The Conservation Cropping Systems Initiative (CCSI) expanded its core team this month to include a new conservation cropping systems agronomist, Ashley Hammac. Ashley joins the CCSI team to provide education on conservation agriculture to a variety of audiences across the state and to assist with soil health research, demonstrations, and data collection from farmers that cooperate with the project.

"We are excited to have Ashley on board with the CCSI team," said Les Zimmerman, chair of the CCSI oversight committee. "We look forward to an energetic outreach effort to promote conservation cropping systems in Indiana and to help our ag producers realize the potential of healthy, well managed soils to positively impact our water quality along with their bottom line."

Ashley brings an educational background in environmental soil and water studies and agronomy to the position. He also draws on his experience working with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, where he worked in permitting and compliance for aquatic coastal systems impact. Though he did not grow up farming, his parents did, and Ashley looks forward to becoming more involved in farming himself.

Eileen Kladivko, a member of the CCSI steering committee and professor of Agronomy at Purdue University, stated, "Ashley brings a passion for conservation to our CCSI team, and he is excited to work with the many committed partners in this effort.  His location at Purdue will also facilitate greater interactions with Purdue Extension Specialists and County Educators in the areas of soil health and conservation cropping systems."

Ashley looks forward to being a resource for local soil and water conservation districts and other partners as well. He may be reached at ahammac@purdue.edu or at 251-259-7614 (cell) or 765-496-0503 (office).

On Farm Network Becomes INfield Advantage

The new 2015 INfield Advantage map - see below for a link to download a full PDF version.

Last year, the On Farm Network program completed its USDA CIG grant and the Indiana Corn Marketing Council/Indiana Soybean Alliance reaffirmed their continuing support of the program. In their March 2014 Strategic Plan, Corn and Soy suggested doubling grower engagement over the next few years and funding the program through Checkoff.