By Logan Wells, News Director | Logan@kymnradio.net
Picture Provided by Rice County Soil & Water Conservation District
The Rice Soil and Water Conservation District has selected Joe and Sue Hollinger as the 2024 Outstanding Conservationist for Rice County. The Hollingers were honored at the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts Annual Convention this December.
The Outstanding Conservationist Award recognizes individuals, conservation organizations, or others for outstanding accomplishments in implementing conservation practices and improving Minnesota’s natural resources.
Joe and Sue Hollinger have been farming for forty years, and conservation has become the cornerstone of their operation. From their roots in dairy farming to their current farm south of Dundas, the Hollingers have evolved their practices to improve the health of their soil and protect water resources, gaining recognition for their dedication to sustainable agriculture.
After experimenting with different conservation methods and after four years, the Hollingers analyzed the results. In some years, they lost yields with no-till and in other years, they gained yield. Across the board, the yield averaged out. The big gain for no-till, however, was in the inputs. It was a huge savings in fuel, equipment wear and tear, and time. The erosion on the no-till fields was reduced to nearly zero.
Their hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed. The Hollingers are certified through the Minnesota Water Quality Certification Program and have received both the Climate Smart and Soil Health Endorsements. Clean River Partners has also recognized them as River Friendly Farmers.
For the Hollingers, conservation isn’t just a method but a mission. “We want to be good stewards of the land and keep our soil from going downstream to the Gulf of Mexico,” Joe explained. “No-till and cover crops help to protect the soil, especially with all the rain we’ve gotten this year. We’re doing our best to keep it out of the Cannon River.”
Their efforts exemplify a long-term commitment to sustainable farming, balancing productivity with a responsibility to protect and enhance the environment. The Hollinger’s stewardship of their land and dedication to conservation and soil health make them an excellent choice for the 2024 Outstanding Conservationist Award.