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Illinois Conservation On-Farm Network

The Illinois Conservation On-Farm Network (ICON) convenes agriculture 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 conservation agriculture. Engaging with presentations by experts, researchers, and industry leaders, our ICON calls provide an opportunity to share knowledge and network with a strong community of conservation ag enthusiasts.

Since this network 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.

If you would like to suggest a topic for an upcoming call, please email hello@ilsustainableag.org!

Monthly every second Wednesday at 9am CT

July 8: Achieving Conservation Goals Through Women in Conservation Groups | Christine Johnson, Michael Fields Agricultural Institute

August 12: Probing Our Country's Soil Health | Dr. Newell Kitchen, Agronomic, Geologic & Environmental Services LLC

September 9: Advancing Soil Health with Farmer-led FLASH Groups | Morgan Cauble, American Farmland Trust

Read about past ICON calls:

Return on Investment for Conservation Drainage

By Adrienne Marino | November 18, 2025

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…

Illinois Conservation On Farm-Network: Integrating Trees, Crops, and Nutrient Loss Strategies

By Torey Colburn | September 17, 2025

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…

How Ag Advisors Guide Conservation on the Ground: Recap from ICCON’s Advisor Panel

By Torey Colburn | July 16, 2025

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…

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…

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