Ted Martz from Wells County was honored as a River-Friendly Farmer on Aug. 7 in Indianapolis.
The Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts hosts this annual event to recognize farmers who use best management practices like cover crops and filter strips. These efforts enhance soil health and prevent erosion, protecting Indiana’s waterways.
Martz’s farm is located in Ossian, where he raises corn and beans. Ted has utilized waterways, water and sediment control basins and buffer strips. Martz also maintains woodlands and wetlands and uses no-till. He was named the Farmer of the Year at the Indiana Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts in 2005.
Martz said he cares about the next generation of farmers, and advised producers to no-till to be committed, be positive and encourage others.
Sponsored by Indiana Farm Bureau, The Nature Conservancy, and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, the River-Friendly Farmer Award ceremony takes place during the Indiana State Fair. This year’s recipients join over 1,100 farmers recognized since the program began in 2000.
Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, along with Kendell Culp, vice president of Indiana Farm Bureau, and other Indiana Conservation Partner leaders, expressed gratitude for the farmers’ dedication to preserving Indiana’s natural resources and contributing to the quality of life in the Hoosier state.
A complete list of recipients is available on the IASWCD website.
