Conservation Awards given at county fair

Caviness, Frederick honored for years as commissioners

Randy Caviness (left) and Jim Frederick (right) were honored for their years of service as commissioners for the Adair Soil and Water Conservation District during the 2025 Adair County Fair.

Jim Frederick of Orient and Randy Caviness of Greenfield were recognized for their years of service as commissioners for the Adair Soil and Water Conservation District last Wednesday, the first night of the Adair County Fair.

Frederick began as a commissioner in 2012, but his interest in holding the office began because his father once served on the board. He knew it would be a chance for him to learn about the operation of soil service because of his passion for conservation. His favorite part of being a commissioner was working with the dedicated office staff and looking out for farmers and growers, always striving to keep soil safe. Frederick said he enjoyed meeting new people and helping producers through effective management of resources.

Caviness served for 16 years, beginning 2008. He was interested from the get-go in seeing hte real difference in organic matter with minimal to no-till.

Since becoming a commisioner, he has gotten to see the importance soil health plays in production. His favorite part of being a commissioner was having the honor of stewarding state taxpayer dollars, disbursing them in a fair, equitable way that would ultimately benefit Iowans now and in the future.

Caviness hopes that good communication would continue to be essential so that everyone knows conservation impacts not only the here-and-now but the future as well.