This year, the Rice Soil & Water Conservation District has three Supervisor positions up for election. SWCD candidates appear on the ballot for the general election which will take place on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
Candidates are elected countywide* but must reside in one of the nomination districts up for election. The nominating districts and candidates running for election to the Rice SWCD Board this year include:
District One: Alexander Malecha
“I am eager to bridge the gap between government agencies, local conservation nonprofits, and farmers. Over many decades I have farmed in Forest Township and have actively sought education and opportunities to improve our land for the long term. I grow no-till soybeans and have experienced the challenges of switching agricultural systems as well as the detriments of erosion. My family enjoys fishing and recreating on the local lakes, and we want to support a healthy watershed. The benefits of today’s soil and water conservation efforts will be reaped for generations to come. I believe we can do it in a way that we can maintain profitability on the farm.”
District Two: Gene Kuntz
“I am running for a position as an SWCD District supervisor because of my commitment to soil health and clean water in our area lakes and rivers. I spent seven years managing 360 acres of farmland for Farm America in Waseca. During my tenure, we converted to all strip tillage and implemented a 15-acre cover crop study that lasted for 5 years. In addition, I implemented a NRCS/MDA controlled drainage project on 120 acres. We need to support agriculture in our county with all of the resources available from our SWCD and NRCS.”
District Two: Dante Rand
“I am running for district supervisor because I have a passion for soil and water conservation, and I want to make a positive difference in our district. I have been involved in soil and water conservation for over 20 years, as an active lake association member and president, as a Master Water Steward, and as a lake homeowner. I have seen firsthand how soil and water conservation can improve the quality of life for people and wildlife, as well as the health of our ecosystems. Soil and water health are critical foundations of a healthy world and we need to protect them from erosion, pollution, and degradation. Soil and water conservation can also benefit our economy by enhancing agricultural productivity, reducing flood risks, and supporting tourism and recreation. As a district supervisor, I will work with farmers, landowners, and local and state agencies to support the implementation of best management practices, promote education and outreach, and help inform our district members of the funding and resources available to them for soil and water conservation projects within our district.”
District Four: Adam Conrad
“I am running for the position of Soil and Water Conservation Supervisor in District 4. I grew up on a corn and soybean farm in Rice County and have watched the changes in my family’s and neighbors’ operations from ‘the blacker the better’, to today where we are using little tillage and cover crops to protect the soil and the water. These changes have greatly improved the soil health, and decreased erosion issues on the farm. I believe continuing to protect our soil and water health is imperative so future generations can continue to farm and enjoy the rivers and lakes in our county and that is what I will promote if elected.”
District Four: John Larson
“I am running for the Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor to continue to improve Rice County’s soil, water and natural resources. I grew up on a farm just outside of Northfield and learned the importance of crop rotation and using crops like alfalfa to reduce erosion and save topsoil. As an avid outdoorsman and part-time farmer, I’ve seen first-hand how good policy and education can strike the right balance to allow production, wildlife habitat, and clean water to all coexist. If elected, I hope to support residents, farmers, and landowners in their efforts to conserve soil and water, leading to an environment that benefits all of Rice County.”
SWCDs are special-purpose units of government that manage and direct natural resource management programs at the local level. Districts work in both urban and rural settings to carry out a program for the conservation, use, and development of soil, water, and related resources. SWCD Supervisors serve four-year terms and meet monthly, discussing the business of the SWCD, distributing state grant allocations to landowners, setting conservation priorities, and coordinating conservation efforts with other local units of government and state agencies. SWCD Supervisors are not paid a salary; however, they do receive compensation for attending meetings and are reimbursed for expenses.
Remember to vote for the SWCD Supervisors at the November 5th Election.
* Except for SWCDs in the seven-county metro area, where candidates are elected by the voters within that nomination district of the SWCD.
