On July 11, Rochester’s Tom Schwenk, standing center-right with plaque, was presented with the Master Farmer Award for his efforts to conserve soil and water resources. Pictured from left are his son, Brock Schwenk; grandson, Tommy Schwenk; Brock’s wife, Tasha Schwenk; grandson, Brandt Schwenk; Tom Schwenk; wife, Charlee Schwenk; and daughter, Abby Fitzgerald, who is holding her son, Brady Fitzgerald. Photo provided by Charlee Schwenk.

By David Hazledine
InkFreeNews

FULTON COUNTY — On July 11, Fulton County farmer Tom Schwenk was awarded the Indiana Master Farmer award at a ceremony in Salem. According to Purdue University Center for Commercial Agriculture, “The Master Farmer program is a long-standing tradition in Indiana and honors individuals who have contributed to Indiana agriculture and demonstrated success in farming efficiency, stewardship of natural resources and community service.”FULT

Schwenk was nominated for the award by Dr. Jim Fritz, who was just one of the community members providing letters of support.

“I sure appreciate the nice things they said about me,” Schwenk commented.

The award also happens to come in the 67-year-old Schwenk’s 50th planting season.

“I started in high school,” he recalled. He rented ground at 17 years of age.

In fact, two years ago, the Schwenk family farm was recognized with the Indiana Centennial Farm Award, given to family farms over 100 years old. He maintains a 150-year-old wooden barn on his property.

In 1988, Schwenk began implementing no-till farm practices with soybeans after attending several no-till conferences, where he listened to farmers share their ideas.

The goal, he explained, is to build up the natural soil structure below the surface. The result, in combination with pattern tiling, is increased arability, stronger root structure, less water run-off and the prevention of erosion, which over the long run protects soil resources for generations to come.

Along with no-till, Schwenk also uses a vertical till tool to incorporate fertilizer into the top 2-3 inches without disturbing the prairie.

In addition to these practices, Schwenk also protects water resources with filter strips along ditches and grassed waterways.

He has found that such techniques have also translated into increased yields. However, the transition does take time.

“Farmers who are new to no-till sometimes get discouraged. … You have to have some faith in it,” said Schwenk.

Schwenk’s farm is now able to hold more moisture, which helps hold up the equipment and, crucially, get through dry years.

As of last spring, 2023 looked to be one of those dry years, said Schwenk; however, “In the last couple weeks it’s amazing how much the crops have responded to the rain we did get.”

And while he concedes the crop may still lose some “top end,” he is not discounting the ability of hybrid seeds to produce a profitable yield.

Schwenk’s good stewardship also extends to the community as a whole. He served as a Fulton County Soil and Water Conservation District supervisor for 18 years and was a Rochester School Board member for 12 years, including a five years as president. As a Richland Township Advisory Board member, he was instrumental in the building of the Richland Township Community Hall, which is attached to the Fulton County Historical Society Museum building.

“I’ve tried to be involved in the community. … I take a lot of pride in our town, county and Richland Township,” he said.