INDIANAPOLIS – Long-term investments often require patience and attention, but they usually offer the greatest return. This is why many Indiana corn and soybean farmers have taken extra steps to adopt conservation practices that improve the soil health on their farms.

These farmers have learned that every field on their farm is different, and that there’s no single solution to improving soil health, reducing erosion or lowering input costs. To help those who are interested in these goals, the state’s corn and soybean checkoff programs are working with a group of farmers who have learned the hard way – through experience.

The Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) and the Indiana Corn Marketing Council (ICMC) pulled together experienced farmers to volunteer in a program called Farm Advisors. These farmers want to share with others what has – and hasn’t – worked on their farms. The Farm Advisors will talk one-on-one with farmers interested in trying no-till, cover crops and other commonly used conservation techniques.

“Over the years I’ve seen how conservation practices like cover crops, no-till, and nutrient and weed management can improve soil health, reduce erosion, boost yields and lower input costs,” said ISA Board Director Roger Wenning, a farmer from Greensburg, Ind. “I started using these practices out of necessity in the 1980s. My topsoil was washing off my rolling hills at the time, and I needed to find a way to cut costs and save my soil. I learned a lot by trial and error.”

He hopes other farmers can benefit from that experience. “I want to help others avoid some common mistakes when trying new conservation methods,” Wenning said. “I’m one of the founding members of Farm Advisors, a farmer-led, peer-to-peer program. The farmers involved are willing and able to answer questions, and share lessons learned.”

The program seeks to create a bond where farmers can share ideas and ask questions. Farm Advisors will work to connect farmers with similar goals, and they can connect by phone or by text or in person – whatever is most comfortable. Farm Advisors will also host two meetings a year to share ideas, attend workshops and distribute new information.

Tom Murphy is a director on the Indiana Corn Growers Association board and a farmer from Chesterton, Ind. He grows corn and soybeans on sandy soils near Lake Michigan. Murphy is a believer in the Farm Advisors program.

“My goal is to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come by using innovative conservation practices and technology,” Murphy explained. “My advice for farmers interested in planting cover crops, switching to no-till or implementing other conservation practices is to take advantage of available resources like Farm Advisors.”

Farm Advisors is free to all Indiana farmers who want to participate. To find out more or sign up to participate, go online to farmadvisors.ag.