Scott Johanning, left, and Bruce Johanning have been awarded the Soil and Conservation Buffer Award.

Bruce and Scott Johannings’ efforts in environmentally sound farming have not gone unnoticed.

The brothers received this year’s Buffer Award for the buffer strip they planted along the creek at Stull on their land.

A buffer strip can consist of native grasses, trees or both along a waterway. The purpose of the strip is to promote clean water while mitigating soil erosion.

Bruce Johanning said the decision to go with a buffer strip was based on water quality.

“We need to be environmentally sensitive,” he said. “Since it is right next to the creek, it does really keep your fertilizer inputs from washing into the stream, which goes directly into – in our case – the Clinton reservoir.”

The process is not without its difficulties.

“The first couple of years are the most intensive, in terms of the tree planting and keeping the weeds out,” he said.

Walnut and Oak trees comprise the majority of the Johannings’ buffer, which they started in 2001.

In addition, Bruce Johanning noted the financial constraints associated with such a project. “It is hard for some farmers, as usually your most productive ground is along those creek beds.”

While serving environmental purposes, buffers can also be aesthetically pleasing. Of their development, he said it was a good demonstration plot, as well, noting that it is visible from a nearby highway, where it affords drivers an opportunity to witness the project while passing by.

Bruce Johanning stays current on techniques through trade publications and resource offices. He hopes to incorporate a small wetland in their territory at some point. In addition, the brothers would like to add a buffer to the bank on the opposite side of the lake.

Scott Johanning is proud of the recent award.

“It’s mainly a recognition thing and allows people to see what you’ve done,” he said. “It’s a good honor to have, where you feel like you’re doing something good and someone’s recognized you for it.”