The 2024 Conservation Farm Family award was presented to the Steve Issert Family, of Wilmington, by the Will-So. Cook Soil and Water Conservation District. On August 14, a farm tour was held, and 50-55 people had an opportunity to enjoy a morning viewing a farm with approximately 400 acres. Three hundred of those acres are in cropland, 100 acres in woodland and scattered ponds, and it also includes a farmstead, with a history dating back to 1834.
Opportunities to learn more about the farm’s resources were provided at several preplanned stops, where presentations were followed by an opportunity to ask group questions. The stops included wetlands, terraces, waterways, well managed woodland, field windbreaks, conservation tillage, and soils ranging from silt loam to fine sandy soils. It is hoped this information will be shared with others or used on the tour participants’ properties. Tour comments included: “Wow!” “Quite a unique farm!” “Certainly, it takes a lot of work to maintain it.”
Following the tour, lunch was provided by the Soil and Water Conservation District, which appeared to create a resurgence of conservation among the tour participants who broke off into small groups. Many talked about the tour, others spoke with presenters, and still others enjoyed a shade tree conservation.
Steve’s mind remains open to new ideas about managing his farm’s resources and realizes his conservation plans are ongoing. There is always another problem that needs to be looked at.
The Issert family includes Steve, his wife – Debbie, their three children, and seven grandchildren, each of whom has left their own footprint on this farm.
Dedication, mixed with laughter and tears, has made this farm not only unique but also a home.