Get the Dirt

A Day of Learning and Growing

Return To Roots

We ground ourselves by turning to what we can do and what is within our hands, our fields, and our reach. Like the farmer who shifts management practices to plant a cover crop, not just to protect the soil, but to feed the life beneath it. Or the Soil and Water employee who organizes a field day so others can see what’s possible: vegetable-filled, low-till beds with mulch, tarps, and intention. We root ourselves in purpose and ground ourselves with our mission. Just as a perennial coneflower goes dormant, she stores energy in her roots and will emerge strong the next season. Small farms are resilient. Soil health is essential. Neither is going anywhere.

DIG IN and GET THE DIRT about soil health on small farms!

Thursday, September 4 , 2025

9:00 am – 5:00 pm ET
Conference 9:00-2:00 pm ET | On-Farm Tour & Social 2:30-5:00 pm ET

Madison County Fairgrounds, 4-H Building Exhibit Hall – 512 E 4th St, Alexandria, IN 46001
Full Hand Farm – 3844 IN-13, Noblesville, IN 46060 for afternoon tour and on-farm social

This full-day event is for Indiana Conservation Partnership (ICP) staff and agricultural professionals who work with urban and small farms, vegetable growers, and diversified farms. Farmers are welcome to attend as much of the information is relevant for our producers, too.

We are still working on the details of the day. Keep an eye on our website, socials, and our newsletter for the full schedule of speakers and topics as we get closer to the date.

What to Expect: 

• Conference at Madison Co Fairgrounds (Google Maps directions)
  • Coffee & Networking 8:30 am ET
  • Welcome & Sessions 9:00 am ET
  • Lunch & Keynote with Nightfall Farm 12:00 pm ET
• Farm Tour & Social at Full Hand Farm starting at 2:30 pm ET (Google Maps directions)
  • This is a working farm. Expect uneven terrain, tall vegetation, and interaction with local flora and fauna.

Keynote

Conservation as Our Grounding Principle: Building a Farm and Life in Southeast Indiana

Join Liz and Nate Brownlee of Nightfall Farm as they dig into what it means to farm with conservation at the center of their practices. Now in year 12 of running their farm, they’ll share the wins, the lessons learned, and the real-life decisions behind building soil while keeping the farm viable. From partnering with groups like NRCS and SWCD to dialing in practical soil health strategies, they’ll offer a candid glimpse at what’s working, what they wish they’d figured out earlier, and where they’re headed next.

Our Supporters

Thanks to all our partners, sponsors, vendors, and everyone who make this event possible.

Registation