By Andi Anderson
Kent Bohnhoff, longtime conservationist and Illinois Corn Growers Association (ICGA) member, has been recognized for his decades of dedication to conservation and sustainable agriculture.
He received the Society Service Award from the Soil and Water Conservation Society after being nominated by the Land of Lincoln chapter and fellow conservation professionals.
Bohnhoff's career in conservation began after graduating from the University of Illinois in 1982. Following several years working on swine farms, he joined the Soil Conservation Service in 1987.
Over the next three decades, he served in various roles with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), helping farmers implement conservation practices throughout Illinois. His work took him to several counties across the state, where he provided guidance on protecting soil and water resources.
Alongside his professional career, Bohnhoff managed his family's 250-acre row crop farm in Effingham County for nearly 25 years. Although he stepped away from farming in 2021, his commitment to conservation remained strong.
After retiring from NRCS, Bohnhoff continued supporting farmers through several conservation-focused projects. He worked with Precision Conservation Management (PCM), developed grazing plans for producers, documented soil health success stories, trained technical service providers, and assisted farmers with conservation planning through private-sector initiatives.
One of Bohnhoff's key goals has been encouraging the adoption of no-till, strip-till, and cover crop practices. He believes these methods help improve soil health while protecting water quality in streams, rivers, and lakes. He particularly supports cover crops because of their long-term environmental and farming benefits.
Throughout his work, Bohnhoff learned that every farming operation is different. However, he consistently promoted the principles of nutrient stewardship, often described as "right source, right rate, right time, right place." He also encouraged farmers to reduce unnecessary field passes, helping lower costs while maintaining productivity.
A memorable example from his conservation work involved a Maryland farmer named David. By using practices such as no-till, cover crops, contour strips, and improved nutrient management, the farmer significantly increased his net income while strengthening soil health and sustainability.
Today, the farm once operated by Bohnhoff continues using conservation-focused practices, including cover crops, strip-till systems, and drainage water management.
Looking ahead, Bohnhoff hopes future generations of farmers remain open to innovation and continue exploring practices that work best for their land. He also values the role of ICGA in supporting corn growers, expanding markets, and advancing conservation initiatives that benefit agriculture for years to come.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Illinois, Sustainable Agriculture