Indiana producers are building healthy soils to continue to feed the world and conserve our land for generations to come. Farmers work with agronomists to grow healthy crops and conserve water by following the four Rs: Right Rate; Right Source, Right Time, Right Place
In 2023, the Indiana State Department of Agriculture reported Indiana farmers had converted 22,641 acres of former farmland into native habit restoration land for generations to come.
Over the last year, Indiana farmers have kept:
1.1 million tons of sediment
out of waterways
1.2 million pounds of nitrogen
out of waterways
2.5 million pounds of phosphorus
out of waterways
Healthy soil results in healthy crops and
healthy waters.
Farmers use soil
sampling to confirm
what the soil
is missing.
Farmers apply nutrients that next year’s crop
will need.
Farmers invest in trials and new technology to improve their sustainability practices. Examples include no-till and cover crops. Indiana farmer leaders, Mark Legan and Rick Clark, share more about conservation practices implemented on their operations below.
“We want to learn all we can and apply that to make our farm more efficient and sustainable for the future.” – Mark Legan
“I saw the power of cover crops and started working to get them on acres across the farm right away.” – Rick Clark
Sustainability & Conservation Resources
Fact Sheet: Conservation and Sustainability Value
Download our fact sheet to learn more about the value of conservation and sustainability for farmers and consumers.
On Farm Conservation Programs
ISA and ICMC invest farmers’ checkoff funds to improve on-farm water quality and water-use practices by partnering on several on-farm conservation programs.
Indiana Conservation Partnership
Learn more about a partnership between eight Indiana agencies who work together to promote conservation.
Fact Sheet: Value Through New Uses
Download our fact sheet to find out more about alternative uses for corn and soybeans.
External Resources
Indiana State Department of Agriculture
Conservation Data
State Nutrient Reduction Strategy
Soil and Water Conservation District Directory
Learn more about studies and statistics related to Indiana agriculture. Please CONTACT US if you can’t find the resources you’re seeking, and we will work with you to find answers to your questions or connect you to someone who does.