Recent News
Balancing Management with Profitability: Impacts of Tillage and Nutrient Management on Soybean Performance in the Midwest
As spring approaches, many in the Illinois ag community are thinking about soil moisture, or lack thereof, with approximately two-thirds of the state under moderate to severe drought conditions as of February 3. Although we still have at least a couple months for spring rains to come before most farmers in the state will be thinking about planting, current conditions...
Communicating Edge-of-Field Practices: Turning Awareness into Action
Communicating Edge-of-Field Practices: Turning Awareness into Action The Illinois Conservation On-Farm Network (ICON) hosted Dr. Jacqueline Comito from Iowa State University and Scott James from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the final webinar of 2025. Guest speakers shared research and practical tips for effectively communicating about edge-of-field (EoF) practices. Edge of Field Practices – Essential, but Under-utilized Across...
Return on Investment for Conservation Drainage
On November 12, the Illinois Conservation On-Farm Network (ICON) hosted Isaac Ferrie of Crop Tech Consulting and Ben Reinhart of Ecosystem Services Exchange for a discussion on conservation drainage practices that deliver multiple benefits for producers. While several options exist for tile-drained landscapes, such as saturated buffers and bioreactors, the spotlight for this webinar was on controlled drainage, also known...
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...