minor, Winterset Madisonian. 
Pictured from left to right: Jim Gillespie, Assistant Commissioner; Jason Hirsch, Commissioner; Kim Downs and Steve Downs, Conservation Award Recipient; Tim Palmer, Commissioner

The Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) invites fairgoers to attend the Conservation Awards Presentation and stop by the Farm Bureau building to learn about soil and water during the Madison County Fair. 

Madison County SWCD will be presenting Conservation Awards on Wednesday evening. This year, the SWCD is recognizing Downs Family Farm (Steve Downs and Howard Downs) with the 2023 Conservation Award. The SWCD would also like to publicly recognize Seth Breeding as the 2023 recipient of Madison County SWCD’s Scholarship Award, as well as the third place recipient of Conservation Districts of Iowa’s statewide scholarships. The public is welcome to attend the presentation at 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday, July 19 at the North Show Ring (before the Queen and King Contest). 

Madison County SWCD appreciates the opportunity to recognize conservation award winners at County Fair and thanks Madison County Farm Bureau for sponsoring the award.

Madison County SWCD and its partners (the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship) will have displays set up in the Farm Bureau building during the fair. There will be several soil health demonstrations on display, and visitors can test their knowledge about soils for a chance to win prizes. There will be free posters and conservation-themed temporary tattoos available. To learn more, visit www.madison-swcd.org. Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

To learn more about the Madison County Fair, visit http://madisoncountyfair.net/