Illinois Cover Crop On-Farm Network

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The Illinois Cover Crop On-Farm Network (ICCON) convenes agricultural specialists from across Illinois and the broader Midwest region for monthly discussions to explore new research, troubleshoot field conditions, and provide updates on policies and programs related to cover crops.

Since ICCON began, we’ve focused on supporting farmers through their cover crop journey. Now, we’re deepening and expanding our roots to include more practices and perspectives from the field. Stay turned over the next months as we slowly bring you new ideas and connect you with experts across conservation agriculture.

To stay up to date on upcoming calls, receive follow up resources, and call recordings, please join our google group. If you have any trouble accessing the group or would like to suggest a topic for an upcoming call, please email hello@ilsustainableag.org

Upcoming ICCON calls:

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Read about past ICCON calls:

Finding Your Network: How Farmers Build Support for Their Conservation Journey

By Torey Colburn | June 18, 2025

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…

Midwest Cover Crop Council and NRCS Discuss Cover Crop Tools and Considerations

By Torey Colburn | March 19, 2025

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…

Saddle Butte Discusses Cover Crop Techniques and Takeaways 

By Torey Colburn | February 19, 2025

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…

Cover Crop Toolbox: ICCON Features STAR Tool

By Torey Colburn | January 21, 2025

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…

Cover Crop Toolbox: ICCON Features SmartMix Calculator

By Torey Colburn | December 18, 2024 |

On December 11, 2024 ICCON welcomed Keith Berns, Co-owner and Sales Marketing Manager of Green Cover Seeds based in Bladen, NE. Keith shared the SmartMix Calculator, a unique and user-friendly…

ICCON Call Features ISAP’s FIND Tool

By Torey Colburn | November 20, 2024

On November 13, 2024 ICCON welcomed Jean Brokish, Deputy Director of the Midwest Region at American Farmland Trust, to present on the Financial INcentives Database tool – The FIND tool…

Insect Biodiversity: Insights from Christine Elliot on ICCON’s Monthly Webinar

By Torey Colburn | September 17, 2024

On September 11, 2024, ICCON was joined by Christine Elliot, PhD candidate in the insect ecology laboratory at Purdue University. Christine led the group through a discussion on the importance…

The Impact of Disease Management and Cover Crops on Corn Yields: Research Highlights from Dr. Alison Robertson

By Rachel Lechuga | August 20, 2024

On August 14, ICCON was thrilled to be joined by Dr. Alison Robertson, Professor and Extension Field Crops Pathologist with the Iowa State University.  Dr. Robertson was invited to share…

GROW Network Discusses Effective Weed Management in new ICCON Summer Series

By Torey Colburn | July 15, 2024

On July 10, 2024 ICCON was pleased to kick off the 2024 summer series “Weeds & Disease & Pests, Oh My!” by welcoming Emily Unglesby and John Wallace of the…

Illinois Cover Crop Legislation: Insights from ICCON’s June Update

By Torey Colburn | June 18, 2024

On June 12th ICCON was joined by Dylan Cook, Midwest Policy Manager with American Farmland Trust, Dr. Corey Lacey, Environmental Policy Manager with Illinois Soybean Association, and special guest, Dr.…

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