Production Risk Management

Cover crops on Rob Stout farm. Stout is a long-time no-tiller and has used cover crops for a number of years on his farm in Washington County, IA.

Improving soil health and water quality are crucial to reducing environmental risk, and there is growing evidence that these improvements will also lead to increased profitability for farmers. ISAP’s Production Risk Management programs engage farmers, advisors, and conservation practitioners to emphasize the role of soil health and water quality practices in building profitable and resilient agricultural systems.

ISAP is leading efforts to provide clear, transparent information to farmers and their advisors on how best to mitigate production risks, adapt to a changing climate, and evaluate carbon market opportunities.

Risk Management Conference

ISAP’s bi-annual Risk Management Conference highlights the use of soil health and conservation drainage practices as tools to mitigate production risk. The Conference aims to increase the knowledge of farmers, landowners, and advisers, bringing the agriculture industry together to highlight how conservation practices build resiliency for Illinois farms.

ISAP'S 2022 Risk Management Conference: Busting Conservation Myths

ISAP's 2022 Risk Management Conference is a free 3-part webinar series ‘debunking’ popular myths that may be keeping some from considering soil health and conservation drainage practices. The series looked beyond the environmental benefits of conservation cropping systems, to highlight the production and economic benefits producers can gain by transitioning to a soil health system. Continuing education credits (CEU’s) were offered.

WATCH: “Cover Crops Are Just Another Input” | Agronomic benefits of a soil health system

The first webinar in the series took on the myth that “Cover Crops Are Just Another Input,” exploring the agronomic benefits of taking a systems approach to improving soil health. Jerry Hatfield (Agricultural Consultant), Kirk Kimble (Marshall County Farmer), and Frank Rademacher (PCM Conservation Specialist) shared their perspectives on how nutrient cycling in a biologically active soil can change a farmers’ agronomic approach to nutrient management and weed control.

WATCH: “Conservation Costs Too Much” | Economics of transitioning to a soil health system

The second session reviewed the economic benefits of transitioning to a soil health system, busting the myth that “Conservation Costs Too Much.” Ryan Batts (University of Illinois Ext.), Paul Dietmann (Compeer Financial) and Dallas Glazik (Pheasants Forever) explored tools ag economists and commercial lenders use to assist farmers in any transition, and discussed how to value the long term improvements a soil health system provides.

WATCH: “Tile and Conservation Don’t Mix” | Drainage Opportunities & Challenges

The myth “Tile and Conservation Don’t Mix” is a misconception that may be limiting farmers’ interest in adopting conservation practices. Tile drainage experts, Ehsan Ghane (Michigan State University), Isaac Ferrie (CropTech Consulting), and Jeff O’Connor (Kankakee County Farmer) explained how tile systems can be designed to mitigate the risk of nutrient loss often associated with drainage, while also providing a foundation for soil health systems to thrive.

If you were unable to join us in 2022, or you would like to watch the webinars again, you can access the recordings on our YouTube channel.

ISAP's 2020 Risk Management Conference: Bridging the Gaps

ISAP's 2020 Risk Management Conference, "Bridging the Gaps," explored the use of land stewardship and soil health management as tools to mitigate production and financial risks. Farmers who are utilizing soil health practices find benefits beyond the farmgate: from buffering extreme weather, to increasing working capital, to meeting changing consumer demand.

Webinar 1: Eric Snodgrass breaks down what IL farmers should expect over the next 30 years for climate and how these changes will impact farm production.

Webinar 2: Learn how soil health management systems improve working capital. LaSalle County farmer Carl Zimmerman will share his perspective, and his budget sheets!

Webinar 3: Explore how companies across the ag supply chain are responding to consumer demand for sustainably produced products.

The 2020 conference reached over 200 people through three online webinars. If you were unable to join us in 2020, or you would like to watch the webinars again, you can access the recordings on our YouTube channel.

Climate-Smart Agriculture

Agriculture is on the frontlines of our changing climate. As temperatures continue to rise and extreme weather events increase, farmers are facing increased risk to the success of their crops and the sustainability of their livelihoods. Implementing practices like cover crops and no-till increases soil organic matter and improves soil health, and with over 23 million acres of cropland across the state, Illinois farmers are uniquely positioned to offer immediate, scalable solutions to the climate crisis.

ISAP is dedicated to supporting farmers as they adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. By disseminating relevant research, creating a strong network of informed advisors, and promoting the adoption of climate smart agricultural practices, ISAP is committed to ensuring that Illinois agriculture benefits from being part of the climate solution.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ISAP'S CLIMATE-SMART WORK

Ecosystem Markets

Ecosystem markets are an emerging tool with potential to incentivize the increased adoption of soil health systems. ISAP is leading efforts to increase transparency on various market incentives and facilitate data sharing among farmer networks.

Learn more about ISAP’s ecosystem market work

Financial Incentive Directories

ISAP has developed three incentive directories to share financial payment opportunities available to farmers in Illinois for adopting conservation practices including cover crops, saturated buffers, and constructed wetlands. By viewing programs opportunities side by side, farmers will be able to compare programs and select the option that is best for their operation.

View ISAP's Incentives Directories

Resources

Access a variety of program related resources.

Explore Resources