Photo by the Twin Platte Natural Resources District The Fleecs family.

The James Fleecs Family of Hershey has received the Twin Platte Natural Resources District 2009 Conservation Award for Lincoln-McPherson counties.

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After returning home from the service in 1970, Jim Fleecs began farming and ranching with his brother, Lloyd, near Hershey.

Fleecs started his own cow/calf and yearling operation in 1987. Through the years, the ranch has added and upgraded multiple livestock watering systems and cross-fenced pastures.

All of this has enabled the ranch to run larger numbers of cattle for shorter time frames as part of a rotational grazing plan, which has led to improved range conditions, plant diversity, and additional wildlife habitat.

The Birdwood Creek has been fenced off, along with two spring fed ponds that were both fenced off and renovated for water quality and wildlife.

Trees for windbreaks were planted to provide protection for livestock, while also providing habitat for wildlife. Center pivots have been converted to low-pressure sprinkler packages, which has increased efficiency and conserved water.

Jim has three children -- Jill and her husband Dan Vaughn and their daughter Kate and son Ty; Dan; Tracy and her husband Tim Berntson and their children Anna and Max; and special friend Sally, all of Hershey.

Jim is a member of the Hershey American Legion and is a fireboard member.

This year the Bank of Paxton sponsored the award, which was presented Nov. 9 during the 46th annual farmer/rancher appreciation banquet, hosted by the North Platte Chamber of Commerce.