Menard County SWCD # 215 celebrated its 75th year starting March 15th, 2019. In 1943 area producers worked on a conservation plan that had to be approved before the district could become an official SCD (Soil Conservation District). The official formation papers for Menard County SCD were signed on March 15, 1944.

 

The first District Board Members were H.H. Mears, Chairman; John M.Treadwell, Vice Chairman; Roy Benson, Secretary/Treasurer; Max Ficker Jr., Member; and O.C. Jones, Member; assisting Conservationist was Mr. Lumm.

 

Some of the first practices were brush work, terracing, cover crops (Hubam clover), closed terrace, pitting, diversions, decreased stocking rates and improved irrigation practices.

 

1946 -- A Memorandum of Understanding between Menard County SCD and the Soil 

Conservation Service USDA was signed by Vice Chairman, Max Ficker Jr.; Secretary, John L. Royal, and Chief of Soil Conservation Service USDA, H.H. Bennett.

 

1947 -- Thirty-five plans were prepared, signed and completed for 74,989 acres.

The District became a member of Save the Soil and Save Texas program that was sponsored by the Fort Worth Press in 1948. The District purchased seeders, fertilizer spreaders, etc. to lease to producers to implement conservation practices.

 

Cooperating producers gave tours to show conservation practice results and how they improved or impacted the land. 

 

1951-- The Farmers Home Administration was formed and started providing some monetary aid and loans.

 

1956 -- Entering and Leaving Menard County SCD signs were put up. Ten fish ponds were fertilized and managed. These were formed from closed terrace like structures.

 

The District’s goals are still the same. To improve the soil health, soil productivity and thus increase soil water retention. More information as it is uncovered, discovered, or recovered.

 

Menard County SWCD # 215 has been serving Menard County producers for over seventy-five years.   

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