HILLSBORO, Ohio — The Highland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and the Highland County Historical Society hosted a celebration April 18 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Highland SWCD and the 60th anniversary of the World Plowing Match.
Former Ohio Division of Soil and Water Conservation Chief, Larry Vance, was the featured speaker. He detailed how the district was formed April 18, 1942 — the first conservation district in the state — and read the testimonials from locals as to why there was a need for the district. Past SWCD supervisors were also honored during the event.
The district received numerous proclamations in recognition of the anniversary, including those from the Highland County commissioners; Speaker Clifford A. Rosenberger of the Ohio House of Representatives; U.S. Rep. Brad Wenstrup and Ohio Gov. John Kasich.
Plow match
Guest speaker John Wickerham shared highlights of the 60th anniversary of the World Plowing Competition, which was held in Adams County in 1957. Highland County resident Duane Mootz was named the Contour Plowman Champion at the event.
Historical memorabilia was displayed by the Highland SWCD, the Highland and Adams Historical Society, Southwestern Ohio Farm Toy Collector Club, the Highland County Antique Machinery Club, the Highland County Recycling and Litter Prevention and the Highland County Farm Bureau to focus on conservation awareness and the heritage of agriculture.
