From the Dodge district (photo), we have Dan and Jessica Thomas of Donley Farms. Donley Farms operates nearly 3000 acres of cropland in Dodge and Olmsted counties. The operation is mostly a corn and soybean operation. In 2020 they began adding strip tillage to the operation and currently, all corn and bean acres are strip tilled. They note that some large benefits of strip till, on top of reducing soil loss, is that it reduces passes across the field, which saves fuel, time, labor and equipment wear and tear. In 2024 they added oats to the rotation planting nearly 300 acres of oats. This year they have 200 acres of oats and plan to continue using oats in the rotation. They also currently have 125 acres of CRP that they maintain. They are very proactive and responsive with reducing erosion through structural practices. Over the last 10 years they have built and fixed multiple basins and waterways across the farms. If erosion seems likely or is found, it is fixed quickly. Dan and Jessica say the biggest reason for starting conservation practices was a desire to keep the soil in place. This conservation work they have done and continue doing to reduce soil loss is why they were nominated to be the 2026 Dodge SWCD Outstanding Conservationist of the Year.