We are proud of the work we have accomplished as a small team, covering a lot of territory and engaging with numerous stakeholders. We are grateful for the local partnership opportunities and the trust of growers who have implemented conservation practices on Indiana farms and gardens.
27 Local Working Groups lead initiatives to support their community of small-scale growers: site visits, soil tests, and events.
$130,000+ paid
to local Working Groups for incentive payments and reimbursements for their community activities.
500+ Events
performed by our team and local partners to advance conservation practices.
17,500+ People reached
via attendance at educational events, workshops and site visits.
760+ Site visits
to backyard and community gardens, market farms, and diversified growers.
560+ Soil tests
provide baseline nutrient analysis and soil organic matter content.
480+ Technical assists
provide site-specific conservation practice recommendations.
10,500+ cover crop bags
given out for growers to try cover crops at home in their crop rotations.
Annual Reports
Take a look at our annual impact reports to see highlights of our growth and strategic progress toward advancing soil health education and advocacy for small-scale growers and agricultural professionals. We are lucky to have so much fun doing important work!
Past Reports
Testimonials
The voices of our community speak louder than our own. Read a few words of feedback from our stakeholders to be inspired by the impacts our team and partners are having on the ground.
Local Working Group – Purdue Extension
“Being part of an USH working group has helped me become better able to support local diversified growers in implementing soil health and conservation practices! I have learned so much and am excited to continue passing this knowledge on to growers.” – Allen County Purdue Extension
Local Working Group – Soil & Water
“Bringing the USH program into our county has allowed us to reach an underserved part of our agricultural community: small farmers, community gardens, gardeners, and diverse producers. We were able to work together with FSA and NRCS partners, connecting the community with even more local resources. It has allowed us to educate about soil health, conservation, the District and its resources as well as build relationships with farmers. Ongoing support for educational events, supplies and staff professional improvement is a big plus for SWCDs! A strong volunteer base created through parallel programs such as Master Gardeners or Master Naturalist is helpful for the success of the soil sampling program.” – Kosciusko County SWCD
Local Working Group – Soil & Water
“USH has provided us with technical resources pertinent to our small and specialty farmers that we wouldn’t otherwise have, allowing us to better service a wider variety of clients.” – Sarah Longenecker, St. Joseph County SWCD
Local Working Group – Soil & Water
“Our number of non-traditional customers through this program has skyrocketed. We have been able to reach a sector of our population we previously struggled with. Having a regional staff person who is knowledgeable and accessible has been a benefit as well.”
Local Working Group – Soil & Water
“2024 was our first year providing soil tests and technical assistance to small growers. I was amazed at how many people signed up! It was so nice to be able to meet face-to-face with growers on their property and discuss ways to make their soil and gardens healthier and more productive. Looking forward to continuing this program in the years to come.”
Grower
“I feel that with out the push from Urban Soil’s Megan Ayers, I would have probably spent the next few seasons toiling away on my agroforestry project with out much interest in sharing, hosting or demonstrating. But I was inspired to be more civic minded and reach out to ask questions and share what I have experienced. I feel more connected to a larger movement, and less alone in this venture. I am greatly appreciative of Urban Soil efforts to reach out, support and encourage people like me to keep working each day at doing it better.”
Grower
“I love knowing there is someone out there who cares about the soil as much as I do. There is definitely a peace of mind in knowing my USH specialist has my back and is ready to answer my questions and support me however she can.”
Farmer & Local Working Group member
“Urban Soil Health has given our farm the resources it needs to make informed decisions for applying soil health practices. We have taken that information and applied it to improve our yields and reduce labor inputs on our farm. Additionally, the networking events have allowed a constant communication between other farmers for bouncing ideas off of or asking for advice. – Ryan Lee, Lee’s Edible Acres, St. Joseph County
Professional development trip attendee
“What an amazing trip [to Maine no-till intensive]. The comradery, networking, and perspectives within our group of conservationists, growers, and small farm advocates were as beautifully productive as the farms that graciously hosted us. A special thanks to SARE, Urban Soil Health, Frith Farm, and Stonecipher Farm. Daniel May’s wisdom, Ian Jerolmack’s keen business sense, and their dedication to soil health and intensive production made for highly educational and enlightening farm tours.” – Kevin Allison, Marion County SWCD