Issert’s Show Off Winning Family Farm
The 2024 Conservation Farm Family award was given to Steve lssert 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 the opportunity to enjoy a morning viewing a farm with approximately 400 acres,of which 300 acres are in cropland, 100 acres in woodland and scattered ponds and 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 questions by the group. 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 put to use on the tour participants’ properties. Comments made during the after the tour were Wow! Quite a unique farm! Certainly, it takes a lot of work to maintain it.
The lssert family includes, Steve, his wife Debbie, their three children and seven grandchildren, each of whom has left their own footprint on this farm.
Steve’s mind remains open to new ideas about managing his farm’s resources and realizes his conservation plan is ongoing. There is always another problem that needs to be looked at.
Dedication, mixed with laughter and tears has made this farm not only unique but also a home.
Grass waterway and Farmover Terraces
Field windbreak
Rock check
Lunchtime!