French Farms LLC named 2021 PCD Conservationist of the year

Congratulations to Bill and Corky French, French Farms LLC for being chosen as the 2021 Phillips Conservation District Conservationist of the Year. They were presented with the award at the Montana Range Tour banquet, recently hosted by Phillips Conservation District at the Tin Cup.

The Phillips CD Conservationist of the Year Award recognizes local individuals for outstanding contributions to the conservation of our district's natural resources.

Bill and Corky have been ranching together in south Phillips County since they were married in 1958. They've spent many decades raising kids, cattle, and hay where Corky was born and raised. Some of their biggest conservation efforts have been their ability to capture and spread what little water Mother Nature gives to south Phillips County. By installing these systems, the French ranch was able to increase their hay land production while being conservative and systematic in their water usage.

Bill served on the Phillips Conservation District board for an incredible 64 years where his ability to speak honestly and from his heart played a vital role throughout the years. Corky spent many years as a 4H leader and is also featured in the "Women in Ag, From the Ground Up" book, created by Conservation Districts. Bill and Corky's commitment to their family, community, and land are commendable. Some familiar Bill French quotes are: "If you can't figure out the best thing to do, do what's best for the land", "Mud is an inconvenience, dust is a disaster" and "You should always be planning for drought and a hard winter." Congratulations Bill and Corky!