Concordia Family Credits CRP For Better Yields, Conservation Award

The family that operates Oetting Homestead Farms outside Concordia is no stranger to conservation practices or awards.  Steve and Sharon Oetting are the fifth generation to own the farm, and are this year’s winners of the Missouri Leopold Conservation Award.  Sharon Oetting says implementing buffer areas through the Conservation Reserve Program has helped to encourage ecological diversity.

Additionally, the buffers have reduced nutrient costs from neighboring croplands.

Sharon Oetting notes that the family regularly tests new practices to find the most effective strategies for conserving resources.  The Missouri Leopold Conservation Award is sponsored in part by the Sand County Foundation, Missouri Farmers Care, and Missouri Soybeans.