Illinois farmer Jack McCormick uses social media platforms to share information about projects that can fit into the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy with other farmers and the general public. The effort is part of the Illinois 4R4U program, launched in October 2016. The collaboration between GROWMARK and county Farm Bureaus in Illinois includes trials on cover crops, nitrogen and … Read More
Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Report
The directors of the Illinois Department of Agriculture and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency yesterday presented the state’s Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy Biennial Report at the Farm Progress Show. This report describes actions taken in Illinois during the last two years to reduce nutrient losses and influence positive changes in nutrient loads over time. Illinois’ Strategy is one of numerous other … Read More
Soil Health Institute Endorses 19 Soil Health Measurements
After three years of industry collaboration, the Soil Health Institute (SHI) has endorsed 19 national soil health measurements that will help answer the question “Just how healthy (or unhealthy) are the nation’s soils?” “We can’t really know the answer to that question until we have a set of common soil health measurements that scientists and farmers can compare and track … Read More
Soil Health Institute Action Plan Unveiled
The Soil Health Institute (SHI) has unveiled the “Enriching Soil, Enhancing Life” Soil Health Action Plan during a National Press Club event. “This is an exciting time to be working in soil health,” said SHI president and CEO Wayne Honeycutt. “The action plan identifies critical goals and priorities. It helps identify key gaps in our knowledge and implementation…and we’ve identified specific … Read More
NACD Applauds Appropriations Bill for Conservation
A bill in front of Congress this week would provide support for voluntary conservation programs for landowners to protect and improve soil quality, soil health, and wildlife habitat. “NACD (National Association of Conservation Districts) is very pleased that House and Senate appropriators have finally reached an agreement that will support funding for critical conservation programs,” NACD President Brent Van Dyke … Read More
Groundswell Podcast Focuses on Sustainability
When you do what you’ve always done, you get what you’ve always gotten. That’s why those in the agriculture industry know they’ve got to do something different when it comes to sustainability. Now, thanks to GroundWork, there’s a new podcast series designed to offer a new look at tools, technologies, and practices that improve soil health and water quality. Listeners … Read More
CTIC Annual Tour Comes Full Circle
The 10th anniversary of the Conservation in Action Tour comes full circle this year by bringing the event right back where it all began– in Indiana. The Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) will be showcasing how far conservation has come in the last decade and the role they’ve played in doing so. The tour will also cover new market opportunities that come … Read More
Food, Conservation Groups Invest in Soil
Some major consumer and conservation organizations are working together to help create better soil health and enhance farm sustainability. A $2 million investment from General Mills will provide tools and resources for The Nature Conservancy, Soil Health Institute, and Soil Health Partnership to use in working with farmers, landowners, and supply chain leaders to create healthier soil while providing food … Read More
Syngenta, No-Till Farmer Seek No-Till Leaders
Syngenta and No-Till Farmer are looking for nominations for the 2017 No-Till Innovator Award. The honor recognizes farmers, researchers, organizations, or others who have found ways to no-till more effectively, economically, and with better impact on the environment. “We’re proud to partner with No-Till Farmer again to seek out a new class of innovators of sustainable farming methods,” said Melissa … Read More
USDA Offers Renewal for Expiring CSP Contracts
Acting Deputy Agriculture Secretary Michael Young has announced that the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is offering contract renewal sign-ups for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). NRCS made several updates to the program last fall to help producers evaluate the benefits of conservation options on their land. “The changes made to CSP are providing even greater opportunities for stewardship-minded … Read More