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Protecting Indiana’s natural resources

Since 2000 more than 800 farms have been recognized with the River Friendly Farmer Award for doing their part in protecting Indiana’s soil and water resources.

Mike Starkey is president of the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts.  He says if farmers want to pass their farms on to the next generation they need to protect the soil.  “And because of the people that won these awards today – we’re going to be in the forefront of how to keep the soil on our farm,” he says.  “And not only keep the water clean – but improve on the water quality that we have.”

Mike Starkey, IASWCD president

Jeremy Henry farms in Fayette County and was one of this year’s honorees.  He says conservation practices have benefited their farm.  “We’ve seen yield increases,” he says.  “A lot of the ground we have is low organic matter and rougher ground.  And we’ve seen big increases from the no-till and cover crops to help that.”

Jeremy Henry, Fayette County

Forty-eight farms were recognized during a ceremony at the Indiana State Fair on Farmer’s Day.