By Kris Vance, Indiana NRCS State Public Affairs Specialist

At just 17 years old, Lily Shireman is already doing what many spend a lifetime working toward, leading the day-to-day management on her family’s farm in Harrison County, Indiana. A high-school student with a strong passion for agriculture, Lily has taken a hands-on role in shaping the future of her family’s small operation, combining real-world experiences with a growing knowledge of soil health, grazing systems and conservation. 

Her journey into farming wasn’t just inherited by her father Ben, it was earned through curiosity, hard work and a willingness to challenge conventional approaches. When the Shireman family purchased their farm nearly a decade ago, the land was in poor condition. Years of intensive row cropping had left behind severe erosion, depleted soils and low productivity. For Lily, those challenges became an opportunity to learn and lead.

“Our farm ground was failing,” she explained. “We weren’t getting high yields out of our crops, so we knew we needed to do something else.” That realization helped drive management decisions away from traditional row cropping and toward a system centered on livestock and soil regeneration.

“We had a soil health problem, and we had to do something about it, so we ripped off the Band-Aid and started treating the actual wound, not just keeping [the wound] covered,” she said. Treating the wound meant focusing their attention on rebuilding the soil’s health from the ground up rather than relying on expensive inputs like fertilizers.

“You can’t grow something if you don’t have the soil to grow it in,” Lily noted. “So we had to figure out how to build that soil back,” Lily said. 

Today, Lily helps manage a herd of roughly 280 cattle, using innovative grazing techniques to restore the land while improving the farm’s bottom line. One of the most impactful approaches has been bale grazing, a progressive method of feeding that distributes hay and manure across fields to naturally build soil fertility and organic matter. 

“The cattle are fertilizer machines. If you give them something to eat, they double it back for you with their manure,” explains Lily.

Lily’s approach is starting to pay off. By incorporating bale grazing alongside conservation practices like rotational grazing and cover crops supported through the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) financial programs, the Shiremans have seen significant improvements in soil structure and pasture health. 

Hillsides that once suffered from erosion are now covered in healthy, green pasture. Soil that once struggled to support crops is being rebuilt through careful management and natural processes. Even wildlife is beginning to return, a sign that the ecosystem as a whole is recovering.

For Lily, that progress is a source of pride. 

“Look at that hill over there. Look at how green and plush it is,” she said pointing to a field in the distance. “You wouldn’t get that from just normal feeding systems. That’s because our bale grazing system is helping to naturally spread out our cow manure.” 

Her understanding of these systems goes well beyond her years, and her depth of knowledge has not gone unnoticed. Lily has been invited to speak at multiple events, including the 2026 Southern Indiana Grazing Conference, where she shared her experiences and insights with other farmers and conservation professionals. Whether she’s discussing the benefits of rotational grazing or the importance of soil health, she brings both on-the-farm experience and enthusiasm to every conversation. 

Her involvement in FFA has also played a key role in shaping her leadership and communication skills. As an active and dedicated member, Lily has embraced opportunities to learn, compete and advocate for agriculture. These experiences have helped her grow not only as a farmer, but as a spokesperson for the next generation of conservation-minded producers.

Despite her busy schedule balancing school, farm responsibilities and speaking engagements, Lily is already looking ahead. She plans to attend Murray State University in Kentucky, where she will major in animal science with an emphasis on food animals. Her ultimate goal is to return home to take over the family farm full-time.

Her story is a powerful example of what can happen when young people are given the opportunity to learn and lead. With a strong foundation in both practical experience and conservation principles, Lily Shireman represents a new generation of farmers who are not only focused on productivity and income, but also on sustainability and stewardship.

And while she may still be in high school, there’s little doubt about where she’s headed. With her continued passion and determination, Lily is well on her way to achieving her goal of taking over the family farm and continuing to build on the legacy she’s helped to create. The farm’s green pastures are a reflection of the work she and her family have put in and of the potential she sees for the future of the farm.

“Every year we get just a little bit better,” she said.