Shelterbelts

Paul Huenefeld with Elizabeth McDonald from Aurora High School

About:

Paul Huenefeld's organically certified operation spans 720 acres in Aurora, NE. In addition to the 650 acres of row crop, he has a small feeding operation where he has been finishing calves since the mid 80's. 

Website/Contact:

• No website
• phuenefeld@hamilton.net

Objectives:

• To examine the importance of preserving soil quality by preventing soil erosion
• To understand the purpose of shelterbelts

Discussion Questions:

• Why was the dustbowl so devastating?
• What are the impacts of soil erosion?
• What is the history behind the tree-planting movement?
• What are the benefits of shelterbelts? The cons?
• What kind of scientific findings explore the effectiveness of shelterbelts? How much soil is lost annually through wind erosion?
• How would you measure the sustainability of Paul Huenefeld's operation? What could be improved?