The Caldwell County Conservation District held its annual awards banquet Monday night at the Northside Baptist Church Recreation Center.
The program started with a catered meal provided by Mitzi Travis. Members of the Caldwell County FFA Chapter were present and presented the history and a year-end summary of activities of the Conservation District. They also announced winners of several awards presented during the meeting by the Conservation District Board of Directors.
The Soil Health Hero Award was presented to the father/son farming operation of Roger and Nick Oldham. Nick is proud they are striving to better the environment and their farm.
click to download audioRoger is glad the NRCS is available to farmers and knows how to advise them.
click to download audioThe Woodmen of the World Conservation Award was presented by Josh Ray to Keith McConnell. McConnell said he was glad to be able to improve the quality of the soil for future generations.
A new award has been created to honor a long-time employee of the district Mike Clayton who recently passed away. The first-ever Legacy of Conservation was presented to Clayton to recognize his contributions over the years. Mike’s wife Karen Clayton accepted the award and knew it had been created but was surprised that he was selected to win this year.
click to download audioKaren shared Mike devoted his life to teaching and practicing soil conservation.
click to download audioThe Master Conservationist award was presented to Howard Hughes. Hughes explained he wanted to do something to preserve the land.
click to download audioHughes added he had been involved in farming his entire adult life.
click to download audioOther awards presented were the Jim Claypool Art & Writing Award to Jessie Jenkins and the Honor Award to Fred Hart, Arthur Dunn and Hannah Feagan. The Caldwell County Conservation District Board of Supervisors consist of David Slaughter, Eddie Boone, Fred Hart, Frank Brown, Trevor Gilkey, Daniel Bugg and Chase Roberts.
