Dubois County Soil and Water Conservation District honors local conservation efforts at annual meeting
The Dubois County Soil and Water Conservation District recognized outstanding conservation efforts across the county at its annual meeting on 3 February 2026 at St. Mary’s Cafeteria in Ireland, presenting four awards to individuals and organizations making significant environmental impacts.
Charles Reutman of Ferdinand received the Otto J. Bauer Conservation Farmer of the Year Award, the evening’s top honor, recognizing farmers who implement exemplary soil and water conservation practices.
Reutman represents the fifth generation to produce corn and soybeans on his Dubois County farm. He has adopted sustainable agricultural practices, including no-till farming, cover cropping, and planting green, according to district officials.
“Charlie has implemented other practices, including several water control sediment basins and grass waterways,” district representatives noted from the event. “These practices enhance soil health, increase land productivity, and contribute to the preservation of natural resources.”
The district emphasized that Reutman pays great attention to land care annually, demonstrating his commitment to soil health and environmental stewardship.
The Ferdinand Parks & Recreation Department received the Friend of Conservation Award, a special recognition created by district supervisors to honor individuals or organizations for their conservation efforts.
Jill Schipp with the Town of Ferdinand accepted the award on the department’s behalf. For three years, the department has shown a strong commitment to conservation by hosting Weed Wrangle events at Old Town Lake.
“Their hands-on efforts to remove invasive species and support native habitats have had a lasting positive impact on the Town of Ferdinand,” district officials stated
The Jasper FFA Seniors’ soil judging team earned the Ken McWilliams Memorial Award for Soil Judging Excellence. The team, consisting of Claire Linette, Levi Mehringer, Luke Popp, and Jace Wagner, scores highest among Dubois County teams in the annual contest.
Grant Weyer of Infinity Cattle Company LLC received the River Friendly Farmer award, though the Weyer family is unable to attend the meeting. The Dubois County SWCD nominated Weyer to recognize wise farm management practices, with the award presented last summer at the Indiana State Fair.
The meeting featured a presentation by Greg Brann of Adolphus, Kentucky, who shared his experience with rotational grazing. Brann spent 40 years with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, including 23 years as the Tennessee State Grazing Land Soil Health Specialist.
Brann discussed his experience with rotational grazing of cattle, sheep, and goats in a single large herd, offering insights into sustainable livestock management.
In board business, Tabitha Hurst of Ferdinand was named supervisor for a three-year term. Hurst was elected as after Brenda Sermersheim’s term as elected supervisor concluded.
The election was conducted by a show of hands, with unanimous approval. Alex Hohl, Dubois County Council Member, conducts the Oath of Office for the newly elected supervisor.
The district recognized outgoing supervisor Brenda Sermersheim for her 18 years of service. Sermersheim was the first woman elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2008 and served as board chair beginning in 2012.
“The past 18 years have been marked by many notable achievements,” according to district officials. “She played a key role in securing vital state and federal funding for Dubois County, empowering local landowners to implement conservation practices and improvements.”
Sermersheim also guided staff expansion, championed the Land Stewardship initiative, and received recognition as the 2020 Indiana SWCD Supervisor of the Year.
Veronica Helming, SWCD Executive Director, presented the district’s accomplishments for 2025 and announced new funding opportunities for county landowners.
A new Clean Water Indiana grant is available to county landowners, focusing on soil health on reclaimed mine ground. Landowners seeking more information can contact the office at 812-482-1171 ext. 3 or visit duboisswcd.org.
The annual meeting highlighted the district’s ongoing commitment to supporting conservation efforts throughout Dubois County. Recognition of diverse conservation practices, from individual farming operations to community-wide environmental initiatives, demonstrates the breadth of conservation work across the region.
