STAR AFFILIATES: Indiana STAR

Indiana STAR developed as a grassroots movement when several Indiana SWCDs have been using the IL STAR field form with their farmers. Interest grew and through the collaborative efforts of Indiana’s agricultural stakeholders and experts, Indiana STAR launched state specific field forms and Conservation Innovation Plan (CIP) features in August 2025. The Indiana Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts has been an enthusiastic voice in helping to develop STAR in Indiana and representatives from Indiana Department of Agriculture, local SWCDs, IU Environmental Institute, Siemer Milling Company, The Nature Conservancy, and USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service also serve on IN STAR Steering and Science Committees. Indiana farmers have been eager to use the STAR Tool to apply for the Siemer STAR Producer Rewards Payment Program which offers per acre incentives for achieving and maintaining STAR ratings. Several IN SWCDs are now serving as Indiana STAR Navigators to support participants as they enroll in STAR and explore opportunities for technical and financial assistance in the CIP. To support producers and IN STAR Navigators, National STAR has brought on an IN STAR Coordinator, Billy Pigg. 

IN STAR Steering Committee members include:

• Meg Leader, Resilient Indiana Director | Indiana Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts
• Amanda Kautz, State Soil Health Specialist | Indiana USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service
• Eric Shideler, Executive Director | Vermillion County SWCD
• Sara Campfield, Executive Director | Putnam County SWCD
• Erica Eason, Conservation Resource Specialist | Monroe County SWCD
• Lisa MacPhee, Director/Treasurer | Morgan County SWCD
• Julie Morris, Resource Specialist | Indiana State Department of Ag
• Dawn Schuman, Indiana Grain Merchandiser | Siemer Milling
• Sarah Reilly, White River Project Director | The Nature Conservancy
• Abby Horlacher, CCA | Nickel Plate Consulting
• Audrey Kaul, Value Chain Professional | IU Environmental Institute

IN STAR Science Committee members include:

• Rachel Irvine, Watershed Specialist | American Farmland Trust 
• Darlene Florence, State Agronomist & Grazing Specialist | Indiana Natural Resources Conservation Service 

Billy Pigg grew up in Veedersburg, IN where him and his family raised a small herd of pigs. He went on to graduate from Manchester University with a degree in Environmental Studies. Post graduation, he began working in the Ag Retail sector in Indiana and Kansas. He assisted producers on applying dry fertilizer and liquid herbicide in row crop acres. He then spent time with Vermillion/Parke SWCDs, Indiana State Department of Agriculture and USDA-NRCS. He expanded his knowledge of the conservation sector and enjoyed working with stakeholders to better improve their properties. He has been a part of several watershed studies testing the effectiveness of implementing best management practices onto the land and looks forward to using that to help growers improve their operations while also benefiting the environment around them.