Farming trends in Illinois Ag Retail Report

By Andi Anderson

Since 2021, the Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association (IFCA) and the Illinois Council on Best Management Practices (I-CBMP) have conducted the Illinois Ag Retail Survey. This initiative aims to gather data on fertilizer use and track agricultural practices that align with the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (INLRS). Modeled after a similar effort in Iowa by the Iowa Nutrient Research and Education Council (INREC), the survey provides valuable insights into farming practices across Illinois.

Over two years, the survey has captured data from the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons, exceeding expectations. In 2023, 922 fields were surveyed, surpassing the target of 500 fields. Farms of varying sizes participated, with a median field size of 77 acres and farm size of 1,000 acres.

Key Findings on Fertilizer Use:

• Nitrogen (N): The average corn fertilizer nitrogen rate was 197 lbs/A, with 85% of fields under corn-soybean rotation. Use of the Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) calculator increased to 18%, up from 12% in 2022. Fall-only nitrogen applications dropped to 16%, while spring pre-plant applications were at 27%. Split applications (spring pre-plant and sidedress) accounted for 16%.
• Phosphorus (P): Soil sampling for phosphorus was conducted on 86% of fields, and 83% of commercial phosphorus was applied. Variable Rate Technology (VRT) was used on 43% of fields. Annually, 61% of fertilizer phosphorus applications occurred.

Conservation Practices:

• Cover crops were planted on approximately 10% of cropland, totaling over 2 million acres, with the highest adoption in regions 9, 1, and 3.
• No-till was practiced on 40% of soybean acres and 22% of corn acres, with region 1 leading adoption rates.
• Manure was applied to only 5% of corn acres.

Funded by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s Gulf Hypoxia Program, the survey ensures data is collected randomly and anonymously. Results confirm that farmers follow recommended fertilizer rates and increasingly adopt conservation practices like cover cropping and no-till. The survey data supports efforts to achieve INLRS goals, providing a comprehensive view of agricultural progress in Illinois.

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