The Allen County Soil and Water Conservation District is extending a huge thank you and round of applause to Mike Werling, our Conservation Programs Specialist. Mike, a fourth-generation conservation farmer in Adams County, has been working for the District since 2018. Before this, he frequently volunteered for the Allen Co. SWCD at the Fort Wayne Farm Show and other events. Mike started his journey of soil health and conservation farming because he hated seeing erosion in his fields. Today he uses over 17 cover crops, incorporates no-till, and utilizes other best management practices such as grass waterways, water and sediment control basins, buffer strips around his upland areas, and drainage water management.

During his time with the District, Mike advocated for soil health through public presentations, educational workshops, farm tours, and working directly with local producers. We cannot thank Mike enough for all the time and energy he dedicated to the Allen County Soil and Water Conservation District. We wish him the best as he takes on his new role as the Adams County, IN Surveyor. We know he will be successful in improving drainage systems, reducing erosion, and keeping nutrients from entering Adams County’s waterways.