Got a Christmas card with the following clipping from the Watertown Gazette (TN)...

Photo caption reads: "Frank Mazurik of the Statesville community receives the Wilson County Soil Conservation District's Farmer of the Year Award, accompanied by his wife, Carolyn."

Article: "To say farming practices have changed over the past 50 years is an understatement. Even family farms have become more specialized. 

In many cases farmers attempting to be good stewards of the land have found the practice too costly and less and less a priority.  Not so with this year's Conservation Farmer of the Year. 

Each year the Wilson County Soil Conservation District recognizes a local farmer.  This award is given to a Wilson County landowner who has implemented outstanding land management practices on their farm.

The 2007 Wilson County Conservation Farmer of the Year is Frank Mazurik of the Statesville community.  Frank and his wife, Carolyn, own and operate their 90-acre farm in picturesque southeastern Wilson County.  They also manage an additional 65 acres.

Frank has been very busy the last few years making improvements at his farm.  He has installed watering systems and fencing for rotational grazing of his cattle, cattle working facilities and wildlife plots.  "Never a dull moment" would be the motto at the Mazurik farm.  Innovative and creative solutions are bountiful on this engineer's farm.  If Frank cannot find what he needs, he just makes it himself.  His most recent invention has been a funnel cone for his hay rings.  The WCSCD is very happy to present this award to Frank for his continued outstanding work in conserving the natural resources on the farms he owns and operates.

Frank and Carolyn's accomplishments were recognized at the Annual Soil Conservation Banquet on Tuesday, Oct. 16.  Frank is an outstanding example of farmers who care about the land, the future of wildlife and adapting farming practices that improve the quality of life for both."

 Way to go, Dad!