A series of field days are being offered throughout Illinois this summer, allowing interested Illinois farmers an opportunity to learn more about progressive agricultural practices and ways to improve the health of their soil. The series, sponsored by Soil Health Partnership, will showcase how changing nutrient management and tillage strategies, along with cover crop adoption, can create lasting economic and environmental benefits.
Twelve field days will be held throughout the state, beginning in June and running through September.
Confirmed events include:
June 23: Auburn, Ill.
June 30: Lexington, Ill.
July 7: Petersburg, Ill.
July 14: Decatur, Ill.
July 13: Fairbury, Ill.
Aug. 8: Altamont, Ill.
Aug. 15: Hudson, Ill.
Aug. 19: Assumption, Ill.
Sept. 1: Rutland, Ill.
Sept. 8: Trivoli, Ill.
“Healthy soil is more resistant to drought, and more resilient to floods – along with being an effective strategy for improving water and air quality,” said Jim Isermann, Soil Health Partnership field manager for Illinois. “Our farmer-partners are innovators and pioneers, and make our best teachers for sharing good soil health practices with their peers.”
The field days may cover topics such as cover crop management and machinery set-up, conservation tillage methods, advanced nutrient management, and an update on water quality news.
A list of currently planned events and registration can be found online here. More events will be posted throughout the summer.
This week, the Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board (MGPUB) also announced its “Drive Flex Fuels” video contest as part of a campaign to inform flex fuel vehicle (FFV) owners of the increasing availability of E85 and E15 at the pump. All members of the general public are encouraged to submit original videos that highlight the benefits of choosing cleaner-burning, homegrown renewable fuels, like E15 and E85.
“Many consumers don’t realize they can make a choice to select a fuel that helps us breathe cleaner air, for instance,” commented Jennie Schmidt, MGPUB President. “It is exciting to see the growth of renewable fuel that is plant-based to support a cleaner environment and domestic economy.”
Entries are due to MGPUB by July 25, 2016. Contest rules, guidelines and suggested themes are available here.