Recent News
PCM Highlights Profitability Over Yield in New Data Publication
ISAP member Precision Conservation Management (PCM) recently published their annual data book The Business Case for Conservation in the June issue of Prairie Farmer Magazine. This report highlights data gleaned from farmers in Illinois regarding the financial, agronomic, and environmental impact of in-field conservation practices. “Profitability trends for tillage, cover crops, and nutrient management can change from year to year, but...
Illinois Crop Consultant Discusses C:N Ratios of Cover Crops Ahead of Termination
In concluding the Illinois Cover Crop On-Farm Network's (ICCON) three-part series on soil health testing, David Kleinschmidt, owner of Progressive Agronomy Consulting in Illinois, shared valuable insights into how he uses the Haney Soil Health Test to guide crop nutrition programs for his clients, emphasizing a holistic approach that considers soil as a dynamic system. Working closely with his farmer...
Probing Into Soil Health Tests: Dr. Patrick Freeze Recaps the Haney Soil Health Test
To kick off the first call of ICCON's Probing Into Soil Health Tests: Which Test is Best? series, ICCON hosted Dr. Patrick Freeze from Ward Laboratories, Inc. to delve into the intricacies of the Haney Soil Health Test. While soil health testing is a relatively novel concept for many farmers and agricultural professionals, there's a growing interest in understanding its...
ICCON Discusses NLRS Challenges and Feasibility of Achieving Interim Goals
During the January ICCON call, the network had the pleasure of hosting Adrienne Marino, Water Quality Program Manager at the Nature Conservancy in Illinois. Marino shared a comprehensive overview of the 2023 Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS) Biennial Report, shedding light on the state's progress and challenges. The NLRS was initiated in response to the 2008 Gulf Hypoxia Action...
ICCON Recaps The 2023 National Cover Crop Survey
On December 13, ICCON welcomed Dr. Rob Meyers, the Director for the Center for Regenerative Agriculture at the University of Missouri, for an insightful discussion on the outcomes of the 2023 National Cover Crop Survey. Conducted in March of 2023, the survey provides a comprehensive reflection of cover cropping data from the 2022 agricultural season. The online survey, comprising 110...
Celebrating Agriculture at the State Fair
Ag Day at the Illinois State Fair is an annual event bringing together the best and brightest in the Illinois farm and food sectors. This year’s celebration took place on August 16, kicking off with breakfast and awards program in the Orr Building on the Springfield fairgrounds. The Agriculture Breakfast celebrates agriculture as Illinois’ #1 industry and recognizes ag professionals...