The 2013 event is sponsored by the Dearborn and Ripley County SWCDs and the Conservation Cropping Systems Initiative (CCSI). Alford is one of CCSI's 12 Indiana farmers playing key roles in the CCSI's three-year USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Innovation Grant. 

Heather Wirth, left, Hogan Creek watershed technician, and Mike Hornbach, Purdue Cooperative Extension educator for Dearborn County, pull soil samples on Marshall's farm.  Photo credit: Dearborn County SWCD

"It is great to be at Marshall Alford's farm," said Lisa Holscher, CCSI soil health program manager. "What's unique here is the fact Marshall has effectively set up controlled traffic zones on his farm. He essentially plans his field operations so he drives the same wheel tracks, pass after pass, year after year." 

"This, combined with nearly 30 years of no-till and 20 years working with cover crops, shows just how well soil health practices can benefit a region known for its tight, wet soils."  

"Marshall's farm is a great backdrop to emphasize that maintaining the status quo of soil organic matter levels just isn't good enough anymore," Holscher said. "We don't talk as much about reducing
organic matter loss," said Holscher. "Now we're talking about building organic matter."

Smith knows the annual tillage meeting is making a difference.

"After each meeting, we always have new farmers interested in learning more about the topics we presented," she said. Over the last couple of years, the focus has been on cover crops and the benefits of healthy soils. "To me, the new faces in the door and the new practices on the ground are a testament to the quality of the information and format of this event."