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2024 Conservationist of the Year

Four people standing on a farm with red tractor, green fields, and silos in the background.
2024 Conservationists of the Year Left to Right: Gage, Thomas, Larry, and Lyle Halvorson of Halvorson Management.

Chippewa Soil & Water Conservation District announces 2024 Conservationists' of the Year Lyle, Larry, Thomas, and Gage Halvorson of Halvorson Management. Established north of Montevideo in 1871, Halvorson Management is a multi-generational farm, currently managed by 5th and 6th generation farmers. They operate a corn/soybean rotation on 2435 acres. In recent years, they worked closely with the Chippewa SWCD and their conservation partners to install various best management practices, including a 490-foot stream channel stabilization, 2 grassed water and sediment control basins, and 1 farmed water and sediment control basin.

A small stream with rocks and erosion control blankets, surrounded by farmland and a barn.
Stream restoration with rocks, erosion control blankets, and surrounding vegetation.
A small man-made stream lined with erosion control fabric, next to a building and trees. A vehicle is parked in the background.
A rocky drainage area with scattered stones and still water reflecting the sky, surrounded by leafless trees.
A small stream with rocks and erosion control blankets, surrounded by farmland and a barn.
Stream restoration with rocks, erosion control blankets, and surrounding vegetation.
A small man-made stream lined with erosion control fabric, next to a building and trees. A vehicle is parked in the background.
A rocky drainage area with scattered stones and still water reflecting the sky, surrounded by leafless trees.

Halvorson Management has 200 acres in various CRP practices and has practiced mulch till, nutrient management, and pest management through the NRCS EQIP program. The SWCD has enjoyed working with Halvorson Management and appreciates the conservation measures they have implemented in their operation.

A group of people holding a "Stepping Up for Conservation" sign, with "2024 Outstanding Conservationist" text above.
Halvorson Family at 2024 MASWCD Annual Convention
A group at a banquet table during a conservationist award ceremony.
Chippewa SWCD Staff and Halvorson Management at MASWCD Luncheon

The Halvorson's joined SWCD staff at the 2024 Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation District's Annual Convention held at the Double Tree Minneapolis-Bloomington South on December 2-4, 2024. The Halvorson's were recognized at a luncheon with conservationist's from other Minnesota SWCDs.  They also joined Chippewa SWCD staff and board, Chippewa Land & Resource Environmental Specialist, NRCS staff, Minnesota Senator Andrew Lang and Representative Elect Scott Van Binsbergen at the December Chippewa SWCD Board Meeting. Chippewa SWCD board chair presented Halvorson Management with the Terry Redlin print, "The Conservationist", as a thank you for their conservation work in Chippewa County.

A group of 15 people standing indoors in a room with a gray wall and floor.
Conservation Staff and Legislators with 2024 Conservationists of the Year
Three people holding a framed artwork featuring an outdoor scene at sunset.
Chippewa SWCD Board Chair Calin Eisenlohr presents Gage and Larry Halvorson of Halvorson Management with a token of appreciation for their conservation efforts in Chippewa County.