SWCD & NRCS in Benton County, Indiana

How Funding Available in Benton County is being invested into local farmland to improve soil health and reduce nitrate runoff.

With extensive studies underway in Benton & Warren County to measure the amount of nitrate & phosphorus runoff in our local ditches, streams & watersheds. Several area farmers and landowners in the Big Pine Watershed are voluntarily taking part in nitrate runoff practices intended to prevent future regulation & all the while boost the bottom line to their operation by way of soil health.

“My yields have improved and I have been able to reduce nutrient applications to my fields.” – Don Knochel, Benton County, Indiana

2016 HighLights

From increased yields & better soil health, to a reduction of input costs, local farmers and landowners are realizing benefits of participation in the Big Pine Watershed project.

1,584 Acres | Total acres that received cost share $$$ in Benton County in 2016

2,020 Acres | Total acres enrolled in FieldPrint Calculator

2,544 Tons | # of tons of phosphorus runoff prevented by cover crops in Benton County.

$1.36 Million | Approx. $$$ value of 2,544 tons of phosphorus per USDA Cost study.

For more information about conservation practices, cost-share funding available in Benton County, contact Leslie Fisher at the Benton County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) office at (765)-884-0660.

The Big Pine Watershed Project is currently a voluntary program that landowners & farmers can sign up for today. Depending on the location of your land, there are a variety of programs you may qualify for to get funding that will reduce nitrate runoff & improve the health of your #1 Asset – your land.