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Farming for the Long Haul: A Q&A with Erik Fisher
Chairman, Delaware County Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors
As chairman of the Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors, Erik Fisher brings both practical experience and long-term vision to the table.
He’s a fourth-generation farmer with a deep family legacy in Delaware County, where his family has worked the land for more than a century.
But Fisher’s path hasn’t been linear. After studying aviation at Purdue and spending years as a professional pilot, he returned to the family farm full-time in 2011. Today, he farms alongside his father Jeff, sells Pioneer seed, and continues to fly part-time—all while experimenting with conservation practices, raising three kids, and helping steer the future of conservation in east-central Indiana.
We caught up with Erik to talk about how he got involved in conservation work, what motivates him, and where he sees things going next.
Q: What motivated you to join the SWCD board, and how did it begin?
Q: What motivated you to join the SWCD board, and how did it begin?
A: I joined the board around 2017 or 2018. We’d used cost-share programs through the district—mainly for cover crops—and when a board member stepped down, I was encouraged to step in. I felt like if I’d benefited from the program, I should give back.
I was already more conservation-minded than most in our area, so it made sense. Plus, I’ve always enjoyed the business side of the district—each meeting is different, and we get things done.
Q: How has your family history shaped your approach to farming?
Q: How has your family history shaped your approach to farming?
A: I’m the fourth generation in our family to farm in Delaware County. My dad was laid off from a GM plant when I was born and that’s when he went all-in on farming. I started helping when I was young and officially joined him full-time in 2011.
That long-term connection to the land influences how I think about stewardship. I don’t just want to farm—I want to leave things better.
Q: Your farm has been no-till for more than 30 years. What kind of difference does that long-term commitment make?
Q: Your farm has been no-till for more than 30 years. What kind of difference does that long-term commitment make?
A: Having an established no-till system is a big advantage. We know our fields inside and out—where tile lines are, where we have drainage issues. Nutrient cycling is already working, soil structure is in place, and we’re not compacting things during a wet harvest.
We’ve layered in cover crops, too, which has helped reduce erosion and manage weed pressure. It’s not perfect, but it’s working.
Q: You’re someone who experiments a lot—what drives that?
Q: You’re someone who experiments a lot—what drives that?
A: I’m always looking to improve. Last year we planted 100% of our acres in cover crops for the first time. This year we’re simplifying with just cereal rye due to late planting. Another issue from last year, one of our mixes didn’t survive the winter, and we lost a lot of its benefit. That’s part of the learning process.
“I like to be hands-on. If there's a new practice or seed mix, I want to see how it performs in real conditions—on my own acres—before I recommend it to someone else. That way, I can speak from experience, not just theory.”
Q: What keeps you motivated to keep pushing forward with conservation practices?
Q: What keeps you motivated to keep pushing forward with conservation practices?
A: For me, it’s about the big picture. If something improves efficiency, protects the land, and keeps us financially stable—even if just slightly—that’s a win. Not everything pays off right away, and some things don’t work. But if the overall trajectory is forward, I’m happy. I also like the challenge. Conservation keeps farming interesting.
Q: What accomplishments are you most proud of from your time on the board?
Q: What accomplishments are you most proud of from your time on the board?
A: I think we’ve made big progress on both the Rural and urban sides. The transect data shows we have a strong percentage of acres in cover crops in Delaware County. And we’ve taken on some impressive watershed and river restoration projects—dam removals, regional initiatives, and partnerships with national, state, and local conservation groups and couldn’t do it without our local foundations.
A lot of this work spans multiple counties, and our district plays a central role—but we don’t always get credit because we’re not in it for the spotlight.
Q: What’s your vision for the future of conservation in Delaware County?
Q: What’s your vision for the future of conservation in Delaware County?
A: Changing the mindset. Cost-share programs are useful, but only if someone’s truly ready to make a change. It can’t just be about chasing free money—it has to mean something.
Conservation programs aren’t a magic pill, and the benefits don’t happen overnight. We need to educate and prepare people so they stick with it through the hard parts. It’s also why I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all mandates. What works in one county won’t work in another.
Local knowledge, long-term thinking, and real commitment—that’s what’s going to move the needle.
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