It’s quite possible that Ben Wicker, RCCF Board Member, has soil running through his veins. From his studies and profession to his family’s farm and love of local foods, it always comes back to the Earth for him. Here’s the dirt on Ben.

A 10 year 4-H member and third generation farmer, Ben grew up in Milroy. He left to earn a degree in Agronomy (soil science) from Purdue and to meet his wife, Becky. They briefly lived in Greenfield but moved back to Rush County when their first daughter, Maggie, was born. The pull of family was strong, and so was the family farm. “Spots on the farm are my zen,” revealed Ben.

He and Becky eventually bought the house where he grew up and share it with their three daughters, Maggie (6th grade), Evie (3rd grade) and Anna (1st grade) and two dogs, Snickers and Marv. He’s active on the farm, working alongside his brother and father. His grandfather acts as advisor and supervisor. They raise dairy and beef cattle, corn, soybeans, wheat and hay. In his youth, Ben showed dairy cattle, so the Rush County Fair has always been special to him. He’s passed that interest on to his daughters and now they do, too.

Outside his roles of farmer and family man, Ben serves as the Executive Director the of Indiana Agriculture Nutrient Alliance. His work emphasizes long-term soil viability with fertilizer and manure usage along with the importance of water quality. You can take the guy out of the field, but you can’t take the field out of the guy.

That’s the just the way Ben likes it. “I love Rush County because it’s the type of place to raise a family and because of its rural setting. I’ve always loved the sense of community. It’s a small place that offers opportunity to be involved, especially for the generalist with a strong talent. Athletes sang in the choir. You don’t have to pick a field or area,” he pointed out.

Ben’s involvement stems from his parents. “They are my heroes because of their influence and the example they set for me and others in leadership and community involvement. They taught me to be humble and the value of having a passion. To stay firm and strong in your beliefs but maintain your cool. Consistent steady hard work over time towards a goal will quietly make a difference,” recounted Ben. “My dad is steadiest person I know,” he added.

Ben’s introduction to RCCF began as a scholarship recipient, which he credits with springboarding his education. He joined the scholarship committee in his first official capacity. Now he is serving his third year on the board as president. Before joining the board, Ben admits, “I didn’t have a full appreciation of the breadth and width of work involving grantmaking and leadership initiatives. I now realize the power of this work to drive positive change in the community.”

He is an active member of Milroy United Methodist Church, participates in the All Pro Dad program at Milroy Elementary and sings in the Rush County Chorale. “Music has always played a big part in my life. It brings me joy that this love has come through in my daughters and that they can share in that as well,” smiled Ben.

Ben’s not satisfied just growing food. He also loves cooking and fermenting foods. He started making beer and wine, with equipment from his grandpa. He has since progressed to curing meats and pickling. “I enjoy making and eating good food. The connection between growing and raising food becomes next level when transforming that food into something else,” he noted.

Sounds like Ben himself. He keeps taking his work, interests and passion to the next level by sharing them and engaging his family and his community to make a positive difference. So grateful to have you as part of the RCCF family, Ben!