By Andi Anderson
Farmers, agricultural industry leaders, and community members are invited to learn more about regional efforts to conserve soil and reach statewide nutrient loss reduction goals during Illinois Farm Bureau’s summer Nutrient Stewardship Field Days.
These events are designed to educate and engage participants in innovative approaches to nutrient stewardship.
“Farmers continue to make strides toward meeting state nutrient loss reduction goals through researching and implementing new strategies to preserve our natural resources,” said Raelynn Parmely, IFB environmental program manager.
“These field days are the perfect opportunity for farmers and community partners to learn about innovative approaches to nutrient stewardship and how farmers can bring those tactics back to their fields.”
Hosted through IFB’s Nutrient Stewardship Grant Program, the upcoming summer Nutrient Stewardship Field Days will focus on education and outreach opportunities related to nutrient stewardship topics, such as soil health, nutrient management, watershed improvement, and more.
Farmers and those interested in learning more about agriculture’s role in protecting the environment are invited to join IFB, its membership, and partnering organizations to learn more about past and current Illinois conservation practices and research.
2024 Summer Nutrient Stewardship Field Days Schedule
July 27, Clinton: Focus on cover crop and manure management, evaluating soil health, and nutrient use efficiency.
July 31, Will: Partnering with Will-South Cook Soil and Water Conservation District to share information on nutrient loss reduction practices.
August 2, Jo Daviess: Updates on cover crop and nutrient management practices, with a panel on regenerative agriculture.
August 20, Piatt and Macon: Discussing Lake Decatur Watershed improvement efforts and the USDA NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program.
August 22, Wayne: Demonstrating the efficacy of nutrient uptake enhancers and nutrient loss inhibitors.
August 28, Cook: Highlighting practices and partnerships contributing to nutrient loss reduction strategies.
August 29, LaSalle: Focusing on phosphorus management and nutrient cycling research.
September 6, Knox: Sharing updates from the Young Farmers Cover Crop Project.
The 2024 Nutrient Stewardship Field Days are funded through IFB’s Nutrient Stewardship Grant Program. Since its inception, the program has awarded nearly $1.17 million for more than 150 CFB-led nutrient projects, contributing significantly to soil conservation and nutrient management efforts across Illinois.
Photo Credit: illinois-farm-bureau
Categories: Illinois, Sustainable Agriculture