| 2006 CONSERVATION AWARDS |
| CONSERVATION DISTRICT PRESENTS AWARDS The Fayette County Conservation District recently presented awards recognizing the conservation efforts of three worthy recipients: Conservation Farmer of the Year — William Holchin Conservation District Scholarship Winners - Kelsey Schubert and Jerome Nypaver |
| CONSERVATION FARMER OF THE YEAR WILLIAM HOLCHIN SR. |
The 2006 Fayette County Conservation District’s Conservation Farmer of the
Year is William Holchin of Dunbar, PA. Bill currently operates 470 total farm
acres with 400 of them in corn, small grains and hay production, and the
remaining 70 acres in pasture. Mr. Holchin has worked closely with the FCCD
on past programs to convert some cropland and pasture into rotational grazing,
complete with stream bank fencing and stream crossings. By installing his
grazing system, Bill is able to graze approximately 60 head of beef yearlings
and 25 head of dairy heifers. He also finishes approximately 200 head of beef.
To better utilize the manure produced from these cattle, a nutrient
management plan was developed, which will also help reduce fertilizer costs.
No Till is a large component of Bill’s operation, which is currently operating at
95% no till and will reach 100% shortly. Bill is a member of the Fayette County
Grazing Group and has also received the Spotlight Grazier award. He is a
progressive farmer seeking alternative ways to constantly improve his farming
operation.
Year is William Holchin of Dunbar, PA. Bill currently operates 470 total farm
acres with 400 of them in corn, small grains and hay production, and the
remaining 70 acres in pasture. Mr. Holchin has worked closely with the FCCD
on past programs to convert some cropland and pasture into rotational grazing,
complete with stream bank fencing and stream crossings. By installing his
grazing system, Bill is able to graze approximately 60 head of beef yearlings
and 25 head of dairy heifers. He also finishes approximately 200 head of beef.
To better utilize the manure produced from these cattle, a nutrient
management plan was developed, which will also help reduce fertilizer costs.
No Till is a large component of Bill’s operation, which is currently operating at
95% no till and will reach 100% shortly. Bill is a member of the Fayette County
Grazing Group and has also received the Spotlight Grazier award. He is a
progressive farmer seeking alternative ways to constantly improve his farming
operation.
| SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS |
The FCCD began a scholarship program in 2006. The $500 scholarship is awarded for the advancement of a Fayette
County student entering into, or enrolled in, the following fields of study: Agriculture, Environmental Science or related
fields. This year, the scholarship was divided between two excellent candidates:
County student entering into, or enrolled in, the following fields of study: Agriculture, Environmental Science or related
fields. This year, the scholarship was divided between two excellent candidates:
| KELSEY SCHUBERT |
Ms. Kelsey Schubert is a 2006 graduate of Laurel Highlands Sr. High School. While there, Kelsey volunteered at the
SPCA and at the local Senior Citizens Center. She has always had a great love for animals and their impact on
humans and the environment. Because of this love, she will be studying Biology/Pre-Veterinary medicine at
Washington and Jefferson College. Kelsey hopes to use her knowledge to help both pet owners and farmers.
SPCA and at the local Senior Citizens Center. She has always had a great love for animals and their impact on
humans and the environment. Because of this love, she will be studying Biology/Pre-Veterinary medicine at
Washington and Jefferson College. Kelsey hopes to use her knowledge to help both pet owners and farmers.
| JEROME NYPAVER |
Mr. Jerome Nypaver, a 2006 graduate of Geibel Catholic High School, has known since the tender age of four that he
wanted to be a veterinarian. He will be attending Michigan State University to study Pre-Veterinary Medicine.
Jerome is an Eagle Scout and was a member of the National Honor Society. He has also participated in numerous
other groups and activities, in addition to interning with a local veterinarian.
wanted to be a veterinarian. He will be attending Michigan State University to study Pre-Veterinary Medicine.
Jerome is an Eagle Scout and was a member of the National Honor Society. He has also participated in numerous
other groups and activities, in addition to interning with a local veterinarian.
The 2005 Conservation Farmer of the Year award is given to Stark Farms of Perryopolis PA. Joe and JB
Stark currently farm 9 tracts of land consisting of approximately 228 acres of small grain and mixed forages, and
approximately 80 acres of pasture converted into a rotational grazing system. The Stark Farm has conservation
plans and HEL determinations on all crop ground. They currently house approximately 65 cow/calf pairs and a
swine finishing facility. Their grazing system consists of approximately 19, four-acre paddocks on a 2-4 day
rotation, depending on the time of year. Stark Farms incorporates a strict frost seeding program on all pastures
and has also installed several conservation practices such as pond fencing, boundary and
interior fencing, water pipeline, prescribed grazing, contour farming, warm season grass planting and cover
cropping.
They have participated in various cost share programs such as Growing Greener Redstone, Project Grass, and
other Federal programs. They are also active members of the Fayette County Grazing Group and have hosted
several field days and pasture walks with the FCCD. Stark Farms also received the first Spotlight Grazier
award. The Stark brothers are progressive farmers seeking alternative ways to constantly improve their
operation.
Stark currently farm 9 tracts of land consisting of approximately 228 acres of small grain and mixed forages, and
approximately 80 acres of pasture converted into a rotational grazing system. The Stark Farm has conservation
plans and HEL determinations on all crop ground. They currently house approximately 65 cow/calf pairs and a
swine finishing facility. Their grazing system consists of approximately 19, four-acre paddocks on a 2-4 day
rotation, depending on the time of year. Stark Farms incorporates a strict frost seeding program on all pastures
and has also installed several conservation practices such as pond fencing, boundary and
interior fencing, water pipeline, prescribed grazing, contour farming, warm season grass planting and cover
cropping.
They have participated in various cost share programs such as Growing Greener Redstone, Project Grass, and
other Federal programs. They are also active members of the Fayette County Grazing Group and have hosted
several field days and pasture walks with the FCCD. Stark Farms also received the first Spotlight Grazier
award. The Stark brothers are progressive farmers seeking alternative ways to constantly improve their
operation.
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