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| River Friendly Farmer nominations due |
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| By NANCY VORIS
Indiana Correspondent
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Some farmers go the extra mile, taking the extra time and effort required in keeping rivers, lakes and streams clean and healthy.
The Indiana Assoc. of Soil and Water Conservation Districts recognizes such producers with its River Friendly Farmer Award, honoring those who, through good production management, keep Indiana waterways clean and safe.
Nominations are now being taken for the 2007 River Friendly Farmer Award.
“This award is a great opportunity to recognize and reward farmers who do an excellent job of managing their farms in an economically and environmentally sound way,” said Jim Droege, a Posey County farmer and president of IASWCD, one of the award sponsors.
“We’re proud to honor local farmers who protect and improve our soil and water resources for future generations.
Nearly 300 Hoosier farmers have received the award since its creation in 1999. To nominate a farmer for the RFF Award, visit www.iaswcd.org/RFFpage. htm to download an application and brochure.
Deadlines vary by county, so call your local SWCD office for deadlines and more information.
The program not only encourages producers to make conservation a priority and promote best management farming practices, it also informs the general public of the ongoing efforts to protect and preserve Indiana’s natural resources.
Program criteria include 11 best-management practices, including:
•Testing field soil at least once every three years
•Fencing livestock from sensitive waterways
•Correctly handling and disposing of pesticides and their containers
•Keeping farm records to track inputs and conservation practices
Sponsors of the River Friendly Farmer Award, along with the IASWCD, are Indiana Farm Bureau, Inc., Indiana State Department of Agriculture Division of Soil Conservation, Purdue Cooperative Extension service, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. |
| 4/18/2007 |
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