by April Scheinoha
Reporter
Terry Hunt is passionate about farming. He’s a man of few words unless he’s talking about farming. Now, Terry is being honored for his work.
Terry and his wife, Geraldine, have been named the 2022 Outstanding Conservation Cooperators by the Pennington Soil and Water Conservation District. The Hunts and other Outstanding Conservation Cooperators will be honored in December at a ceremony in Bloomington.
Terry is honored to receive such an award; however, he wanted to make sure that he didn’t have to give a speech before accepting the honor. His daughter Caitlyn’s wedding may be the last time that he ever gives a speech.
Each year, Pennington SWCD honors an Outstanding Conservation Cooperator from one of three regions in Pennington County. This year, the award winners were selected from an area that encompasses Black River, Bray, Numedal, Norden, Polk Centre, River Falls and Sanders townships.
Peter Nelson, manager of the Pennington SWCD, said the Hunts participate in various programs to prevent soil erosion and protect soil health. They have also improved the surface water and groundwater to benefit about 150 head of cattle. The Hunts also utilize rotational grazing.
In particular, over the years, the Hunts have been involved in the Conservation Stewardship Program, Environmental Quality Incentives Program, and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program.
This year, the Hunts planted 125 trees, creating a 5,500-foot windbreak on their property. Geraldine, who is apparently in charge of lawn mowing, has experienced the joys and challenges of mowing around the trees.
Terry is the third generation to work on his family farm in Norden Township. His grandparents, the late Gordon and Johanna Hunt, farmed the property first. In fact, they were honored as the 1970 Valley Homemaker and Farmer.
After Gordon and Johanna, their son Jerry farmed the property for a period of time. Terry began helping on the farm in his youth and eventually took over the family farm from his dad. Now, he and his son Cole farm 700 acres of owned and rented land. They raise Red Angus cow/calf pairs.
As many a farm family member has in the past, Geraldine has also been called into duty on occasion. She works full-time at Digi-Key.
Terry and Geraldine’s grandson Mason is well on his way to joining the family farm if he so chooses. First, the Pennington County 4-Her has to get through elementary school and a few other schools. The Hunts also have two other grandchildren.
The Hunts enjoy the benefits of living on a farm near family. Geraldine refers to the family’s section of Norden Township as a colony. Her brother-in-law lives next door. Her son Cole and his family live nearby, and her father-in-law also lives in the vicinity.