SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Director Raymond Poe invites Illinois farmers to participate and attend one of three seminars held throughout the state to learn more about innovative soil and water conservation practices. These one day seminars will feature local agricultural producers and resource experts who will share information and personal experiences on soil health improvement options, cover crop success and nutrient management techniques.

In December 2016, USDA-NASS released the results of the 2015 Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS) Producer Survey. The results show an increase in the adoption of cover crops since 2011. With almost half a million acres of cover crops on tile-drained ground, farmers have more than doubled their use of cover crops in the five year period in the survey.

“The state’s Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy provides a blueprint for Illinois farmers to reduce both point and non-point nutrient losses,” said Steve Chard, Bureau Chief of IDOA Land & Water Resources. “These seminars are designed to not only address nutrient efficiency but also give farmers a firsthand account of what can be done, regionally, to increase production and yields.”

Cover crops are plants, typically grasses or legumes, seeded into farm field either within or outside of the regular growing season. These crops can play an important role in erosion control, nutrient management, weed control, soil conservation and soil health. Research suggests they have a significant competitive advantage compared to the more traditional management practices, and they also may offer production benefits.

Below is an agenda for each of the one day seminars:

January 24 – Rockford  (8:30am – 3:30pm)
Presentation of Illinois Farmers on Water Quality & Nutrient Management Issues
Soil Health
Conservation Cropping Systems
Nutrient Availability Following Cover Crops
Aerial Application of Cover Crops
Local Farmer Panel Discussion

January 25th – Jacksonville (8:30am – 3:30pm)
Presentation of Illinois Farmers on Water Quality & Nutrient Management Issues
Soil Health
Nutrient Management Plan Process
Roles of Cover Crops in Nutrient Management
Search on Soil Health Practices on Nutrient Loss
Conservation Cropping Systems
First Hand Experiences with Area Farmers
Cropping Systems Discussion w/ Q&A

January 26th – Carbondale (8:30pm – 3:30pm)
Presentation of Illinois Farmers on Water Quality & Nutrient Management Issues
Invasive Species Control
Moving the Herd to Cover Crops
Soil Health
Scouting Cover Crops, “What to Look for”
Riparian Buffers and Cover Crops: Tools to Address Water Quality
Local Farmer Panel Discussion  

The cost to attend each seminar is $20 per person, $10 per student, and lunch will be provided.   The deadline to register is January 10th.  Online registration is available at http://www.ccswcd.com.  Payment can be made by check or credit card.

In addition to the Illinois Department of Agriculture, seminar coordinators include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, American Farmland Trust, Illinois Stewardship Alliance, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and local Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

— Illinois Department of Agriculture

For more news from Illinois, click here.