Precision Conservation Management and PepsiCo are asking SWCDs to spread the word about their cost-share program – an opportunity for farmers to get paid for new and old cover crops, reduced tillage, and/or reduced nitrogen rates. In Illinois, this opportunity is available in the following counties: Ogle, LaSalle, Lee, DeKalb, Boone, Winnebago, Ford, Livingston, Logan,... Continue reading→

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced they will accept sealed bids this fall for about 30 agricultural lease contracts for crop years 2025-2029. IDNR utilizes agricultural leases as a tool to support wildlife populations and recreational opportunities at sites owned or managed by the agency. The leases developed under this program will promote... Continue reading→

The Kane-DuPage Soil & Water Conservation District, with sponsorship from American Farmland Trust and Kane County, put on an introductory gathering for Women in Ag: Farm Conservation Community Series last Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Rosewood Farm near Sugar Grove. The event featured Dr. Stacy Zuber, research data scientist on the agronomy team at the... Continue reading→

Thanks to those who represented Soil & Water Conservation Districts in the Illinois State Fair this year. The Association of Illinois Soil & Water Conservation Districts entered a float with the MAGIC of Conservation theme from the annual conference – and won third place!  In the parade were: Tara and Erik Hopkins – Edgar SWCD... Continue reading→

Illinois lawmakers are arguing the USDA isn’t allocating enough federal funds for our state, given it ranks fourth in the nation in planted cropland, and asks for doubling or tripling the support for healthy soils and cleaner water. “We are writing to express our concerns that Illinois, one of the top states in the nation... Continue reading→

Richard Lyons of Harvel was named the 2024 Illinois Leopold Conservation Award winner Friday August 9 at Agriculture Day during the Illinois State Fair in Springfield. The award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in the management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land. Richard “Dick” Lyons... Continue reading→

The Illinois Department of Agriculture recognized several Soil & Water Conservation District Families Friday August 9 at Agriculture Day at the 2024 Illinois State Fair in Springfield. Conservation Farm Family of the Year Hobby Farms from Henderson County was named the Association of Illinois Soil & Water Conservation Districts’ 2024 Conservation Farm Family of the... Continue reading→

The Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts (AISWCD) in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has secured nearly $17 million investment in programming, staffing and district fiscal support.  With an eye on celebrating the MAGIC of Conservation through vital Soil & Water Conservation District programing, four agreements are in process and primed to... Continue reading→

The AISWCD’s Outstanding Forestry Contribution Award is a prestigious accolade that recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the field of forestry. This award celebrates outstanding achievements in promoting sustainable forest management, conservation, and the advancement of forestry practices. The Henry County Soil and Water Conservation District proudly nominated Allen DeCrane of Galva. Allen’s... Continue reading→

The Association of Illinois Soil & Water Conservation Districts’ Conservation Woman of the Year Award is a distinguished honor that recognizes significant contributions to conservation. This award celebrates individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, dedication, and a profound commitment to the preservation and sustainable management of our natural resources. Karen Hadley Lyman was honored with... Continue reading→