Recent News
Illinois Conservation On Farm-Network: Integrating Trees, Crops, and Nutrient Loss Strategies
On September 10th, our new and improved Illinois Conservation On-Farm Network (ICON) hosted MJ Oviatt and Kaitie Adams from the Savanna Institute. Oviatt is the organization’s Illinois Forestry Educator and Adams is the Demonstration Farms Director. The pair joined us to discuss the opportunities and benefits associated with incorporating agroforestry concepts and practices on traditional agricultural landscapes. Agroforestry can be...
How Ag Advisors Guide Conservation on the Ground: Recap from ICCON’s Advisor Panel
Advisors play a pivotal role in helping farmers adopt in-field conservation practices. On July 9, ICCON explored the question, “what makes an advisor truly effective?” The panel discussion brought together three seasoned professionals to share their strategies and experiences. Meet the Panelists Aidan Walton – Conservation Specialist, Precision Conservation Management (PCM) Aidan works with farmers across seven counties in north-central...
Finding Your Network: How Farmers Build Support for Their Conservation Journey
On June 11, 2025 the Illinois Cover Crop On-Farm Network (ICCON) hosted a farmer panel discussion featuring Dan Kelley of McLean County, Ed Dubrick of Iroquois County, and Jeff O’Connor of Kankakee County. The purpose of this panel discussion was to learn about each farmer’s journey in conservation and to hear about their networks of support, such as other farmers...
Midwest Cover Crop Council and NRCS Discuss Cover Crop Tools and Considerations
On the Illinois Cover Crop On-Farm Network's (ICCON) March call, ICCON was joined by Anna Morrow of the Midwest Cover Crops Council (MCCC) and Brett Roberts, IL State Agronomist with Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The pair discussed the collaboration between the MCCC and NRCS and how that work has led to cover crop species and rate recommendations for farmers...
Saddle Butte Discusses Cover Crop Techniques and Takeaways
On February 12th Illinois Cover Crop On-Farm Network was joined by TJ Kartes of Saddle Butte Ag. TJ is a seed sales representative who covers southern Minnesota, Iowa, and parts of Illinois and Missouri. TJ discussed trends he has observed with customers who are having considerable success with cover cropping and shared basic cover crop recipes and strategies that are...
Cover Crop Toolbox: ICCON Features STAR Tool
On January 8, 2025 ICCON was joined by Natalie Kerr, STAR Coordinator for the state of Illinois, to learn about the STAR program and how and why farmers should consider enrolling their fields in the program. Saving Tomorrow’s Agriculture Resources (STAR) was founded in 2017 by Steve Stierwalt and Joe Rothermel – both farmers from Champaign County, advocates for conservation,...