By Andi Anderson
The 14th Annual Southern Region Soil Health Workshop will be held on February 3, 2026, in Salem, Indiana. This half day educational event will bring together farmers, crop advisors, and agriculture professionals who want to learn more about improving soil health and sustainable farming practices.
Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m., and the program will start at 8:30 a.m., ending with lunch.
The workshop will feature expert speakers who will share practical knowledge and real farm experiences. David Kleinschmidt, Conservation Agronomist at Progressive Agronomy Consulting, will discuss input management in soil health systems.
His session will focus on using fertilizers and crop inputs wisely to support healthy soils and long-term productivity. Ray McCormick, an Indiana farmer and No Till Farmer 2024 Conservation Agriculture Operator Fellow, will speak on modifying equipment for better efficiency and managing river bottom ground.
His presentation will highlight tools and methods that help farmers save time, protect soil, and improve crop performance. Danielle Walker, Ag and Natural Resource Educator with Purdue Extension Washington County, will present the Private Applicator Regulatory Topic, helping participants understand important rules related to pesticide use and farm safety.
Advance registration is required by January 30. Farmers can register by contacting the Washington County Soil and Water Conservation District at 812 883 3006 extension 3 or by registering online.
The workshop will be hosted at Cornerstone Chapel and Celebration Center in Salem, Indiana. A ten dollar admission fee will be collected at the door, and participants are asked to bring cash or check.
PARP, CCH, and CEU credits have been applied for. The Indiana Corn Marketing Council and Indiana Soybean Alliance are supporting private applicators by helping offset PARP fees through checkoff funding. Questions about credits can be directed to Purdue Extension Washington County.
The workshop is organized by several agriculture and conservation partners, including the Washington County SWCD, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Purdue Extension, the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, the Conservation Cropping Systems Initiative, and the Twin Creek Lick Branch River Watershed Project.
North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education also supports the event. This workshop offers a valuable opportunity to build skills, earn credits, and strengthen sustainable farming practices.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Indiana, Crops, Rural Lifestyle, Sustainable Agriculture