WOOSTER, Ohio – When bands of Indians were roaming the area now known as Ohio, the Delaware tribe had a proverb: “We do not inherit the land from our fathers, we borrow it from our children.”
This proverb still holds true today for cooperators in the Wayne Soil and Water Conservation District, according to Jeff Mussleman, vice president of the Wayne County Historical Society.
Mussleman, the guest speaker at the district’s annual meeting, spoke on the early history of Ohio.
Conservation farm. During the meeting, Brian and Heidi Rennecker received the 2003 Conservation Farm Award.
The Renneckers raise corn, wheat, hay and soybeans on their farm. They also raise heifers.
Conservation practices include no-till, crop rotation, waterways with drop box outlets, filter strips, livestock exclusion fencing and a stream crossing.
They are also using a forestry management plan on their woodlot.
Service award. Fred Myers received a Distinguished Service Award from the district.
He has served as a member of the board of supervisors for 10 years and has served as chairman, vice chairman and secretary.
Fred and his wife, Cheryl, his son, Scott, and his wife, Nicole, farm 1200 acres of corn, beans and hay and have 330 ewes.
Fred added that without the help and support of his son, Scott and his father, the late Richard Myers, he could not have served on the board of supervisors.
Big trees. This year, in celebration of Ohio’s bicentennial celebration, the district also sponsored a Big Tree Contest.
The district selected the Ohio Buckeye for the first species to be recognized in the contest.
This year, the tree was owned by James and Shirley McKelvey. It measured 48 feet high, with a circumference of 73 inches and an average crown of 49 1/2 feet.
Supervisors elected. Tim Moomaw and John Redick were re-elected to the board of supervisors.
Moomaw resides in Wayne Township and farms in partnership with his father, Galen and brother, Randy. They raise corn, potatoes and wheat.
Conservation practices include waterways, washcobs, rock-lined outlets, sub-surface drainage, no-till and minimum tillage.
Moomaw is active in Farm Bureau, church activities, the Ohio Potato Growers Association and the National Potato Promotion Board and serves as the fiscal agent for the Wayne Soil and Water Conservation District.
Redick resides in Chester Township and is a member of the Redick Farms family farming operation.
They farm 1,600 acres and raise corn, beans, wheat and hay. They also finish 200 head of beef cattle each year.
Conservation practices include grass waterways, contour strips, no-till and minimum tillage.
Redick is active in church, is a 4-H volunteer, member of the New Pittsburg Fire Department and is an EMT and is vice chairman of the Wayne Soil and Water Conservation District.
Other activities. During the year, the district sponsored a number of activities including tree sales, fish sales, land judging contests and poster contests.
The district also worked with land owners to implement numerous conservation practices on their land.
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