As a part of a multi-state effort throughout the Midwest, researchers from University of Illinois are looking for participants to partake in a focus group centered around conservation practices within the Flint/Henderson watershed (Mercer, Henry, Henderson, Warren, Knox, and Hancock counties). University of Illinois professor of agriculture economics, Dr. Ben Graming, has collaborated with faculty from Purdue and Iowa State University to conduct these series of focus groups to gather perspectives from farmers about conservation practices. 

The focus group will take place on Thursday, February 13 at the Extension office in Galva, Illinois at 10:00 a.m. and includes lunch for participants. We are looking for 10 area farmers within the watershed to participate in a discussion around agricultural conservation practices and programs. Participants will also be compensated with $49.99 for their time and input. 

The participants that we are looking for would ideally be farmers that use very limited conservation methods as the topic of the conversation will surround the barriers to adoption of conservation practices on the farm. All input will be completely confidential and anonymous. We hope to gain an insight on way to help make conservation practices easier or more appealing for Illinois farmers to adopt. 

If you are interested in participated in this focus group, please go to go.illinois.edu/AgFocusGroup2020 to register. Act quickly as registration is limited to the first 10 people. For any additional questions, contact Chelsea Harabch (harbach2@illinois.edu) or Haley Haverback-Gruber (hmh2@illinois.edu)