Indiana to further promote soil health management systems education and implementation throughout indiana on small farms and farmers new to agriculture

The Indiana Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts (IASWCD) received a $500,000 Cooperative Agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) under the Soil and Water Conservation program (CFDA 10.902), awarded September 18, 2025, with completion targeted for September 1, 2030. This award funds IASWCD to promote soil health management systems education and implementation throughout Indiana, with a specific focus on small farms and farmers new to agriculture. The agreement supports the organization's mission to serve as an intermediary between federal conservation programs and Indiana's local soil and water conservation districts.

Through this funding, IASWCD will deliver comprehensive technical assistance, educational programming, and collaborative conservation initiatives to advance soil health adoption and climate-smart agricultural practices across the state's farming communities. These services align with the broader Soil and Water Conservation program's objectives to provide conservation technical assistance and support sustainable land management practices that address soil erosion, water quality, and habitat preservation. This award complements IASWCD's existing portfolio of six active or recently awarded cooperative agreements totaling significant federal funding for statewide conservation coordination and outreach activities.