An agricultural field day titled Conservation Across Generations will be from 8 a.m. to noon Oct. 20 at Valley View Farms in Monroe County.
Third-generation cattle and grain farmers Clint and Justin Conard will showcase the conservation legacy begun by their grandfather, Dale Conard, and how they have integrated new information and technology. They also will demonstrate cover crop seeding and their experience with equipment modification and seed selection.
This event is free and includes a free barbecue chicken lunch, but participants must register by Oct. 10 at tinyurl.com/1020fieldday. Doors open at 8 a.m., and the first presentation will start at 8:45 a.m.
This event is being hosted by the Monroe County Soil & Water Conservation District with support from Friends of Lake Monroe, the Brown County Soil & Water Conservation District, Conservation Cropping Systems Initiative and Alliance of Indiana Rural Water.
“We are excited to showcase Monroe County farmers who are actively pursuing environmentally sound conservation practices,” said Martha Miller, Monroe County Soil & Water Conservation District manager. “Field days provide an excellent opportunity for farmers to see conservation practices in action and to learn from other farmers.”
The event also will feature information about funding opportunities for conservation work. Friends of Lake Monroe launched the Lake Monroe Watershed Conservation Cost-Share Program (friendsoflakemonroe.org/cost-share) last fall. Farmers in the watershed, which spans portions of Monroe, Brown and Jackson counties, can receive up to 75% reimbursement of expenses from select conservation practices.
The cost-share program is part of a larger initiative documented in the Lake Monroe Watershed Management Plan, released in January 2022. Friends of Lake Monroe is working to reduce the amount of sediment, nutrients and fecal contamination reaching the lake by pursuing multiple projects across the watershed. Adopting conservation practices is a key strategy for protecting and improving water quality in Lake Monroe and its tributaries.
Other strategies include addressing septic system failure, planting permanent vegetation along streams and restoring floodplain wetlands.
To learn more, visit friendsoflakemonroe.org or contact Watershed Coordinator Maggie Sullivan at 812-588-0217.
Friends of Lake Monroe is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was formed to protect and enhance Lake Monroe and its watershed through science, advocacy and public involvement, working collaboratively with citizens, government and business to improve and support lake water quality.