Indiana Management of Agriculture Enhancements Program

The Indiana Management of Agriculture Enhancements program is a state administered cost share initiative managed by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture through its Division of Soil Conservation. The program is designed to support agricultural producers in implementing practical conservation improvements that enhance farm operations while protecting natural resources. The Division of Soil Conservation works in partnership with local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and other conservation partners to provide both financial assistance and technical support. The program is funded through Clean Water Indiana and reflects a broader state commitment to improving soil health, water quality, and long term agricultural sustainability. The primary purpose of the program is to reduce nutrient loss, improve livestock management systems, and strengthen farm infrastructure. Funded projects are intended to protect soil from erosion, reduce runoff of phosphorus and nitrogen into waterways, and improve grazing and water access systems for livestock. Eligible activities include heavy use area protection, pasture and hay planting, watering facilities, livestock pipelines, and soil amendments such as lime or gypsum that are recommended through certified soil testing. Additional conservation practices may be considered if they align with Natural Resources Conservation Service standards and receive approval from the program ranking committee. All practices must be installed according to NRCS specifications, ensuring technical consistency and environmental effectiveness. Funding is provided through a reimbursement based cost share structure. Approved applicants may receive up to seventy five percent of eligible project costs, but must pay all project expenses upfront before reimbursement. Payments are issued only after project completion, verification by program staff, and submission of paid receipts and required documentation. Funding is competitive and awarded through a ranking process, meaning not all applicants will receive funding even if they meet eligibility criteria. Total program funding and the number of awards are not specified, and awards are dependent on available funds allocated through Clean Water Indiana. Eligibility is focused on agricultural producers operating within a defined pilot geography in southwest Indiana. The program is limited to twenty three counties, including Brown, Clay, Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Johnson, Knox, Martin, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Parke, Perry, Pike, Posey, Putnam, Spencer, Sullivan, Vanderburgh, Vermillion, Vigo, and Warrick. Interested producers must work with a local Resource Specialist or Soil and Water Conservation District office to develop project proposals and determine eligibility. The program emphasizes collaboration and technical planning, ensuring that conservation practices are tailored to individual operations while meeting program standards. The application process begins with outreach to a local Resource Specialist, who assists with project development and submission of application materials. Applications are reviewed by the IMAGE Ranking Committee, which evaluates proposals based on established criteria related to conservation impact and feasibility. Selected applicants receive notification of approval along with their maximum reimbursement amount. Following approval, participants work with technical staff to design and install practices. Upon completion, projects are verified to ensure compliance with program requirements before reimbursement is issued. The application cycle for the program opens on July 1, 2026. There is no specified closing date provided, suggesting that applications may be accepted until funding is exhausted. Once approved, participants are given twelve months to complete their projects, with a required progress check in at six months. Extensions may be granted on a case by case basis. The program appears to be structured as an ongoing or recurring initiative tied to annual funding cycles, although explicit recurrence details are not stated. Contact with Resource Specialists is central to both the application and implementation process, providing applicants with localized guidance and technical expertise throughout the lifecycle of the project.