BENTLEYVILLE, Pa. — Ted Hrutkay of Somerset Township in Washington County, Pa., was named 2007 Conservation Farmer of the Year by the Washington County Conservation District.
Hrutkay became a cooperator in 1968, farming 113 acres, which have now grown to 170 acres. With his wife, Becky, and son Brian, the three also rent and work additional land.
Conservation measures
In 1979, the Hrutkays began working with conservationist Ken Kearns, who helped them put in 100 acres of conservation strips. Mining encroached on the farm and water problems developed.
With the help of the conservation district, springs were developed, pipelines were installed and other conservation measures were put in place to alleviate the problems and encourage production.
In December, District manager Gary Stokum presented the Hrutkays with a 36-inch by 48-inch outdoor sign made by local students to commemorate the award.
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