2011 Joe O’Donnell

In the 1860s, James and Bridget O’Donnell immigrated to Carroll County from Ireland. Their great-grandson, Joe, is a member of the 4th generation of O’Donnells who have made Carroll County their home.

Although many O’Donnells have made their living by farming, Joe’s parents did not. His mother and father both grew up in Chicago and moved to the farm after World War II to raise their family.

After graduating from Carroll High School in 1972, Joe enrolled in the College of Agriculture at Purdue University. In 1976 he received a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and in 1982 he earned a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics.

O’Donnell started farming in partnership with his brother, Pat in 1976. The O’Donnell Brothers partnership continues to raise grain on approximately 1,000 acres in Carroll and Cass Counties.

Due to the small size of the farm operation, in 1976 O’Donnell began working full time off the farm. For several years he worked in construction and later, in quality control for a pork processor.

In the mid 1980s, O’Donnell’s career shifted to the field of soil conservation. He worked several years for local and state agencies before joining the Soil Conservation Service (now the Natural Resources Conservation Service.) After working in several different field offices, he received his current assignment, that of District Conservationist serving the Carroll County Soil and Water Conservation District.

O’Donnell has served as a supervisor in the Carroll County Soil and Water Conservation District and is presently a member of the Northwest Indiana Solid Waste District Citizens Advisory Committee. He is also a member of the Wildcat Creek Watershed Alliance and the Carroll County Agriculture Association.

He is a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control and a Certified Crop Advisor.

O’Donnell attends St. Joseph Catholic parish in Delphi. He enjoys bacon, long naps on the living room couch, and spending time with family.

March 08, 2011


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