Tim and Johanna Brown, of Limon, Colorado chosen for Conservationist of the Year for Double El Conservation District. Their operation, which is in the Upper Arkansas Watershed, currently consists of 5002 acres cropland, 793 acres of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and 1,440 acres of range-land.
Tim is a 3rd generation farmer of the land. Tim and Johanna own 640 acres of range-land. The remainder of the acres are leased by Tim and Johanna. In 1946, his grandparents, Thomas and Gladys Cornthwaite purchased the land. His Dad (Max and Barbara Brown) purchased land adjoining in 1956. Tim has been actively involved in the operation of the land since he was 10 years old.
The family resided in Englewood but spent the week-ends and summers on the farm. Tim graduated from Englewood High School. He was an active member of the Arapahoe FFA during his high school years. He still attends the Arapahoe FFA reunions. An interesting note, approximately 90% of his past Arapahoe FFA members are still active in agriculture.
The 640 rangeland acres were enrolled in CRP in the past. Upon retirement of CRP contract, the Brown’s desired to retain the ground in grassland. They entered into a Grazing Health Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) contract with NRCS in 2013.
They completed the following practices: 26,013 feet of cross fencing, 910 feet pipeline, 2 livestock tanks, 2,237 feet of windbreaks. The practices installed encreased grazing management for the grassland. The Brown’s lease the rangeland to area producers.
In addition, they have installed the following practices on their own for conservation of water and improved grazing management:
- Tim purchased a trencher and performed the installation of numerous pipelines.
- Installed pressurized system and float for live water.
- Installed solar with NRCS. Installed 2 other wells and solar systems on his own.
- Installed shut off valves to conserve water.
- Installed air valves in existing pipelines.
- Installed a hydrant near the EQIP windbreak to provide water for drip irrigation system.
- Pumped water from pipeline 1 mile away and designed a connecting 2 cistern system to solve the low pressure water issues at his parents residence.
Tim practices no-till on all the cropland he operates. They utilize a wheat/fallow/proso or feed crop rotation. Tim also performs custom haying and farming for local producers.
Other activities Tim and Johanna have been involved include: Member of Farm Bureau. He has been a state director since 2013. His father (Max) was a member for 55 years. He is member of the Genoa/Hugo FFA advisory board for 6 years. He provided testimony/support to state legislators on the Broadband Plans Bill for rural Colorado. Johanna has worked at Farm Service Agency and at the local schools. Their goal is to assist young farmers as they begin their operations.
They utilize efficient and cost effective practices that provide water conservation. Tim and Johanna are active good stewards of their land.
Congratulations Tim & Johanna!
