Recent News
Three Generations of Women Steward the Land
Cindy and Ann Irhke on the farm near Roberts, IL. The important role women play in conservation and land-use decisions is gaining recognition, and so are the benefits to soil, water, and wildlife. Ann, Cindy, and Sage Ihrke are three generations of women who live and breathe conservation on their family’s farm near Roberts, Il. It started way back in 1970 when George Ihrke, a veterinarian from the south suburbs of Chicago, invested in 320 acres in...
Farmers and Communities Reap the Benefits of Planting Covers
Farmers and Communities Reap the Benefits of Planting Covers Acres planted to cover crops and enrolled in the Department of Agriculture’s “Fall Covers for Spring Savings” Program provided economic benefits to farmers in the form of a five dollar an acre discount on crop insurance premiums. The 50,000 acres enrolled in the program also provided environmental benefits to Illinois communities....
Navigating A Few ISAP Farmer Resources in the Face of COVID-19
Navigating A Few ISAP Farmer Resources in the Face of COVID-19 Many of us are being impacted by the corona-virus pandemic—especially our farmers. ISAP partners are trying to navigate this by providing aid and educational materials to those that are directly impacted in Illinois and beyond. ISAP’s foundation stems from collaboration and positive movements for improving agriculture and water quality...
Strategies to Reduce Nitrate Loss from Tile-Drained Cropland
Strategies to Reduce Nitrate Loss from Tile-Drained Cropland The recently released Illinois EPA and Department of Agriculture biennial report on Illinois’ Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS) showed that nitrate and phosphorus loads, in addition to water flows, have increased statewide since 2013. While it may appear there has been no progress in reducing nutrient runoff, particularly from our farm fields,...
Building Evidence on Soil Health for Illinois
To ensure a sustainable future for the land there’s one place more and more farmers know they can turn: the soil beneath their feet. American Farmland Trust partnered with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service on four new case studies that show healthier soil on farmland brings economic benefits to farmers and environmental benefits to both farmers and society. One of those farms...
Fall Covers for Spring Savings Program is a Success
Author Kris Reynolds stands in his field planted with a cereal rye cover crop. Fall Covers for Spring Savings Program is a Success It is now February and it has officially been nearly two months since the launch of the IDOA Fall Covers for Spring Savings Program. The Illinois Legislature approved a new line item this fiscal year in the...