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Farmers helping farmers

Photo by Brownfield’s Erin Anderson.

A Hamilton county farmer says a soil health mentor program is working to increase adoption of conservation practices. 

Rodney Rulon says Farm Advisors is connecting seasoned farmers with those who are just getting started.

“We were successful because we had somebody that had poured into us and helped us when we had trouble,” he says. “As a group of farmers with some experience that we thought other people could benefit from, we decided to start this advisory network.”

He tells Brownfield the long-term goal is for farmers to continue using soil health practices.

“So many of the state and federal programs that provide money to people for soil health practices work great when the money is gone, the adoption kind of falls off,” he says “What we want to do is help people have good experiences.”

The network is currently operating under CCSI by a grant from the Indiana Soybean Alliance, Indiana Corn Growers Association, and the Indiana Corn Marketing Council. 

To sign up to become a mentor, mentee, or for more information visit farmadvisors.ag.

Brownfield interviewed Rulon at the 2025 Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts Annual Meeting.

AUDIO: Rodney Rulon