Steve and Marilyn Pust, Cooperator of the Year recipients, received their award Thursday evening at the 150th Celebration for the USDA. They are recognized for their efforts towards irrigation conservation and water quality issues. Steve and Marilyn received a plaque, an embroidered coat from Stockman Bank, and a cap from the Richland County Conservation District.
Bill Brenner, of Sidney, who is a distant cousin to Abraham Lincoln, was one of the booth presenters at the USDA Celebration Thursday evening. Pictured here are students from Sidney's 5th Grade class looking at some of Brenner's Lincoln memorabilia and hearing about the family history.
“The People’s Celebration” for the 150th Birthday of the USDA was held the evening of Thursday, Nov. 8th. The celebration included informational booths, speakers, a dinner, and an award presentation.
The evening started off with Sidney’s 5th Grade students exploring the booths and getting a brief presentation at each one. Booths covered numerous topics including: invasive species, national grasslands, grain products, healthy food choices, and information about Abe Lincoln from his “cousin”.
Following that the speakers gave their presentations, which were all very informative.
First up was Gary Adams with the USDA out of Helena, who spoke on the Emerald Ash Borer. The Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive species that can kill an ash tree within 3 years time. Adams’ presentation showed ways of noticing if a tree is infested.
Next up was Mark Henning with the USDA out of Miles City, who demonstrated the importance of ‘no tillage’ for soil. Henning explained that the more you till your soil, the more you break up the main components of it.
After him was Tony Preite with the USDA Rural Development, who spoke about what they are implementing and hoping for the area.
At this time, there was a break for a cake cutting with Abe’s cousin. Bill Brenner, of Sidney, who has traced his family heritage back to Nancy Hanks Lincoln, President Lincoln’s mother.
Following the cake was a representative from the Forest Service, speaking on the history of the Forest Service and Dakota Prairie Grasslands.
After him was Tatyana Rand with the USDA out of Sidney, who spoke about the Wheat Stem Sawfly and its effects throughout the MonDak region. Rand explained the Sawfly is an invasive species and what studies they are doing to control it.
The final speaker was Benjamin Clark with the MonDak Heritage Center in Sidney. Clark showed a number of local photos from the early 1900’s, while explaining the Homestead Act and how it affected our region.
Following the speakers, there was a social which led into dinner.
After dinner, the Cooperator of the Year Award was presented to Steve and Marilyn Pust, of Savage. Pust was chosen following consideration of all of his efforts towards irrigation conservation and water quality issues. Pust received a plaque, an embroidered coat from Stockman Bank, and a new cap from the Richland County Conservation District.
To wrap up the evening, Montana Historian and Storyteller Hal Stearns spoke on “Homestead Dreams: From High Hopes to Lingering Legacy.” He spoke on the homesteading days of Montana, displayed some great historic photos and some personal historic facts.
Overall, the evening was a success and very informative to all. Congratulations to the USDA on 150 years.
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