Thanks to everyone that came to our 3rd Annual Meet Your Farmer!
Hope to see you at next year's gathering!

2026 Meet Your Farmer
June 18, 2026
Blueberry Ranch

On Thursday, June 18, more than 80 people traveled to Mishawaka for the District's 3rd Annual Meet Your Farmer community gathering. This year's event was hosted at the Blueberry Ranch, one of the oldest u-pick blueberry operations in the Midwest.

We could not have asked for better weather - bright blue skies and cool temperatures created the perfect backdrop for the evening. After guests finished their meals, Sarah Longenecker, SWCD County Conservationist, led a discussion on soil health, emphasizing the role of stormwater and comparing how rainfall behaves on greenspaces versus developed urban areas. We were especially fortunate to have the NRCS Soil health Trailer on-site to demonstrate how living roots and covered soil improves rainwater infiltration and reduces erosion.

Next, attendees heard from John Nelson, who has owned the Blueberry Ranch since 1981. John shared stories from decades of farming and answered questions about managing a u-pick operation.

Speaking on soil health, he explained that early in his career he focused heavily on adjusting nutrient levels until an organic mentor told him, "You cannot have the chemistry without the biology." Today, the farm's soil is so biologically active that after a rain, there are too many earthworms along the drives to walk without stepping on them - some can even be found three feet deep!

Guests also learned several interesting facts about u-pick blueberry production. Many of the bushes at the Blueberry Ranch date back to the farm's beginnings in the 1950s and are still thriving. When asked how they handle birds eating the ripe berries, John simply replied, "We share."

Overall, the evening was both educational and enjoyable. We appreciate everyone who joined us and helped make the event a success. Thank you to John, Nelson, Marth Pence, and the entire Blueberry Ranch team for your hospitality. And thank you to all of the legislators, conservation partners, farmers, and community members who participated. Together, we can protect our natural resources and ensure healthy soil and clean water for generations to come.

Meet Your Farmer began in 2024 in an effort to raise awareness about the importance of soil health and water quality. The SWCD host the evening in conjunction with a local farmer who utilizes conservation practices on their land. The gathering is open to all farmers, legislators, partners in conservation, and every other community member. We gather around the table to talk about how we all benefit from regenerative agriculture and how each of us can contribute to protecting our natural resources.

Highlights from our 2024 Meet Your Farmer!

Scott Laidig's Farm ~ Mishawaka