Jeff Hiner Uses Experience on local Conservation District Board to Improve His Land

Jeff Hiner’s land in Ellis County/Beaver County has been in his family for generations, and he is dedicated to preserving that land for generations to come. Hiner says one of his main goals is to leave his land better than he found it for the people who live on it next. Jeff sits on Ellis County Conservation District’s board as their Vice Chair and is passionate about guiding fellow producers on their journeys to being more sustainable landowners.

Jeff was brand new to the conservation world when he stepped onto the board of directors, but he knew he had to change how he was managing his land. At the time, he was mainly a wheat farmer and tried out no-till farming for the first time. He loved watching the soil get back to how it was meant to perform, but after some time, he ran into some problems with his wheat that were causing financial strains and had to reintroduce tillage.

Now, Jeff almost exclusively uses his land for forage and grazing, but he still has some irrigated acres dedicated to growing alfalfa and wheat. Jeff uses rotational grazing practices to help improve forage production, improve soil health, and have a healthier herd of cattle. Jeff attributes his involvement in his local conservation district to enhancing his knowledge of these conservation practices. “Lacie Landers (Area 1 District Coordinator) encouraged me to join the OACD Leadership Classes, which have really helped me grow and learn more about industries and practices I didn’t know existed, like abandoned mine land restoration and watershed operation and maintenance,” Jeff said.

When asked what advice he would give to fellow producers who might be hesitant to learn more about conservation practices, he said, “Stay out of the coffee shop. There are naysayers in there who don’t care about what’s working; they just like to criticize. Ultimately, you just have to run your own race and not worry about what your neighbors will say.”

Ellis County Conservation District offers many programs for landowners and education opportunities to learn more about conservation practices. Stop in at their office at 155 Renfrow Ave., Arnett, OK (appointments preferred) or give them a call to learn more! (580) 885-7306