Nominated by the Jackson County Soil & Water Conservation District, local farmer Troy Hehman with Hehman Grain Farms Inc. was honored as a River-Friendly Farmer on Aug. 7 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis.

The Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts hosts this annual event to recognize farmers who use best management practices such as cover crops and filter strips. These efforts enhance soil health and prevent erosion, protecting Indiana’s waterways, according to a news release from the Jackson County Soil & Water Conservation District.

As a third-generation farmer Hehman, who lives in Seymour, said conservation practices are important to preserve the land for future generations and to protect our food and water supply. When asked what advice he would give to new farmers or one who is hesitant to try a conservation practice, he said farmers should always keep their minds open to new ideas and technology but remember what works for one might not for another.

Sponsored by Indiana Farm Bureau, The Nature Conservancy and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, the River-Friendly Farmer Award ceremony takes place during the Indiana State Fair. This year’s recipients join more than 1,100 farmers recognized since the program began in 2000.

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, along with Kendell Culp, vice president of Indiana Farm Bureau, and other Indiana Conservation Partner leaders, expressed gratitude for the farmers’ dedication to preserving Indiana’s natural resources and contributing to the quality of life in the Hoosier state.

You can view a complete list of recipients on the IASWCD website at iaswcd.org.