Carl Swainston
Preston
Preston area farmer Carl Swainston was inducted into the 2014 Eastern Idaho Agriculture Hall of Fame for his long-time service to the Preston Whitney Irrigation Company and the agricultural producers served through the organization.
Swainston has served on the PWIC Board for 38 years, 16 years as president. Under his leadership, various canal companies have merged and consolidated. Canals and ditches have been replaced with underground pipe, and today over 15,000 acres of formerly flood-irrigated ground is now irrigated through a gravity-fed sprinkler system. Through his work the system has improved the efficiency of water use, maximized the use of the storage system, lengthened the irrigation season and allowed producers to gain efficiencies into their individual operations by removing canals and improving field pattern.
Similar to Swainston’s own farming operating, the improvements have been completed slow and steady over time and without significant debt to the farmers of the area. Swainston’s vision, judgment and leadership have resulted in improvements and efficiencies that will benefit future generations.
Very involved in the Preston and Franklin County community in various church, civic and agriculture responsibilities, Swainston has served on the City of Preston Planning and Zoning Board, as a board member of the Western Dairy Cooperative Incorporate and 14 years as a local advisor for Farm Credit Services in Preston.
Along with his wife, Julie, Swainston has lived and raised their family of eight children, managed their operation and served the people of their community with the principles of diversification, sound judgment and solid integrity.