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David L. Miers, an innovative Indiana farmer, has provided leadership to his
community, Indiana agriculture, and Purdue University.
He received a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from Purdue
in 1970. After completing military service, he returned to Decatur County to
become the fifth generation to operate the 1,800 acre family farm near Greensburg.
Besides corn and soybeans, the farm specializes in seed corn production and
custom harvesting for Pioneer Seeds.
Along with keeping meticulous financial and production records, Mr. Miers
keeps up with the latest in agricultural technology. He has spent the last
25 years
improving the drainage on his farm, including the installation of plastic tile,
surface drainage, dry dams, rock chutes, and land leveling. He utilizes a system
of grid soil sampling by soil type to determine proper amounts of fertilizer
and lime, and uses variable rate technology to apply them. Crop yield mapping
and global positioning are used to identify weak yield areas. His dedication
to conservation and wildlife habitat shows in his large plantation of walnut
trees and the commitment of more than 120 acres of the farm to the Conservation
Reserve Program. Many international agriculture groups have visited the farm
to discuss his agricultural production practices.
When he’s not farming, Mr. Miers works hard for the betterment of his
community. He is currently President of the Decatur County Family YMCA Board
of Directors, and recently helped lead a $4 million building fund campaign
for a new facility.
He serves on the Board of Directors of the Union Bank & Trust of Greensburg,
and is on the Board of Directors of the Decatur County Community Foundation.
He is also a founder of the annual Decatur County Purdue Ag Alumni Steak Fry
and Golf Outing that raises scholarship funds that provide some financial support
to Decatur County sophomores in the School of Agriculture at Purdue.
Mr. Miers has also provided agricultural leadership on a state level. He was
Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture under Governor Evan Bayh, and served as
Chairman of the Indiana State Fair Commission. In 1997, he hosted the Indiana
Farm Management Tour, and he often assists with Extension programs.
Mr. Miers has given generously of his time and counsel to Purdue University.
He served on the research committee when Dr. Robert Thompson was hired as Dean
of Agriculture, has been active on the Agricultural Alumni Association Board,
where he served as President, and was an area director for the Southeast Indiana
Purdue Agricultural Alumni Association. He also served as President on the
Indiana Farm management Board of Directors.
For his farm management skills, and for his service and leadership to his
community, Indiana agriculture and Purdue University, the School of Agriculture
is proud
to present the Distinguished Agricultural Alumnus Award to David L. Miers.
1970
B.S., Agricultural Economics, Purdue University
1972
Miers Farm Corporation, President
1970-72
United States Army, First Lieutenant
Honors and Associations
Union Bank and Trust Company, Board of Directors
Decatur County Family YMCA, Board of Directors
Greensburg Area Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors
Decatur County Agriculture Hall of Fame
Sagamore of the Wabash
Indiana Agricultural Leadership Development Program
Purdue University Alumni Association, Board of Directors
Purdue University Agricultural Alumni Association, Board of Directors
Indiana Farm Management Association, Board of Directors
Decatur County Cooperative Extension Board
Indiana Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture
Indiana State Fair Commission, Chairman
“
The most rewarding part of my career is making our own farm operation more
productive and efficient. Using resources available to me through Purdue, the
Extension Service, and the School of Agriculture has enabled me to reach these
goals.”
It is the policy of Purdue University that all persons have equal opportunity and access to its educational programs, services, activities, and facilities without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, disability or status as a veteran.
Purdue University is an Affirmative Action employer.
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