SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Pig farmers in Illinois have the opportunity to take part in a tree buffer cost-share program. The Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) is offering this incentive for farmers to implement fresh landscaping on their pig farms. Pig farmers from across the state have already utilized this program in the past years.
“Tree buffers are just one of the current best management practices that pig farmers are embracing to benefit the environment. We are proud to offer these cost-share opportunities to progressive pig farmers who understand the importance of stewardship for our future generations,” says Jennifer Tirey, Executive Director of IPPA.
A buffer is an area of trees that are strategically placed to provide a windbreak, recycle clean air, and provide curb appeal to a landscape. This cost-share program is offered to Illinois pig farmers on a first-come-first-serve basis. Funding aids with the purchase of trees and shrubs, as well as design and tree placement. IPPA will match up to $2,500 of the cost.
Ted Funk, an environmental engineer for IPPA funded in part by the Illinois Soybean Association Checkoff Program, provides his talents of research and planning to benefit the farmer. A local Extension educator may also play a role by suggesting the best types of trees for the desired location. This group effort is to ensure the farmer has all the right tools they need to create a useful tree buffer.
“It’s exciting to work with pork producers who are committed to making their farms look great by using some strategic landscaping vegetation. I’m pleased to see the continuing interest of Illinois commodity groups in helping make healthy, attractive communities,” says Funk.
Farmers who are interested in this program may download the application at ilpork.com and return to IPPA by June 15. There you can also find an interactive map of farms that have previously utilized this grant program and pictures of their progress.
— Illinois Pork Producers Association
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