By Brian McCauley
Taking care of the land comes naturally (click here) to Miami County resident Bob McLean because that’s how he was raised.
Bob, who lives and farms on several acres along 287th Street north of Paola, is continuing a family farming tradition that has spanned generations.
His father, F.I., grew up south of town, and eventually acquired the family’s land north of Paola in 1946. There, F.I. and his wife, Naomi, raised Bob and his brother, John. John still lives on a three-acre tract next to Bob on 287th Street and operates a business south of town.
Bob said his dad practiced good land conservation strategies, such as terracing, and he even won a conservation award many years ago.
Now, it’s Bob’s turn to be honored, as the Miami County Conservation District plans to present him with the Bankers Award during the district’s annual meeting Tuesday night at Paola High School.
Bob, who grows mostly corn, beans and hay on his fields, said he practices minimum tillage, and he also utilizes other conservation strategies such as terracing. Lately, he’s been busy trimming hedge rows along his fields.
“It’s only here once,” Bob said of the land. “When the dirt washes away, it’s gone.”
While news of the award caught Bob off guard, he said he is honored to receive the Bankers Award, and it helps to honor the legacy of his parents, who have passed away.
The media can bring excellent and important information to people armed with skills, ability and insight, but, without the clout they need to impress the people and protect the land.
January 10, 2018
By Andy Eubank
The Annual Conservation Awards Luncheon (click here) yesterday wrapped up the 75th conference of Indiana Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and the final recognition was reserved for the retiring Indiana State Conservationist, Jane Hardisty.
“I want to thank you all for all of your support, putting up with my pushy ways as I’ve been told, my pushy style, my commonsense style, my fun way of doing things, and my love of the land, and most of all the love of you people, she told those attending the luncheon. “It’s been my honor to be your State Conservationist. Thank you very, very much.”
In 2010 Hardisty spearheaded the Soil Health movement. Through her leadership the movement is stronger than ever today and has put Indiana on the map as a conservation leader in the U.S.
“As you know, the bar has been set pretty high for Indiana, so I am really counting on you all to keep carrying that soil health banner.”
Jamie Scott, President of the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts told HAT one of Hardisty’s best accomplishments has been to simply get more out of the people who are a part of the conservation world....
The media can bring excellent and important information to people armed with skills, ability and insight, but, without the clout they need to impress the people and protect the land.
By Andy Eubank
The Annual Conservation Awards Luncheon (click here) yesterday wrapped up the 75th conference of Indiana Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and the final recognition was reserved for the retiring Indiana State Conservationist, Jane Hardisty.
“I want to thank you all for all of your support, putting up with my pushy ways as I’ve been told, my pushy style, my commonsense style, my fun way of doing things, and my love of the land, and most of all the love of you people, she told those attending the luncheon. “It’s been my honor to be your State Conservationist. Thank you very, very much.”
In 2010 Hardisty spearheaded the Soil Health movement. Through her leadership the movement is stronger than ever today and has put Indiana on the map as a conservation leader in the U.S.
“As you know, the bar has been set pretty high for Indiana, so I am really counting on you all to keep carrying that soil health banner.”
Jamie Scott, President of the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts told HAT one of Hardisty’s best accomplishments has been to simply get more out of the people who are a part of the conservation world....
