As concern grows in our communities regarding water quality, there are farmers utilizing conservation practices that are making a difference. The practices they have implemented, often voluntarily, are protecting waterways and water quality in Indiana and beyond. Matt Kelley is one of those farmers and he is one of the 47 farmers who received the statewide award of ‘River Friendly Farmer’ at the Indiana State Fair on Farmers’ Day August 14. This award, hosted by the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (IASWCD), recognizes landowners and farmers in the state of Indiana for the work they do on their land to protect Indiana’s natural resources.
The Kelley farm is a corn and soybean operation located in the South Fork Wildcat Creek Watershed. The farm is 100% no-tilled providing cover year-round reducing erosion, soil compaction and fertilizer inputs making the soil healthier. Fall cover crops are planted on the Highly Erodible Land to replace nutrients and to protect the soil. Integrated Pest and Nutrient Management Plans allow Kelley to apply the right nutrients, at the right time and place. These best management practices reduce the amount of sediments, nutrient and pesticide runoff into the watershed.
Kelley maintains woodland acres for wildlife habitat and has established field borders, conservation cover and upland wildlife habitat areas for the benefit of wildlife. Kelley reports that incorporating these practices on the farm have resulted in a significant increase in the wildlife population in and around the farm.
Indiana Lieutenant Governor, Suzanne Crouch, and President of Indiana Farm Bureau, Randy Kron, presented each recipient with an award certificate and ribbon. Amie Simpson, Brownfield Ag News, emceed the ceremony with Jerry Raynor, Indiana State Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) and IASWCD President, Roger Wenning making brief remarks.
The River Friendly Farmer Award has been presented by the IASWCD and sponsored by the 92 local Soil and Water Conservation Districts and Indiana Farm Bureau, Inc. since 2000. This year’s group of award winners brings the total number of River Friendly Farmers in Indiana since the awards beginning to 1008.