Tara Heath steps up as extension crops educator for Illinois

By Andi Anderson

The University of Illinois Extension has appointed Tara Heath as the new crop's educator for Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties. Heath, an experienced farmer and educator, will focus on providing essential agronomy and crop education to farmers, landowners, and agricultural professionals in the region.

Her new role comes amid a rapidly changing agricultural industry that demands innovative solutions and adaptability.

Reflecting on the evolving field, Heath shared, "Agriculture has changed significantly, from advanced machinery to crop breeding innovations and precision technology."

Heath aims to address these transformations by helping farmers navigate new advancements, emphasizing the importance of equipping the local agriculture community with up-to-date knowledge and tools.

With a bachelor's in agriculture and a Master’s in crop sciences from the University of Illinois, Heath is well-prepared for the challenges of her new role. She grew up on her family’s 3,000-acre farm in McDonough County, where she continues to work alongside her family.

Growing up, she was inspired by her mother and grandmother's involvement in farming, learning essential skills like driving tractors and handling heavy equipment.

"Watching my family’s involvement in the farm shaped my approach to agriculture," Heath said, emphasizing her commitment to supporting sustainable farming.

In addition to her role as a crops educator, Heath has also trained as a facilitator for Annie’s Project, a program designed to empower women in agriculture.

"Many women want to engage more in agriculture, and Annie’s Project bridges that gap, particularly on the business side," Heath explained.

Starting her new role in August, Heath has actively engaged with local farmers, providing them with research-backed guidance on modern agricultural practices. With a focus on traditional crop systems like corn and soybeans, she also supports specialty crops such as pumpkins, grapes, and agroforestry.

Heath’s primary objectives include addressing real-world challenges like herbicide resistance, erosion, and nutrient loss.

"My goal is to help farmers implement sustainable practices like reduced tillage and cover crops," she shared, aligning her work with the broader goal of meeting global food demands sustainably.

Heath’s addition to the Extension team signifies a stronger push towards sustainable farming practices, ensuring that Illinois farmers stay well-informed and prepared to thrive in a changing agricultural landscape.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski