Out of 58,000 farms in the state of Indiana, one farm in Marshall County received the statewide award of River-Friendly Farmer at the Indiana State Fair on Farmers’ Day August 16.
John and Laura Langfeldt were among 49 farmers who received the River-Friendly Farmer award from the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (IASWCD) for their work they do on their land to protect Indiana’s natural resources.
The Marshall County Soil and Water Conservation District nominated John and Laura for the award based upon their farm management practices that protect Indiana’s rivers, lakes, and streams.
Debbie Palmer, District Coordinator for Marshall County Soil and Water said, “The Yellow River runs through Langfeldt Farms in the Kankakee Watershed. This farm produces commercial corn and soybeans. Better water infiltration, cleaner water leaving the fields, less wind and water erosion are all benefits experienced through the Landfeldt’s conservation practices. Cover crops, no-till corn and soybeans as well as timber stand improvements, tree plantings and waterways have contributed to savings in labor hours, fuel and machinery maintenance. Jon and Laura share, that cover crops residue have protected their land and the earthworm population has exploded. The Landfelts have been involved with the SWCD board, are members of St. Michael Catholic Church and annually attend the National No-till conference.”
The River-Friendly Farmer Award has been presented by the IASWCD and sponsored by the 92 local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and Indiana Farm Bureau, Inc. since 2000. This year’s group of award winners brings the total number of River-Friendly Farmers in Indiana since the awards beginning to 912.
