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Conservation...
Our Purpose. Our Passion.
Our Featured Customers.
Updated
07/31/2008
Meet the Austins
Oklahoma
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Oklahoma
Conservation (1:59 minutes)
Transcript
Full-time farmer and rancher Frank Austin operates his farm/ranch on a simple
philosophy when it comes conservation. He wants to leave the land in better
shape than when he found it.
Frank Austin and his wife, June, operate Canyon View Farms, located south of
Geary, Oklahoma, in Canadian County. Their 1240 acre operation consists of 140
acres of cropland and 1,100 of grassland. Some of the land was acquired by his
grandfather when he moved here from Tennessee in the late 1800’s. More land was
acquired by Austin’s parents and he has added more acres to his operation over
the years.
When Austin acquires a farm he has always gone to the Natural Resources
Conservation Service for help in developing a conservation plan. Austin says
“Each farm I acquire is a 5 to 10 year project.”
Over the years, Austin has utilized federal assisted programs to improve his
farm. He has had several Great Plains Conservation Program (GPCP) contracts, a
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contract, and just completed an Environmental
Quality Incentive Program contract.
Duane Crider, District Conservationist, El Reno Field Service Center stated, “I
have worked with Frank for many years going back to the GPCP days.” He said,
“Frank loves the challenge of acquiring some property in bad shape, neglected,
with low production capability, and turning it into a place he is proud to own.
His conservation record will speak for itself.”
Austin has installed many conservation practices over the year, such as
converting 450 acres of cropland to grass (native and introduced), terraces,
waterways, grade stabilization structures, ponds, diversion terraces, gully
shaping, critical area treatment, and rotational grazing. “On every one of my
farms the water is controlled by a series of terraces and grade stabilization
structures, before it leaves the farm. So, when the water runs off it is
controlled to reduce flooding and erosion. That way the silt and everything
stays on the farm, Austin said.”
His contributions to conservation don’t just include efforts on his farm, but
extend beyond to the Central North Canadian River Conservation District where he
served on the district board for twenty one years, and ten years as the district
board chairman. He served as the Area I Director for the Oklahoma Association of
Conservation Districts for three terms.
The Austin’s fifty plus years of conservation have been recognized by being name
the Farm Family of the Year in Canadian County in 2001 They were recognized for
their benefits to the environment by being one of seven finalists for the
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Environmental Stewardship Award in 2003.
At the age of 70, Frank continues to be an advocate for conservation. He is
willing to tell his story to anyone willing to listen for a few minutes. He is a
strong believer in protecting the environment and preserving the land for
generations to come. The value of the conservation practices he has applied is
the real untold story. Media Contact:
Terri Daniel, 405-742-1244 This
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Featured Customer: The Austin Family, Oklahoma
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