Field Notes
Growing Connections: Farmers and Ag Professionals Meet to Discuss Conservation as More Than a Label
Written by: Lisa Martin, Program Coordinator of the Illinois Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) Program Cookies and milk were the perfect afternoon snack for everyone who attended ISAP's roundtable discussion on the Director's Lawn of the Illinois State Fairgrounds August 14 in Springfield. The annual event, sponsored by Midwest Dairy, gave members and guests of the Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Partnership an...
Back to the Basics: Building a Foundation for Soil Health Leadership
Written by: Rachel Owen, SHLP Participant Last month, the newest cohort of the Illinois Soil Health Leadership Program gathered in Peoria for our first training session. Participants came to the program with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, but the session offered a valuable reminder for all of us: sometimes moving soil health forward requires going back to...
ISAP Policy Committee Recaps Key Agricultural and Conservation Policy Issues from the 2026 Legislative Session
The Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership (ISAP) Policy Committee recently hosted a webinar reviewing major agricultural and conservation policy developments from the 2026 Illinois legislative session. Representatives from ISAP member organizations shared updates on legislation, funding initiatives, and policy discussions that could impact Illinois farmers, landowners, conservation professionals, and rural communities. The webinar provided a timely look at legislative efforts important...
Meet the 2027 Soil Health Leadership Program Cohort
The Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership is excited to welcome the 2027 Soil Health Leadership Program (SHLP) cohort. This group of 25 participants represents the diversity of Illinois agriculture, bringing together farmers, conservation professionals, agronomists, researchers, technical service providers, and agricultural advisors from across the state. These participants will spend the next 18 months deepening their understanding of soil health and...