Blogs

Edge-of-field practices offer benefits to growers and the environment

June 19, 2024

Edge-of-field practices are often lumped under the regenerative agriculture umbrella, but these practices tend to have different goals than those typically associated with regenerative systems. Most regenerative agricultural practices focus on building and maintaining soils, with enhancing...

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A woman in knitted sweater holding paper bag with a famer both standing next to woven basket filled with fruits

2024 Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, and Putnam farmers market guide

June 12, 2024

Field Notes

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...

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What is regenerative agriculture?

June 5, 2024

Field Notes

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...

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Welcome, John Schepis!

May 31, 2024

Pesticide News

The Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) at the University of Illinois has recently expanded our team to include a new trainer. This new addition will be responsible for creating and delivering course content. Please help us in welcoming John Schepis!Even though John grew...

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Combating herbicide resistance: the role of integrated weed management (IWM) in modern agriculture

May 29, 2024

Field Notes

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....

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Personal Protective Equipment and Sprayer

Maintaining personal protective equipment

May 29, 2024

Pesticide News

At this time of year, when pesticides are commonly being used, it is important to take the time to properly clean and maintain Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The following is taken, with little revision, from the national Pesticide Applicator Core Manual first edition and was...

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New pesticide laws around schools

May 8, 2024

Pesticide News

Illinois pesticide applicators should familiarize themselves with two new laws that restrict pesticide applications around schools. The intent of course is to minimize student exposure to pesticides when they are used to reduce the risks to students from noxious weeds, disease bearing insects, and...

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Know your enemy: Identifying common weeds in Illinois fields

May 1, 2024

Field Notes

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...

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sun shining on water faucet dripping water

From field to faucet: The critical role farmers play in protecting our water

April 28, 2024

Field Notes

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,...

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This Arbor Day consider introducing agroforestry practices on your farm

April 26, 2024

Field Notes

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...

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