Kansas Leopold Conservation Award Finalists Announced

Jul 21, 2023

The Sand County Foundation, in partnership with Ranchland Trust of Kansas (RTK) and the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts (KACD), has announced four finalists for the Kansas Leopold Conservation Award. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the $10,000 award recognizes those who inspire others with their dedication to the land, water and wildlife resources in their care.

This year’s finalists are Ray and Susan Flickner of Wichita, the Kevin Karr family of Emporia, Janus Farms of Cherryvale and Glenn and Barbara Walker of Brookville.

The Flickner family installed sub-surface drip irrigation technology to become more efficient with water. Their innovative farm is a collaboration of partners, where new methods to improve soil health and conserve water are demonstrated.

The Karr family uses no-till practices and have enhanced wildlife habitat and reduced fuel use, while building a better soil structure. The combination of no-till and cover crops have bolstered the farm’s ability to recover from drought.

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Video: Building Better Barns: Innovations in Hog Facility Design with PSI’s Tim Messinger

In this exclusive interview from the 2025 Iowa Pork Congress Rachel Fishback and Swineweb sit down with Tim Messinger, a seasoned expert from Precision Structures Inc. (PSI) of Wellman, Iowa, to delve into the latest trends and innovations in hog barn construction and remodeling.

With nearly two decades at PSI, Tim shares his journey from draftsman to sales, highlighting the company’s comprehensive services in building farrow-to-wean complexes, finishers, and nurseries. He emphasizes the critical role of proper site layout and grading in barn construction, ensuring long-term efficiency and scalability for pork producers.

Tim also discusses the increasing importance of advanced ventilation systems and smart controllers like Maximus and AP Edge, which offer producers enhanced monitoring and control over barn environments. As construction costs have risen, PSI has seen an uptick in remodeling projects, particularly in slat replacements, roof refurbishments and barn gating remodels to extend the lifespan of existing facilities.

A key takeaway from Tim is the value of partnering with reputable builders who offer robust post-sale support. PSI’s dedicated service team stands ready to assist clients 24/7, addressing emergencies and ensuring optimal barn performance.

For pork producers looking to build or upgrade their facilities, this conversation offers valuable insights into best practices and the latest industry developments.