Illinois Farmers Share Cover Crop Success and Key Lessons

By Andi Anderson

Illinois farmers from across the state are demonstrating that cover crop adoption can be successful under a variety of farming conditions. Their experiences were featured in Episode 82 of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Podcast, where they discussed how learning, adapting, and experimenting have helped them integrate cover crops into their operations.

Cover crops are the only in-field conservation practice identified in the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy that reduces both nitrogen and phosphorus losses. Despite these benefits, they are still used on only a limited share of Illinois cropland.

For many farmers, adoption begins with a willingness to try something new. McDonough County farmer Brent Fowler said years of field comparisons and reassessing traditional tillage practices helped his family transition to no-till farming and widespread use of cereal rye cover crops.

Farmers also highlighted the importance of flexibility. Williamson County producer Adam Dahmer noted that successful adoption often requires adjusting management practices, keeping an open mind, and focusing on what works best for an individual operation.

Greg Thoren of Jo Daviess County, the 2026 Illinois Leopold Conservation Award winner, encouraged farmers to view cover crops as part of a larger farming system. He pointed to benefits such as reduced soil erosion, improved soil health, better water quality, increased biodiversity, and stronger long-term resilience. Over time, his farm expanded from single-species cereal rye to diverse cover crop mixes.

The farmers discussed several seeding methods, including grain drills, airplanes, high-clearance seeders, and drones. While grain drills remain the preferred option for reliable establishment, drones are becoming more popular for seeding cover crops into standing corn before harvest.

The discussion concluded that farmers who gradually adapt, learn from peers, and remain open to new management approaches are often the most successful with cover crops. Programs such as FLASH, Precision Conservation Management, and the ISAP FIND Tool can provide additional technical and financial support.

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