Kennedy wins Bullshipper Award at Farm-City Banquet
James Kennedy of Valencia was named the winner of the Bullshipper Award at the annual Farm-City Banquet held March 16 at the Tanglewood Center.
The event was sponsored by the Penn State Extension, the Butler County Conservation District, Ag Choice Farm Credit and the Butler Farm Bureau.
The Bullshipper was given in recognition of Kennedy's lifelong support of agriculture.
Kennedy has a family history of farming. Having served 15 years as a Butler County commissioner, Kennedy provided support for agricultural programs and agencies. He was a member of the county Conservation District board of directors, supported the annual farm tour and agricultural preservation program.
Kennedy also worked several years for the state Department of Agriculture.
This award recognizes the implementation of conservation practices and excellent land stewardship.Honored by the Conservation District this year was Donald Bergbigler, a Clearfield Township beef farmer.Bergbigler has implemented many conservation practices on his land. He has made use of strip cropping, residue management, grassed waterways and nutrient management systems.He has worked with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Farm Service Agency on these initiatives. He has also worked with the Butler County Agriculture Preservation board to preserve his land for future generations.
John Pyzdrowski of Penn Township was named Conservationist of the Year.Pyzdrowski has enrolled his property with the Pennsylvania Fish Commission to allow for public access and stream improvements on Thorn Creek.In 2012, he received a certificate of appreciation from the commission for allowing access to 3,200 feet of the creek. His property was the site of numerous phases of the Thorn Creek Habitat Improvement Project. He also donated logs and stone from his property to compete the project along with the use of machinery for the effort.
One award was presented to Haine Middle School “Purpose Program” students. These students completed a project to stencil messages on storm drains to remind residents of Cranberry Township that anything that goes into the drains ends up in local waterways. Their teacher and adviser, Allison Stebbins, was recognized for promoting a greater understanding of ways to prevent water pollution.Also receiving a Conservation Youth Award was Adam Darrah of Boy Scout Troop 58. Adam planned and constructed a bridge and hiking trail at the site of Glade Run Lake that will traverse a tributary of the lake, which is currently drained but will be refilled when the dam is rebuilt.Ron Fodor is manager of the Butler County Conservation District.<br></br><br></br><br></br><br></br>
<br></br><br></br>
