Conservation Cropping Systems Initiative celebrates a milestone in outreach to Indiana farmers   

Indianapolis --  The Conservation Cropping Systems Initiative (CCSI) recently celebrated a milestone in outreach to Indiana farmers. CCSI  has reached over 10,000 individuals through 150
technical presentations at seminars, field days and consultations with farmers across the state. 

CCSI Coordinator Hans Kok speaks to farmers at a Henry County field day.

Their message to farmers: "A sustainable cropping system is a management strategy that protects our natural resources and improves

our soils."

CCSI was established by the Indiana Conservation Partnership in 2009. Team coordinators Hans Kok and Dan Towery, and Barry Fisher, NRCS state agronomist, promote a systematic approach to production agriculture. They encourage the adoption of long-term continuous no-till practices along with:    

• cover crops,
• nutrient and pest management,
• precision-farming technology, and the  
• use of conservation buffers.   

Oilseed radish cover crop.

The end result is to show producers how these best management practices improve soil health, water quality and can positively impact a producer's profitability.  

For more information on the initiative, visit the Conservation Cropping System Initiative website.  

Members of the Indiana Conservation Partnership 

• Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts and our 92 SWCDs 
• Indiana Department of Environmental Management 
• Indiana Department of Natural Resources 
• ISDA Division of Soil Conservation 
• Purdue Cooperative Extension Service 
• State Soil Conservation Board 
• USDA Farm Service Agency 
• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service