Meet the board: Jeremy Russell

Q: What motivated you to get involved with the Soil and Water Conservation District?

A: Conservation has become something I care a lot about, especially as we’ve implemented more of it on our own farm.

Around the time I joined the board, I had just stepped away from a few other commitments—at church and Farm Bureau—which opened up some time. I’d been watching the work the Soil and Water District was doing and thought it would be a good opportunity to get involved more directly.

Given that we’ve really gone after cover crops and no-till practices in our operation, it just felt like a natural fit to bring that perspective to the board and try to help others along the way.

Q: How did your background in Agricultural Economics influence your interest in conservation?

A: Studying Ag Econ at Purdue gave me a really well-rounded education. It focused a lot on the business side of agriculture—things like budgets, balance sheets, and finance—which I hadn’t had much experience with before. But what really stuck with me was how that way of thinking—about systems, efficiency, and return on investment—applies to conservation too. 

When we started learning about no-till and cover crops, it wasn’t just about the environmental benefits. We realized that, over time, these practices could be more profitable. They reduce inputs, build resilience, and create long-term value. 

That connection between good stewardship and good business is what really got me passionate. And the more I’ve learned, the more I’ve come to care about the bigger picture. It’s evolved into a broader conservation mindset for me.

Q: When did your farm begin implementing practices like no-till and cover crops?

A: My dad started experimenting with no-till around 2008, so we were already headed in that direction. But we didn’t fully commit to using them across the farm until about 2015. That’s when we started making them a consistent part of our system. 

Since then, we’ve been making adjustments every year—changing species, tweaking timing, and adapting based on field conditions. One thing we’ve learned is that just when you think you’ve figured it all out, something new comes up—a weather event, a soil response, or a market shift—that forces you to adapt again. 

So we’re still learning, but we’ve built a system that works for us most years, and it continues to improve over time.

Q: What’s one example of how these practices have paid off for your operation?

A: One of the clearest examples is weed suppression with cereal rye. This year we had a few hundred acres where we got a really nice, thick stand. That let us skip some of the usual herbicides. That saved us around $15 an acre—basically the cost of planting the cereal rye in the first place—so it paid for itself just in chemical savings. 

Of course, there are other benefits that are harder to measure, like improving soil structure. 

Cover crops can send roots down 36 inches or more—way deeper than any tillage equipment we use—so over time they create channels and improve infiltration. But that’s a long game. You won’t see the payoff in year one, and if you’re expecting a quick return, you’ll probably be disappointed. 

You have to commit to it. That mindset shift really started for us after visiting (sustainable farming expert) Dave Brandt’s farm.

Q: Tell us more about that visit to Dave Brandt’s farm. What impact did it have on you?

A: That was a turning point for me. We visited his farm around 2012 or 2013—right after a severe drought. Dave was a pioneer in cover crops, and when we stepped into his fields, the soil was rich, dark, and full of life. There were earthworms everywhere.

Then we walked about 20 feet over into his neighbor’s field, which had been conventionally tilled. It was hard as a rock—no worms, no structure, and definitely not the same level of productivity. That side-by-side comparison made it so clear: Dave had weatherproofed his farm.

His soils could handle droughts better, absorb heavy rains better, and overall were just more resilient. That’s when it really clicked. I remember thinking, if I start this now, maybe by the time I’m 50, I’ll have built something like that. But if I never start, I’ll never get there.

Q: What are you proud of in Delaware County when it comes to conservation?

A: I think we’re starting to see more farmers experiment with cover crops, which is great. Adoption isn’t everywhere yet, but it’s growing.

And what I really like is that the Soil and Water Board isn’t only focused on agriculture. We’ve got projects like the White River Branding Project, led by Joe Hamilton, which supports recreation and water quality. We’re also involved in invasive species management, and more.

As one of three farmers on the board, it’s exciting to see us branching out and serving the broader community. And I can’t say enough about our staff—Claire, Lauren, and Colby do amazing work. We give direction, but they’re the ones out there making it happen.

Q: What’s your vision for the future of conservation in the county?

A: I’d like to see more no-till, more cover crops, and just more experimentation in general. There’s a lot changing in ag right now—carbon markets, herbicide restrictions, technology shifts—and I think those changes will push more people toward conservation.

But it’s not one-size-fits-all. Every farm is different, and you really have to figure out what works in your own system. That’s where I think we, as a board, can help.

Supervisors Joe Hamilton, Erik Fisher, and I have been through a lot of trial and error, and we’re here to be a resource for others who are just getting started. Whether it’s through cost-share programs or just sharing what we’ve learned, we want to support farmers in building more resilient operations. 

Because in the long run, those systems are better for the land, better for the business, and better for the community.

Want to learn more about conservation practices or cover crop programs?
Jeremy and his fellow board members are happy to share their experience and help guide your operation. Contact the Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District to learn about opportunities, resources, and cost-share programs available in your area.