Conservation Spotlight
Leadership In Conservation: Danny Hogan & Marty McLendon Receive Governor Recognition for Conservation Efforts
The Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission would like to congratulate two soil and water conservation district supervisors for their recognition as leaders in conservation in Georgia. At the recent Fifth Annual Agriculture Day at the Capital held on March 18, 2008, Governor Sonny Perdue recognized Danny Hogan of Dexter, Georgia as the Third Annual Governor's Agricultural Environmental Stewardship Statewide Winner. Also recognized was Marty McLendon of Leary, Georgia as the District IV Winner. Each year applicants from each of the five GACDS districts are nominated for district level awards. Upon selecting an applicant from each of the five regions, tours are conducted of all five farms and a final statewide winner is selected. The announcement of the final selection is made during the annual ceremonies at the Train Depot in Atlanta each year.
Danny Hogan and family with Governor Perdue receiving the 2008 Statewide Environmental Stewardship Award
Danny Hogan serves as a district supervisor in the Central Georgia Soil and Water Conservation District. He has served as a supervisor for five years. Danny has been farming for more than 40 years operating Hogan Farms which is now a partnership between himself and his son, Richard. On their 950 acre operation, Danny has implemented numerous conservation practices including: conservation tillage, heavy use area protection, manure storage facilities, irrigation water management, nutrient management and riparian buffers. Portions of the farm have been enrolled in several NRCS programs including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP), Forestland Enhancement Program (FLEP), the Forest Stewardship Program (FSP) and the Southern Pine Beetle Initiative (SPB).
Marty McLendon and family with Governor Perdue receiving his 2008 District Environmental Stewardship Award
Marty McLendon serves as Chairman of the Flint River Soil & Water Conservation District. He has served as a supervisor for eight years. Marty has been farming 30 years and has turned McLendon Acres into a family operation. On the 8,000 acres of farm, he harvests a multitude of crops ranging from canola to soybeans. Timber also encompasses a portion of the farming operation. McLendon Acres has participated in conservation programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Conservation Security Program (CSP), and has also worked with the Georgia Forestry Commissions to develop a Forest Stewardship Plan for his timberland.
Congratulations Danny and Marty on your recognition as leaders in conservation in Georgia! The Commission thanks you for the hard work and efforts you have put into not only leading your local soil and water conservation districts but also in leading by example on your farming operations.