The McKelvey Dairy Farm is operated by Kelly and Connie McKelvey along with their son Matt and his wife Tonya. The farm is located in Salt Creek Township and consists of approximately 230 dairy cows and 340 acres of cropland. Crops include corn, small grain and hay. All crops are planted with conservation tillage including no-till and strip-till to protect the soil. A conservation plan and comprehensive nutrient management plan are being followed on all the land. Many conservation practices have been implemented on the farm over the years including crop rotations, strip cropping, cover crops, grassed waterways, subsurface drains, nutrient management, waste storage facilities and composting. The storage facilities include a 2 million gallon earthen lagoon, a ½ million gallon earthen lagoon and a 40’ x 80’ pen pack compost facility for heifers. Excess manure not utilized on the dairy is used by a nearby grain farmer. The farm also has a mortality composting facility. Because of the commitment to conservation, this year’s Farm Award goes to the McKelvey Dairy Farm!