A Day of Learning & 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.
Do not delay! Register by August 26th to secure your spot and lunch!
Conference
Our speakers and schedule have been confirmed.
We have the full-day schedule HERE (pdf) and below (image).
OR view the FULL program with session descriptions HERE.
What to Expect:
- Conference at Madison Co Fairgrounds (directions)
- Networking & Coffee 8:30 am ET
- Welcome & Sessions 9:00 am ET
- Lunch 12:00 pm ET
- Session, Closing Remarks, and Awards Ceremony 1:00 pm ET
- On Farm Tour & Social at Full Hand Farm starting at 2:30 pm ET (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.
Farm Tour & Social
Join us for a tour and on-farm social at Full Hand Farm, a diversified organic market farm growing local vegetables year-round. Genesis and Eli say:
… farming is both our vocation and livelihood; we farm this way because we believe the environment matters; we have a responsibility to be good stewards of our vital natural resources. We also farm this way to support our family and a team of employees, operating always with a spirit of constant improvement. This means we are dedicated to using growing methods and management principles that improve our soils, our ecology, and our community more and more each year.
Our Supporters
Thanks to all our partners, sponsors, vendors, and everyone who make this event possible.
We would appreciate your support in spreading the word and inviting interested individuals from your circle. Below are the links to digitally share within your networks.
Registation
The event is past, and registration has closed. Please keep an eye on our events page for upcoming events and sign up for our newsletter to stay informed.