Opening

Ryan Bell opened the meeting at 8:36 a.m. with Zach Dimmich, Roger Sparenberg, David Taylor, Aaron Senesac and Julie Clark from SWCD, Amy Stewart from NRCS, and Diane Scheurich from FSA in attendance.

Partner Updates

NRCS- Amy Stewart presented a typed update of current updates for NRCS. In the update is information about Regenerative Pilot Program, MOU Rollout and signing process, NRCS Priorities, Avian Flu update, along with upcoming schedule for Amy.

FSA- Diane Scheurich presented a typed update of current updates for FSA. In the update is information concerning the County Office Committee, John Allison completing his term, Current totals of the CRP acres for 2025. Also stated in the update about Supplemental Relief Program Stage 2 (SDRP), the availability of conducting business with FSA online, and the dates to remember along with interest rates for Commodity and storage facility loans.

ISDA- George Reger was not able to attend the February meeting; however, he did come in January and presented the ISDA will be starting the Cover Crop Incentive Program which involves free soil samples for agriculture producers requesting soil samples. This program will open in February, with spring sign-up available on the ISDA Website for as long as the funding is available.

New Business

Monthly documents- After review of monthly documents, Zach made a motion to approve minutes, funds ledger, APV, bank statement, bank recon, Trust Indiana statement for December of 2025 since there was no meeting held in January. Along with funds ledger, APV, bank statement, bank recon, and Trust Indiana statement for January. Roger seconded the motion, all approved.

Appointed Supervisor position- Marilyn McFatridge resigned in December 2025 leaving a vacancy. The board determined Aaron Senesac would be a good fit for the SWCD Board. Roger made a motion to nominate Aaron Senesac for the vacant appointed position. Zach seconded the motion, all approved. Julie will submit Aaron’s name to the State Soil Conservation Board for approval.

Website renewal- After some discussion of the progress with the website, the board is pleased with RMK Creative Solutions to continue with maintenance of the website. Zach made a motion to approve annual payment to RMK Creative Solutions for said maintenance and improvements. Roger seconded the motion, all approved.

New Printer- Julie asked the board to consider getting a newer, better printer for the district. She presented a couple different options and prices, Ryan asked of how much the ink cartridges would cost and capabilities or quantities on printing. The purchase of said printer would not occur until after the district receives the annual funding from the state. Ryan purposed to table this decision to allow for more research and options.

Storage Unit Renewal- Zach made a motion to continue to rent the storage unit despite the increase in cost. Roger seconded the motion, all approved.

Sponsorship for Warren Co. Fair- The board discussed being a sponsor at the Warren County 4-H Fair for a day, with the potential of also setting up in the tent when the sign-up is available. Zach made motion to approve sponsorship for a day with the Warren Co. 4-H Fair, Roger seconded the motion, all approved.

Old Business

Sponsorship letters- Julie informed the board the sponsorship letters have been received and returned with 2026 sponsorships currently.

Business Plan review- The board will review the business plan to make sure of any updates needing to be added. The business plan comes up for renewal in 2027.

Annual meeting- The board discussed about the Annual meeting to make sure all is on track. Julie informed the board, all is well in hand. She asked the board to make sure to be there by 4 p.m. if possible, for setting up purposes. Ryan reminded the board he would not be able to attend due to family priorities.

LARE Update-Julie informed the board the grant was submitted on time of January 15 th with help from Leslie Fisher and Heather Nally from Benton County SWCD. We are now waiting to hear back from DNR of approval or denial.

Conservation Farmer of the Year Award- The board decided to have two awards for the CFoY in 2027 Annual Meeting. One for 2025 and one for 2026. Julie will conduct an interview with Doc Cottingham for the 2025 award for Ray to be awarded posthumously.

Dates- were listed and reviewed

• January 19- Fountain Co. Annual Meeting

• February 4-January Board Meeting rescheduled

• February 5- Warren Co. Annual Meeting

• February 10-State Soil Conservation Board Meeting

• February 11-Tippecanoe Co. SWCD Annual Meeting

• February 17-Montgomery Co. SWCD Annual Meeting

• February 19- Benton Co. SWCD Annual Meeting

• March 4-Kick Off Meeting for Big Shawnee Watershed Project

• March 11-Next SWCD Board Meeting

• March 23-Steering Committee Meeting for BSW Project

Signed pdf agenda