INDIANAPOLIS, IN - On July 29th, the Indiana Conservation Cropping System Initiative (CCSI) received national recognition from the Soil & Water Conservation Society (SWCS) for their work in soil conservation. The Society presented the award at their 69th SWCS International Annual Conference in Lombard, Illinois. 

Les Zimmerman and Bob Eddleman accepted the SWCS Merit Award for CCSI. Dan Towery served as past President of SWCS.

Les Zimmerman of the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts Board and Bob Eddleman, a past president of SWCS and member of the Indiana State Soil Conservation Board, accepted the Society's 2014 Merit Award on behalf of all those involved in the Indiana CCSI effort.

The SWCS Merit Award is presented "in recognition of an outstanding activity, product, or service by a group, business firm, corporation, or organization that promotes the conservation of soil, water, and related natural resources."

CCSI has brought together farmers, landowners, government agencies, commodity groups, and agribusiness in sharing information, conducting trials, and holding field days and workshops in an effort to improve the health of Indiana's soils.  A healthy soil results in higher yields while at the same time improving water quality.

The members of the Indiana Chapter of the SWCS.

Lisa Holscher, IASWCD Soil Health Program Manager, credits the initiative's accomplishments to the cooperative spirit among their partners. "This award is a result of all of the efforts of all of the individuals, agencies, organizations, farmers, and agribusinesses 

associated with CCSI."

CCSI and IASWCD hope that this model for partnerships can be replicated in other states to further promote soil health.

###