By Andi Anderson
The Watershed Foundation’s annual Farmer Breakfast brought together around 40 agricultural professionals on Feb. 28 at the North Webster Community Center. The event focused on conservation agriculture, soil health, and water quality.
Derek Thompson, a farmer and conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), discussed key soil health principles, including minimizing disturbance and maximizing biodiversity.
He explained how no-till planting, cover crops, and nutrient management help protect soil structure, improve crop yields, and reduce costs. Thompson shared his own experiences implementing conservation practices, noting that while challenges like extreme weather exist, adapting to conditions leads to long-term success.
“We deal with [those conditions],” Thompson said. “We adapt and change.”
Marc Eads, an agronomist with the Indiana Wildlife Federation, spoke about changes in farming practices and their impact on natural resources.
He explained how runoff from fields can carry nutrients into waterways and emphasized that conservation methods, like no-till farming, benefit both the environment and farm profitability.
“A lot of guys still work their ground like it’s 1968. We need to change how we look at tillage for increased yields and profitability,” Eads stated.
Eads shared an example of a farm in New Carlisle that transitioned to no-till over 11 years. The grower saw improved soil health, earlier planting dates, lower costs, and higher yields. He encouraged farmers to be patient and use tools like soil testing to ease the transition.
Throughout the event, attendees discussed conservation methods, networked, and explored cost-sharing programs offered by The Watershed Foundation and local conservation districts.
“We love to bring local farmers together to share their experiences,” said Lyn Crighton, TWF executive director.
The event was hosted by The Watershed Foundation, with support from local conservation organizations and farms.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Indiana, Education