IASWCD is planning to restructure its dues model for the first time since the mid-1990s. Liz Rice, Executive Director, IASWCD, sent an email including attachments to all districts to help learn more about the new dues model along with explanations for why this long-overdue change is happening now. Please join IASWCD for the Dues Restructuring and Feedback session on December 18 from 1 pm to 3 pm (Eastern). Link to join can be found in the November 20 email from Liz, as well as the calendar invite. For questions, please contact your IASWCD Region Director or Liz Rice at elizabeth-rice@iaswcd.org.

Each SWCD in good standing (fully paid annual dues) with the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts will have the opportunity to have one SWCD Supervisor delegate participate in the IASWCD Business Meeting on January 9, 2024 during the Annual Conference. The vote of the District will be cast by the delegate or the alternate. One delegate and an alternate shall be selected by each District before the date of any Association meeting and their names shall be submitted to the Association electronically no fewer than ten days prior to the meeting. 

Tuesday, January 9

7:30 am (Eastern)

Indiana Statehouse Atrium

Join us as we bring conservation to the legislature on the very first day of the session. If you are attending the 2024 SWCD Conference this breakfast is included. If you are not attending the conference, you can still register to attend (here) by choosing "Meals Only" in the Registration Type drop box.

New IASWCD Legislative Affairs Manager, Les Zimmerman

Les Zimmerman, Vermillion County, has joined the IASWCD team to provide legislative advocacy on a consistent basis at the statehouse. He states, "Patience and persistence are two of my guiding principles. It is important to understand that progress requires commitment over the long term. It is exciting that the IASWCD board is identifying a legislative agenda and has committed to pursue it." Among other responsibilities, Les is coordinating the inaugural Clean Water Indiana Breakfast at the Statehouse on January 9, 2024. Conference attendees and all Soil and Water Conservation Staff and Supervisors are encouraged to attend and network with your legislators on their first day in session. If you have any questions, please contact Les at zimmerman.les@gmail.com.

By Damarys Mortenson,

Indiana NRCS State Conservationist

December 5, 2023 - Our planet’s survival depends on the precious link between soil and water. Over 95 percent of our food originates from these two fundamental resources. And this symbiotic relationship is the foundation of our agricultural systems. However, in the face of climate change and human activity, our soils are being degraded, putting excessive pressure on our water resources. Erosion disrupts the natural balance, reducing water infiltration and availability for all forms of life.

Victor Shelton, retired Agronomist/Grazing Specialist, NRCS

Henry David Thoreau wrote in his book Walden, “If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” 

It is the time of year that I like to, at least momentary, reflect back on the year. What did we accomplish, what is better, and what could we have done differently? It was a challenging year, but we made it through and none of us are the worse for wear thus far. The winter feed supply could still possibly be a concern depending on the severity of weather to come and its duration. Extra hay is always a good insurance policy. 

ISDA monthly newsletter

The Organic Field Crop Course by OATS is a cohort-based, online training course on the art and science of organic production. This course will prepare you to work one-on-one with transitional and certified organic farmers. It provides high quality, science-based information that you need to advise your farmer clients.

The course covers all aspects of organic production. Crops featured in the video lessons include corn, soybeans, small grains, pulses, and forage crops, and includes regionally specific information. Live sessions via Zoom feature crops specific to the area for each cohort. This session will be facilitated by Ashley Adair, Extension Organic Agriculture Specialist at Purdue University.

Public and non-profit sector employees in Indiana are eligible for FREE tuition. Contact training@organicagronomy.org to receive a coupon code. Enrollment deadline: December 19.

Purdue Extension Community Development’s Digital Ready initiative advances the capacity of small businesses to strengthen their knowledge and application of online business and marketing strategies. Through interactive workshops and online courses led by a statewide team of Purdue trainers, participants learn about the importance of the digital economy, how to incorporate digital strategies into the workplace and build technical knowledge.

Indiana DNR Division of Forestry, Community & Urban Forestry has $1.8 million in grant funds available through the USDA Forest Service Urban & Community Forestry Program through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

Grant projects include:

• Tree Inventory or Urban Tree Canopy Assessment
• Management/Response Plan
• Education/Training
• New Tree Planting
• Community Education/Awareness Events
• Other activities (See application instructions)

Application submission deadline: December 22

February 13-14, 2024

Crowne Plaza Indianapolis

Newsletter Article Highlight:

Marrying Data and Relationships to Boost Farmer Recruitment in Conservation Outreach Programs

The bread-and-butter approach many Extension professionals take to outreach, particularly with agricultural producers, is relationship building – and for good reason. Relationships tend to play a strong role in motivating someone’s decisions, such as deciding to attend a field day or adopt a conservation practice.

The challenge with relationships is it’s difficult to reach everyone everywhere you’d like. Limitations on time, geography, and other things will mean there are some people you just can’t or won’t reach.

79th SWCS International Annual Conference

July 21-24, 2024

Sheraton

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Call for Presentations deadline: January 31, 2024

Participate in the Indiana Envirothon

Be a part of Indiana's Envirothon program. Learn how professionals, like SWCDs, can help guide high school students through an environmental education program that combines classroom learning with outdoor activities. Indiana's regional contests take place in March.