A Big Thank You to Mike Werling!

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.

Mike Werling (Allen County SWCD) on his farm homestead in Adams County, Indiana off Winchester Road. Mike is a soil health farmer who practices no-till, cover crops, and other conservation practices.
Mike Werling on his homestead in Adams County, Indiana. Mike is a soil health farmer who practices no-till, cover crops, and other conservation practices.
Mike Werling (Allen County SWCD) at Bloomingdale Gardens in Fort Wayne, Indiana, installing a raised garden bed.
Mike Werling at Bloomingdale Gardens in Fort Wayne, Indiana, installing a raised garden bed.
Mike Werling (Allen County SWCD) at Roemke Farms annual Soil Health Field Day in Harlan, Indiana, explaining how a roller crimper terminates a cover crop before planting a new crop. Sorghum Sudan Grass featured.
Mike Werling at the 2021 Roemke Farms Annual Soil Health Field Day in Harlan, Indiana, explaining how a roller crimper terminates a cover crop before planting a new crop. Sorghum sudan grass featured.
Mike Werling and other farmers at Allen County SWCD's Stay at the Pay (2021) in Put-in-Bay, OH. OSU Research Vessel trolling for Lake Erie fish species.
Mike Werling and other farmers at Allen County SWCD’s Stay at the Pay (2021) in Put-in-Bay, OH. OSU Research Vessel trolling for Lake Erie fish species.
Mike Werling with the Allen County SWCD sampling the release of carbon from soil. An IUPUI project.
Mike Werling sampling the release of carbon from soil. An IUPUI project.
Mike Werling (Allen County SWCD) revealing an earthworm tunnel in the soil of a farm in Harlan, Indiana. No-till and Cover Crops bring soil health and earthworms.
Mike Werling revealing an earthworm tunnel in the soil of a farm field in Harlan, Indiana.