Fannin Soil and Water Conservation District Board members attended the State Convention on October 19, 2004. directors attending the convention in Laredo were Carroll Jones, David Keene and Billy Partridge. Typically the convention reviews statewide conservation issues and concerns to be presented to the legislature for consideration. Pictured (L-R) at the convention center are David and Judy Keene Peggy and Billy Partridge and C. W. Jones

The North Central Texas Association of Soil & Water conservation Districts held its annual meeting in Fannin County on October 5, 2004. Carroll Jones, association president, invited the eleven districts to Bonham for the occasion. The 14 county-area extends from Fannin to Montague southward to Navarro County.

The function of the association is to promote common conservation concerns that are pertinent to this area. Small area associations cover the entire state and while some issues are common statewide there are others that are more related to a particular area. In addressing the gathering, Barry Mahler of Iowa Park, president of the Association of Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts dealt with financial and political concerns.

W. T. “Dub” Crumley, Stephenville, Chairman of the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, stressed the importance of close cooperation between the NRCS and local districts for effecting the greatest conservation accomplishments at the grass roots level. Al Leal, Weatherford, Assistant State Conservationist of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, recapped USDA funding of segments of the Farm Bill programs and made projections of expected activities in the near future.

A tour, with stops at the C.W. Jones Farm near Ravenna and the Homestead Winery, Ivanhoe gave the visitors a view of a small part of the county. Shumardii’s Steakhouse Restaurant served as a base for the tour and business meeting / luncheon that followed.

Transportation for the tour was provided by Texoma Tours,Inc, courtesy of a grant from Northeast Texas RC&D, Inc. This bus served as rolling classroom which was utilized between stops by various agricultural entity employees as they imparted their wisdom and knowledge while rolling down the road.

First stop was at the C.W. Jones farm to observe grasses and pasture rotation systems.
The seeded Bermuda in the background was discussed in depth as to planting and treatment practices. Charley Upchurch , standing,, State Board field Representative from Graham makes observation of growth.

The second stop was at the Homestead Vineyard and Winery of Ivanhoe. Gabe Parker, host, gave an informative and interesting talk on viticulture and agro-tourism promotion for our county. He proved to be well informed on grape culture throughout the country. He made comparisons between grape production in Fannin County and drier regions of the Southwest and California.

Al Leal, assistant State Conservationist , gave an update on USDA-NRCS programs. He expressed concerns for funding of the farm bill.

Don Brandenburger, Program specialist of Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board presided over the officer election and appears happy that the current slate of officers were re-elected.

Owen Cantrell and Bill Buchanan, Upper Sabine SWCD discuss proposed resolutions that are to be presented for consideration at the State Convention.