The Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS) recognizes cover crops as one of the most effective in-field management strategies to stem the loss of both nitrate-nitrogen and total phosphorus from corn-soybean fields, yet less than 4% of Illinois’ cropland is planted to cover crops annually. Meeting the water quality goals of the NLRS will require 35% to 75% of Illinois’ cropland be protected by cover crops, depending on the suite of conservation practices implemented.
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The Illinois Department of Agriculture announced application details of the 2025 Fall Covers for Spring Savings Cover Crop Incentive Program. Pre-enrollment opens 8am Wednesday December 4 and final submissions will be accepted starting 8am Monday Read more…
Ashley Curran, Grants Manager for the Association of Illinois Soil & Water Conservation Districts, sends an update on grants the association is working on in service of our local SWCDs and our efforts towards healthy Read more…
The University of Illinois Springfield’s Sangamon Experience features a two-year documentary project by Rich Saal telling the stories of 10 individuals who have spent their lives farming in the Sangamon River Valley. You can see Read more…