Illinois farmers thrive with new program

By Andi Anderson

A farming program in Illinois aims to enhance farm incomes and environmental outcomes through data analysis and expert guidance.

Precision Conservation Management (PCM) recently released a summary of nine years of in-field data from Illinois farms.

Farmers enrolled in PCM receive annual data analysis for their farm, access to conservation experts, and guidance on cost-share programs available to farmers.

The program's goal is to identify conservation practices that address environmental issues without negatively impacting farmers' profitability.

"It definitely sheds light on what a person is doing, and if someone else is doing it, the data set can give you a glimpse into a different practice that maybe you aren’t doing that you want to do," said Zach Wells, a farmer in Champaign County.

According to PCM data, the most profitable tillage systems observed were one-pass light tillage for corn and no-till for soybeans. In a 2024 survey, PCM found that 64% of farmers who don’t already use reduced tillage practices agree that they are likely to reduce or eliminate tillage based on the information received from PCM.

Reducing tillage can significantly impact soil erosion and water quality. PCM began in response to the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy in 2015, which aims to improve water quality by reducing nitrogen and phosphorus levels in lakes, streams, and rivers.

"Between now and 2025, we all have to do something different on each acre to achieve the goals of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy," said Dirk Rice, a Champaign County farmer. "We can’t do what we’ve always done and avoid negative publicity or difficult regulations like we see in surrounding states."

Farmers in Kentucky and Nebraska are also participating in the program, demonstrating the broader appeal and effectiveness of PCM's approach to farming. By focusing on data-driven conservation practices, PCM helps farmers make informed decisions that benefit both their operations and the environment.

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