Indiana farmers continue to lead the nation in soil conservation efforts. A recent survey shows Hoosier farmers planted about 1.6 million acres of overwinter living covers last season, ranking Indiana among the top states for cover crop adoption.

Cover crops and small grains, like wheat, help boost organic matter, improve soil health, and filter water runoff. Lieutenant Governor Beckwith praised farmers for preserving what she called “one of God’s most precious gifts — Earth,” despite the extra costs.

Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Don Lamb, also a Boone County farmer, says these practices prevent sediment loss and nutrient runoff. In fact, it’s estimated 1.8 million tons of sediment were kept out of state waterways last year.

The conservation survey also found that around 70% of row crop acres were not tilled this past winter, further protecting the soil.