farmer.html

The Goldendale Sentinel, Goldendale, WA., November 4, 1965, page 1
Includes portrait

VAN NOSTERN CHOSEN AS CONSERVATION FARMER

Roy Van Nostern, Bickleton farmer for 26 years has been selected by the Eastern Klickitat Soil and Water Conservation District as "Conservation Farmer" for 1965.
The district chose Van Nostern for his long efforts improving treatment of the 1300 acres of cropland and 3400 acres of range and woodland. Roy began experimenting with fertilizer in wheat as early as 1943. Eight or nine years ago he started using a "duck foot" plow to control water erosion on winter wheat. He is recognized as having a top notch soil management program.
Van Nostern came to Bickleton in 1939. He farmed some irrigated land in the Satus area as early as 1932 and ran cattle in the Bickleton area before moving there. He married Florence Mason of Bickleton in 1939 and they have three children: Dean, 24, who is married; Donald, 20, away at school and Joy, 14, at home.
In addition to stubble mulch farming Van Nostern also has a system of rotation deferred grazing on a 1500 acre woodland area. When the area was logged in the 50s he seeded to grass all roads and burned areas. Three springs and seven concrete stock troughs were also constructed.
Van Nostern also served his community by actively working as SWCD supervisor for two years, missing only three or four monthly meetings at that time. His wife said that when the district is going to have a conservation tour "Roy gets on the phone and calls everyone he thinks might go." He has held the position of vice-chairman and secretary-treasurer on the board.
Three years ago the farm was leased but Van Nostern had an understanding with the new operator that the conservation practices would be followed. This year, in fact, he constructed a 1350 foot gradient terrace on a wheat field south of Cleveland.
The Van Nosterns are active in other community affairs. Roy has been a Grange member for 25 years, belongs to the Masonic and Odd Fellows lodges and is in the Washington Wheat Growers, County Cattleman's and County Crop Improvement Associations. Mrs. Van Nostern teaches music, is a member of the Rebekahs and directs the Presbyterian Church choir in Bickleton were both are members.
Mr. and Mrs. Van Nostern are planning to attend the Conservation Farmer Recognition banquet in Walla Walla November 13, sponsored by the Washington State Junior Chamber of Commerce.