Farmer Breakfast Highlights Challenges and Benefits of Conservation Ag

TWF’s annual Farmer Breakfast, an educational event for area ag professionals, returned on February 28.

Around 40 people gathered at the North Webster Community Center to enjoy breakfast and learn how conservation agriculture practices can improve soil health, protect water quality, and benefit production. Speakers included Derek Thompson (DeKalb County Natural Resources Conservation Service) and Marc Eads (Indiana Wildlife Federation).

Thompson, a farmer and NRCS District Conservationist, kicked off the event by explaining the principles of soil health: minimizing soil disturbance and maximizing living roots, biodiversity, and soil cover. He detailed how practices like no-till planting, cover cropping, and nutrient management can help protect and enhance soil structure and biology, leading to healthier crops and better yields over time. 

Thompson shared his experiences using conservation practices in his own fields and with growers throughout DeKalb County, noting that techniques can be tailored to meet an operation’s unique needs. He also acknowledged that extreme weather and other conditions can present challenges, sharing examples from his own farm, like planting corn into overgrown cover crops in a wet spring. “We deal with [those conditions],” said Thompson. “We adapt and change.” He pointed out that despite challenges, healthier soil often leads to long-term benefits, including reduced costs and competitive yields. 

Next, Marc Eads, an agronomist and Clean Water Field Coordinator for Indiana Wildlife Federation, explained how farming practices have changed over the years, affecting natural resources–including water resources–for better or worse. He shared examples of how runoff from agricultural fields enters surface drains, carrying sediment and nutrients into waterways. Eads pointed out that adopting conservation practices like no-till planting can benefit both water quality and a farm’s success.  “A lot of guys still work their ground like it’s 1968. We need to change how we look at tillage for increased yields and profitability,” said Eads. 

As an example, Eads shared his experience collaborating with one grower in New Carlisle, Indiana. Over 11 years, Eads and the grower gradually transitioned the farm to a complete no-till operation. As soil health improved, the grower experienced several benefits, including earlier planting dates, decreased production costs, and increased yields. 

Like Thompson, Eads acknowledged the challenges and risks of adopting conservation farming practices. He offered steps farmers can take to set themselves up for success, including using tools like soil testing and new technologies, and he pointed out that that change takes time. “You’ll make mistakes,” said Eads. “Learn. Be patient.”

Throughout the breakfast, attendees had the opportunity to ask questions, network, and discuss conservation practices in use on their farms. They also learned more about technical assistance and cost-sharing programs available through The Watershed Foundation and area Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

“We love to bring local farmers together to share their experiences in a round table format,” said Lyn Crighton, TWF Executive Director. “Making connections and learning from one another is useful and important.”

This event was presented by The Watershed Foundation, in partnership with the Kosciusko and Whitley County Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation and Ferguson Farms provided generous sponsorship.

Thanks to everyone who made the 2025 Farmer Breakfast such a success, and thanks to all who attended–we look forward to seeing you next year!

For more information about TWF’s events and programs for farmers, contact our office, and visit our Conservation Agriculture page to learn how local farmers are keeping the land green and our lakes clean.