The 76th annual meeting of the Highland Soil and Water Conservation District was held Oct. 18 at the Ponderosa Banquet Center in Hillsboro. During the meeting several awards were presented, including land judging awards and the election of supervisors took place.

Jeff Boike took home top honors at this years’ annual meeting by being named the 2018 Cooperator of the Year by the Highland SWCD supervisors and staff. Boike was selected due to his devotion to agricultural and the determination to improve soil health and water quality throughout his farming operation. He served 12 outstanding years as an SWCD supervisor and has helped with the installation of various conservation practices throughout Highland County. Boike is a well-respected leader in the agricultural industry and serves as an example of how to incorporate best management practices that will protect natural resources.

The election of supervisors for the board of the Highland Soil & Water Conservation District was also held during the 76th annual meeting. There were two candidates running this year for one available position serving a three-year term beginning January 2019. The candidates on the ballot were Amy Hamilton and Larry Shannon. When the election results were tallied Larry Shannon was re-elected to serve another term. Other members of the Highland SWCD Board of Supervisors include Jim Carr, Dan Chambers, Mike Penn and Kyle Mustard.

Submitted by Pam Bushelman, Highland SWCD District operations manager.