Benjamin honored for land stewardship

DES MOINES - Bill Benjamin of rural Donnellson was recognized by the State of Iowa for his conservation farming practices. He received the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award, which is given out every year at the Iowa State Fair by Governor Kim Reynolds.
Bill and his family farm west of Donnellson. Bill follows a no-till corn/bean rotation on his crop acres. He believes that it improves the soil health and helps with erosion of soil. He also believes that no-till conserves time and reduces the input cost of the farming operation through less equipment and fuel cost.
Over the years, he has put in more than 10,000 feet of terraces some of  which connect to pattern tile for better drainage and less erosion of the soil. Benjamin has installed several other practices on the farm such as water control sediment basins and CRP practices of filter strips, contour grass strips and grass waterways.

He works with his son-in-law to make sure that he only applies the right amounts of fertilizers and chemicals so not to exceed what is necessary. Benjamin is recently retired from Rathburn Regional Water Association and is active as a church parish council member, currently serving as a township trustee in Harrison Township, as well as on the board of Access Energy Cooperative in Southeast Iowa.
The Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award is a joint effort of the Governor’s Office, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Iowa Department of Natural Resources to recognize the volunteer efforts of Iowa’s farmers as leaders committed to healthy soils and improved water quality. It recognizes those that have taken steps in their farming operations that improve or protect the environment and natural resources of our state, while also serving as local leaders to encourage other farmers to follow in their footsteps by building success upon success.
The Lee County Soil and Water Conservation District would like to congratulate Bill on his award and would like to thank his family for protecting the natural resources of Lee County.