June 20th is officially the first day of summer and with it comes the start of farmers market season. Farmers markets are a great opportunity to buy fresh, in-season produce and directly support local farms. Farmers markets help build community, support the local economy, strengthen our...
Regenerative agriculture may just sound like a new buzz word in the sustainable production space, but what does this term actually mean and why should it matter to Illinois farmers? Regenerative agriculture is an umbrella term used to describe the on-farm use of a wide range of sustainable...
Farmers are at the forefront of the fight against weeds. When livelihoods are on the line and herbicide resistance continues to be a growing problem, growers may want to consider a multi-faceted approach to weed control. This is where integrated weed management becomes invaluable for farmers....
As the growing season begins in Illinois, it is not just our crops that will be sprouting. Growers should soon begin monitoring their fields for agricultural weeds and making plans to manage them. What is a weed?A weed is any plant that is growing where it is not wanted. For...
Farmers have a huge role to play in keeping our waters clean. According to the National Water Quality Assessment, agricultural runoff is the leading cause of water quality impacts on rivers and streams. Runoff from agricultural fields often contains nutrients from fertilizers,...
Happy Arbor Day! Every year people around the globe celebrate Arbor Day by planting trees in their communities. To celebrate Arbor Day the ag way, we’re going to discuss how farmers can incorporate trees into their operations (aka agroforestry).Agroforestry is the integration of trees...
Stewardship (noun): the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care.The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) is celebrating the 68th annual Stewardship Week from April 28th- May 5th, 2024. The NACD...
As the growing season fast approaches, farmers need to prepare for the fertility needs of their crops. While soybeans may not require nitrogen like corn does, this crop has its unique nutrient requirements. In addition to phosphate and potash, soybeans also need sufficient sulfur to...
