Each year, the La
Salle Redboine Conservation District recognizes a District producer
for their innovation towards implementing conservation practices on
our landscape to help improve the health of our watersheds. This
year’s winner is John and Jen Magarrell and they are a prime example
of the spirit of this award. Within their diverse farming operation,
they are dedicated to wise land management and are open to trying new
conservation techniques.
Their farm,
located roughly 3 miles south west of La Salle, currently includes two
divisions; grain and oilseed production as well as a cow/calf and
feeder operation. John and Jen farm about 2300 acres and own around
1200 acres of pasture. They operate a commercial cattle facility with
approximately 130 Simmental/Angus cow/calf pairs. Their farm has
expanded up until now and is currently restructuring the cattle
operation due to markets. John uses a rotational grazing system to
maximize the use of his pasture, and is willing to try new practices
to increase production on his pastures. Through the use of his piped
watering system and riparian fencing they keep their cattle out of the
low lying areas, reducing water contamination and health hazards to
their cattle. Most recently they have relocated their existing cattle
facilities away from the La Salle
River. Their new facility is
sloped so runoff can flow into holding ponds, which were created in
partnership with PFRA. In the fall this slurry can be spread over the
crop land as fertilizer. The old cattle site is currently being
decommissioned and reseeded to forages.
John and Jen are
both very involved in the local Recreation Center and their young
children are involved in all local sports within the community, such
as baseball, hockey, and swimming to name a few.
John and Jen’s
conservation practices make economic sense and are beneficial to their
farming operation and the community. Their judgment shows they are
good stewards of the land who deserve to be rewarded and praised.
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2005. All contents of www.lasalleredboine.com property of LSRBCD. 
