Past Events

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR VERY OWN KEELEE HARGROVE (NRCS DC) WHO RECIEVED AN AWARD AT THE WALL BANQUET ON MAY 7, 2024

photo: Judith Tereletsky HSWCD #243

Other stops provided insights into increasing soil health and diversifying farm income.  We saw what had been traditional cropland that now has cattle grazing on a blend of cover crops chosen specifically for the cattle.  The first year seems to have been a success for the cattle production and we are looking forward to hearing more results about the improvements to soil health as the rotations progress.  Lastly we gained insights about combining soil improvements (a mixture of composted manure and cotton burs) with high tunnels (providing protection against extreme weather) creates an environment for growing beautiful and delicate lettuces and greens, specialty tomatoes, peppers and more.  These are sold direct to the public or to restaurants.  We greatly appreciate the time and efforts of our hosts, co-sponsors, organizers and the almost 40 people who joined us on the tour, and we hope you will join us next year.

The Mustang Soil and Water Conservation District would like to announce changes to our board of directors.  After 22 years, our Chairman Myrl Mitchel has resigned from the board.  Kevin Cave, zone 5, has accepted the position of Chairman, and incoming member David Chandler has filled Myrl’s position for zone 2.  Rounding out the board are Rebecca Campbell, zone 1, accepting the position of vice-chair, Mike Black, zone 3, continuing as secretary, and John Zant continuing in his many years of service to zone 4.  We want to thank and congratulate Kevin, Rebecca and David in their new roles, and especially thank Myrl for his dedication and years of service to the farmers of Martin County.

Incoming Chairman Kevin Cave and Outgoing Chairman Myrl Mitchel 07/18/2016

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Each spring the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) and the Association of Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts (ASTWCD) ask local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) to submit nominations for the Texas Conservation Awards Program.  The program serves to acknowledge, recognize, and honor those who dedicate themselves and their talents to the conservation and wise use of our renewable natural resources.  Mustang SWCD is proud to report that on May 02, 2016 Marion and Matt Snell attended the Texas Conservation Awards Program for Area II and were awarded runner up Conservation Farmer of the Year.

From Left to Right: Matt Snell, Marion Snell, Marty Graham, and Volney Hough

The father and son team, after decades of farming cotton, have changed their operation to grow small grains and sorghum, mixed species cover crops in an effort to rebuild the soil, and are also contracting stocker cattle to rotate through their crop land.  Air seeders, stripper headers, and no-till are some of the conservation tools they use to meet their goal of having live roots in the soil at all times. 

The Snell’s add to their conservation education by attending no-till, soil health, and biodiversity conferences and were instrumental in the development of the Lamesa No-tiller Anonymous group.  Lamesa NA, as they like to call it, is a group of farmers, ranchers, business people, local entities, and Stanton NRCS who meet to discuss ways to further the cause of soil health in our region.

Mustang SWCD wants to thank and congratulate Marion and Matt, their families: especially Joy, Pam, and young Mitch, and their staff: especially Freddy Hernandez and Michael Davis, for their award winning conservation and education efforts, and to say thank you for making the extra effort to attend the Awards Banquet in Wall, TX.