SWCD Hosts 23rd Farm Fair        

The Daviess County SWCD hosted its 23rd annual Fourth Grade Farm Fair on September 6, 2019 at the 4H fairgrounds in Washington. This year we had another large group - 398 students were accompanied by 42 teachers and parents as they all moved through a series of 18 learning stations. Local and area experts taught the students about crops and livestock grown and raised here in Daviess County, as well as other topics such as ATV safety, beekeeping, forestry, and wildlife. Most of our dedicated volunteers have been a part of the Farm Fair for many years! Those attending the Farm Fair also enjoyed a special demonstration on dog obedience and agility, given by Andrea Bauer of A-1 K-9. She also volunteers with the local 4H dog club.

Each year, the Farm Fair relies on the hard work of many volunteers, and also the support from several organizations. This annual event would not be possible without them! The Daviess County SWCD would like to thank the following for their continued support of the Farm Fair: All of the presenters, Purdue Extension, Farm Bureau Inc., Prairie Farms, Hoefling Truck & Tractor, Washington Parks & Recreation Department, the City of Washington, Perdue Farms, GPC, Kenny Swartzentruber, supervisors and staff of the Daviess County SWCD, Warrick County SWCD, staff of the Daviess/Martin NRCS and FSA, and volunteers from our community. A big thank you to Steve Osha Photography for all the great photos!

See photos from the day in our photo gallery. Photo credits: Steve Osha Photography, SWCD staff & volunteers. 

SWCD Welcomes New Administrative Coordinator

Please join us in welcoming Megan Frederick to the Daviess County SWCD as the Administrative Coordinator.  Megan started on August 19, 2019 upon the retirement of 32 year employee Toni Allison.  She comes to us with a background in Agriculture and Accounting.  Megan resides in Petersburg where she and husband Jamen own and operate a family grain farm.   In her spare time Megan enjoys spending time with family, volunteering with 4-H and church, hunting, fishing and just being outdoors.   We are very excited to have Megan as part of the SWCD team!

Resources for Farmers

In a typical year, 98% of corn and 89% of soybeans would have already been planted in Indiana. Extreme weather this Spring across the state has prevented farmers from entering their fields. As of June 9, 2019, only 67% of Indiana corn acres and 42% of Indiana soybean acres have been planted. Some farmers who were able to get in their fields sooner have credited their adoption of soil health practices, for example, cover crops and no-till. CCSI (Conservation Cropping Systems Initiative) has compiled a comprehensive resource to get farmers the specific information they need. The official resources have been pulled from the USDA-RMA, Indiana NRCS, IDEM, Purdue University, the Midwest Cover Crops Council and more. Call the SWCD office with any questions, 812-254-4780 ext. 3, or visit this link for a list of resources:

http://ccsin.org/conservation-practices/prevented-planting-tools/

What's Happening in the Rain Garden?

  Fall has arrived in the rain garden - some of the flowers have set seed pods, and others are drying out.  A few of the Purple Poppy Mallows are hanging on, but the big story is the explosion of Asters blooming now - and they are attracting lots of pollinators! Many of the dried seed heads and stalks will be left standing through the winter, providing a food source & shelter for birds and beneficial insects. Be sure to visit the rain garden in every season!