Beth Rumsey, Staff Writer

Milan farmers, Olus and June Dixon, received the Conservation Farmer of the Year award at the Ripley County Soil and Water Conservation District annual meeting held Thursday, January 29 at the Batesville Knights of Columbus Hall. The Dixons, along with their children Bill and Tammy, Steve and Sandi, all of Milan, and David and Lisa of Rensselaer, run a 1200 acre farm where they have practiced no-till farming for the past 15 years. Hay to feed their 115 brood cows is grown on 160 acres, as well as corn and soybeans. Each member of the family helps in the decisions of the farm. Bill helps with the work on the farm, Steve is the mechanic, and David assists in the decisions concerning the cattle.

Special recognition awards were given to Bill Borgman, Batesville, and Dan Reece, Osgood, for their dedicated service to the Ripley County SWCD. Borgman and Reece served as board supervisors as well as natural resource conservation advocates in Ripley County.

Terry Stephenson, coordinator for Historic Hoosier Hills Research and Conservation Development, received a special appreciation award for his leadership and guidance to countless committees and individuals in southeast Indiana. Ripley County in particular received Stephenson’s guidance with such projects as Branded Beef program; as well as South Laughery, Hogan Creek, and Central Muscatatuck watershed projects.

Chuck Folz, county commissioner, held the oath of office for re-elected board supervisor Jeff Meinders; Danny Geisler and Brian Evans, also supervisors.

Breakout sessions were held for those who wanted more information on topics such as forestry, pasture management, and farm lease options. District Forester, Darrel Breedlove, gave advice on the emerald ash borer as well as timber management. Dr. Alan Miller from Purdue University spoke on farm lease options, informing those interested about resources available for use to help in the decision to lease farmland. Pasture management topics were discussed by Dave Nuhring of Nuhring Farms, Batesville.

The Ripley County Soil and Water District assists in the conservation of the county’s natural resources such as wildlife, water and forests. The office is located in Versailles and staff can be reached at 812-689-6410, ext. 3.