Indiana father and daughter restore farmland, helping protect rare salamander

An Indiana father and daughter faced a difficult challenge after buying farmland damaged by years of intensive crop production. Deep erosion channels cut through the fields, the soil had lost much of its productivity and corn yields were poor. Ben and Lily Shireman of southern Indiana decided to change how they managed the land, shifting towards rotational grazing, cover crops and other soil-restoration practices. Their efforts have helped reduce erosion, improve pasture conditions and lower the farm's reliance on commercial fertiliser. The work also has wider environmental significance because the property lies within the Blue River watershed, where sediment and agricultural runoff can affect aquatic habitats.