Trumbull SWCD hands out 62nd annual awards

Staff Report

CORTLAND

Four people and two businesses were recognized for the contributions to agriculture on Friday.

The acknowledgements were part of The Trumbull County Soil and Water Conservation District’s 62nd annual awards meeting at the county’s Agriculture & Family Education Center.

Ron Novak, of Harford, was named the district’s Conservationist of the Year during the ceremony. Novak said he’s been raising cattle since he was 16-years-old. The cattle farmer turns 68 next month, and was recognized for conserving grass for grazing by rotating cattle to different areas to maintain pastures.

“I feel honored because I’ve been doing this for a long time, and I think its important to conserve our land for future generations to come,” he said.

Along with Novak, John Kroner, from The Review newspaper in Niles, was named Media Person of the Year. Dave Wynkoop, of Newton Falls, was named Volunteer of the Year. Business Operator of the Year was awarded to the Western Reserve Land Conservancy in Moreland Hills, while Farm Family of the Year was given to Denmandale Farms in Johnston. The Bill Penn Memorial Conservation Award was given to Pat Higgins of Newton Township.