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Robert Embree fights soil erosion on land he owns, and urges others to adopt conservation practices.

Tom J Bechman 1, Editor, Indiana Prairie Farmer

October 29, 2021

1 Min Read
Robert Embree
PROTECTING THE SOIL: Whether it’s on his own farm or on other land, Robert Embree works hard to encourage protecting the soil. He was named Supervisor of the Year in 2021 by the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Belinda Hussong

Protecting the land is important to Robert “Butch” Embree. And why not? Some of the land he owns is a Hoosier Homestead Farm dating back to 1836, when the Embree family began farming the land in Grant County, Ind.

Today, Embree, a retired farmer, still watches over the land he owns. Part of it is devoted to raising alfalfa and grass forage to sell. Keeping the land in forage helps minimize the potential for soil erosion.

When he had the opportunity, Embree became a supervisor with the Grant County Soil and Water Conservation District five years ago. He has served as chairman for the past three years.

“I was interested in becoming a supervisor because I wanted to help enlighten others about the value of conservation practices like cover crops and other conservation measures,” he says. “The goal is to keep soil in the field and our streams running clean and clear.”

The Grant County SWCD partners with several other groups on conservation projects, including people in the Lower Salamonie River Watershed and the Upper Mississinewa River Watershed. The SWCD also works with Taylor University and Indiana Wesleyan University on conservation programs. Sources say Embree plays an important role in making those relationships successful.

He has also championed county funding for the SWCD. “When I joined the board, the district wasn’t receiving funding,” Embree says. “We’ve worked with county officials to reestablish funding. The SWCD is now receiving funds from the county, but we’re still working to make the funding permanent.”

Embree was recognized as the Supervisor of the Year by the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. The award is sponsored by Indiana Prairie Farmer.

About the Author(s)

Tom J Bechman 1

Editor, Indiana Prairie Farmer

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