438. Indiana Association of Soil + Water Conservation Districts’ Liz Rice on balancing economic and environmental sustainability, the state’s innovative advantage

Sustainability. It’s a big word that carries several meanings – particularly across the agbioscience value chain. From conservation practices on the farm to technologies that create a more efficient use of the land, innovators in agbioscience are always seeking to do more with less. Underpinned in that effort is economic sustainability and how different practices create fluctuations in margin for farmers and companies alike. Today we are joined by Executive Director of the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Liz Rice, to talk pressing challenges when it comes to the land and what it takes to support farmers in this space.  Highlights include:  The role of IASWCD in supporting farmers, communities and local conservation efforts around the state How the conversation on sustainability and conservation has evolved over the last decade Challenges farmers and district leaders are facing right now that feel most pressing and urgent Soil health and how Liz defines it in practical terms Balancing expectations of environmental stewardship with the economic realities of agriculture Some of the most effective practices Liz has seen adopted today and why they are gaining traction The role Liz sees farmers playing in climate resilience New technologies, data and research – and how they will impact the land Strong partnerships across the ecosystem that she sees making impact How sustainability can be an even bigger part of our state’s agbioscience story What’s ahead for her team that has her most excited