Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Walnut Creek Crossing was among Indiana farmers recognized Aug. 18 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds for their outstanding commitment to conservation and land stewardship during the 2026 River Friendly Farmer Award Ceremony.
Approximately 200 farmers, family members, conservation partners and guests gathered during the Indiana State Fair to celebrate this year’s River Friendly Farmer Award recipients. The ceremony honored farmers who have implemented proven conservation practices — such as cover crops, no-till farming, field borders and other innovative approaches — to reduce erosion, improve water quality and build healthy soils. These efforts help protect Indiana’s rivers, streams and lakes while contributing to healthier waterways far beyond the state’s borders, according to a provided news release.
Special guest Don Lamb, director, Indiana State Department of Agriculture, joined the celebration and recognized the dedication of Indiana farmers who are committed to protecting the land and water resources that sustain their farms and communities.
Local farmer Bill Stofer, owner of Walnut Creek Crossing, nominated by the Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District, was among this year’s honorees. Bill has implemented cover crops, no-till, nutrient management, exclusion fencing, and watering facilities on his approximately 1,000 acres of cropland, forested land and beef operation. For the past 15 years his operation has utilized many of these conservation practices to ensure continued protection of Walnut Creek and Indiana’s rivers, lakes, and streams.
A shared theme among this year’s recipients is a commitment to leaving the land better than they found it, and Stofer is no exception. Through thoughtful stewardship and a dedication to conservation, he is helping protect Indiana’s natural resources for future generations, the release states.
The River Friendly Farmer Award is a program of the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (IASWCD) and Indiana’s 92 Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
The 2026 River Friendly Farmer Award Ceremony is sponsored by Indiana Farm Bureau, The Nature Conservancy, Indiana Corn Marketing Council, Indiana Soybean Alliance and Indiana State Department of Agriculture.
A full list of 2026 River Friendly Farmer Award recipients is available on the River Friendly Farmer Award page.
