2016 – Putnam County SWCD

Spring is Here! But a word of Caution…

Thu, 31 Mar 2016 15:56:00 GMT

Buds and blooms abound in Putnam County! Even as March closes with clouds, rain, and temperatures forecast to get into the high 60’s, remember that spring has come a little earlier than usual. I hate to burst anyone’s bubble, but there is still a chance of freezing temperatures this spring. The average date of the last spring freeze in Greencastle is April 26 according to the National Weather Service. With that said, the record for the earliest last spring freeze is March 25, 1998. So there is hope! For everyone out there itching to get in the garden or flowerbeds, proceed with caution. This is a great time to prepare the soil for planting. The weeds have been growing along with the grass and flowers, so pull away! However, if you are planting delicate plants that would get damaged by freeze or frost, it might be best to wait a little longer.

Congratulations to the Conservationist of the Year!

Thu, 31 Mar 2016 14:43:00 GMT

We would like to say congratulations to the 2015 Conservationist of the Year! Our 2015 Conservationist of the Year is Lucas Family Farms! While this may not be the most familiar farm name in Putnam County Agriculture, there is a familiar face that goes with this name. Dan Lucas is a key member of Lucas Family Farms, and works full time at the Putnam/Hendricks FSA office (located in the USDA Greencastle Service Center along with NRCS and the SWCD). Dan started using conservation practices on the family farm after getting inspired from other familiar faces in the office. When told he was getting the award, Dan mentioned that he felt like he “is not there yet”. He feels that there is still work to do in furthering conservation practices on the farm. This, of course, just reinforced for us that he is the perfect candidate for the award. True conservationists are continually on the lookout for improving their systems! Congratulations to Lucas Family Farms!

Dan Lucas and family being presented with the award from Farm Credit of Mid America.

Conservation is a process!

Mon, 08 Feb 2016 18:26:00 GMT

I had a chance to sit down with our 2015 Conservation Farmer of the Year this week. (We will announce who won the award this year at a later date, stay tuned!) When Sue and I announced that he was nominated, he admitted that there was still things that he needed to accomplish and that he didn’t feel like he was “there” yet. We discussed that conservation happens in baby steps.

Admittedly, some “baby steps” aren’t so small, like the decision to completely change your entire system to no-till, but you are never finished conserving. So what is your next “baby step” in your conservation practices and how can we help get you there?