ILLINOIS FARMERS IMPLEMENTING BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR NUTRIENT LOSS REDUCTION STRATEGY

Recent results from the USDA/NASS 2015 Producer Survey show marked improvements in the implementation of practices outlined in the Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy. Read the report here.

IAA BOARD MEMBERS IMPLEMENT NUTRIENT LOSS REDUCTION STRATEGIES ON THEIR FARMS

Check out the short videos (each is less than two minutes) where IAA Board members show the steps they are taking to implement best management practices on their farms.

  • Jeff Kirwan, Mercer County, uses cover crops to scavenge nutrients and prevent erosion
  • Michele Aavang, McHenry County, implements good fertilizer management with manure and split application of N
  • David Erickson, Knox County, discusses his no-till soybeans
  • Chad Schutz, Greene County, shows off his cover crops

2017 NUTRIENT STEWARDSHIP GRANTS AWARDED

Eighteen Illinois county Farm Bureaus have been awarded grants under a Nutrient Stewardship Grant program. Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) has awarded the grants – totaling more than $99,00 – for the second consecutive year to help promote local nutrient stewardship, soil health, and water quality projects. Click here for the complete list of county Farm Bureau receiving grants – along with partner organizations and project descriptions.

2016 NITROGEN RATE TRIALS REVEL HIGH YIELDS FROM MODEST FERTILIZER RATES AND GUIDANCE ON NITROGEN RATE DECISIONS IN 2017

In 2016, 60 farmers participated in the Illinois Nutrient Research & Education Council (NREC) funded nitrogen rate trials. These farmers worked with their ag retailers and with Dan Schaefer of the Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association (IFCA) to incorporate replicated nitrogen rate trials in their fields using nitrogen rates from 0 to 250 lbs of nitrogen and nitrogen timings that included fall, spring, post-application and late season nitrogen treatments. To see how much N was needed in 2016 compared to the previous year, click here.

SOYBEAN MANAGEMENT FOR YIELDS, PROFITS AND SUSTAINABILITY

A wealth of online information from the Illinois Soybean Association checkoff program helps farmers maximize yields and profitability while minimizing their environmental impact.

Recently posted conservation resources include:

ILLINOIS FARM BUREAU® RELEASES FIRST WATER QUALITY REPORT

Illinois Farm Bureau has released a 2016 water quality report highlighting activities focused on improving water quality and implementing the state’s Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy, including details about IFB’s nutrient stewardship grant program, the Iowa nutrient issues tour, and plans for continued water quality efforts in 2017. To read the IFB’s full 2016 Water Quality Report, visit the IFB website.

DATES FOR 2017 CERTIFIED LIVESTOCK MANAGER TRAINING

The University of Illinois has announced 2017 dates for the Certified Livestock Manager (CLM) training. CLM training covers multiple best management practices including manure management. Certification is required for producers with 300-999 animal units under the 1997 Illinois Livestock Management Facilities Act. Once completed the certification is good for three years. Click here to learn more.

SOYBEAN SUMMITS ADDRESS NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT

Two Soybean Summit events sponsored by the Illinois Soybean Association soybean checkoff are set for 2017: Feb. 3 in Effingham and Feb. 16 in Peoria. These popular events will be packed with the latest tools and technologies related to increasing soybean yields and profits. For more information and to register for either of these free events, please visit: http://www.ilsoy.org/summit.

This is a reprint of the Illinois Council on Best Management Practices Quarterly Newsletter. To learn more about the Illinois Council on Best Management Practices, visit their website.

Share This Story

About the Author: Illinois Council on Best Management Practices

To learn more about the Illinois Council on Best Management Practices, visit their website.