OGLESBY, Ill. – Conservation practices are essential for sustaining Illinois agriculture, protecting natural resources, and improving farm profitability. University of Illinois Extension invites farmers and landowners to a five-part educational series focused on conservation practices that improve soil health, support wildlife, and enhance farm profitability. Each session will provide practical strategies and research-based insights to help producers meet environmental and economic goals.
“Farmers are looking for ways to balance productivity with stewardship,” said Emily Hansen, University of Illinois Extension commercial agriculture educator. “This series provides research-based solutions that can make conservation work for both the land and the bottom line.”
Program Schedule:
- Farming for Soil Health
January 22, 2026 | 10 – 11 a.m. | LaSalle County Extension Office
Learn foundational principles of soil health and explore practical strategies farmers can implement to improve soil structure, fertility, and resilience. - Farming with Wildlife
February 3, 2026 | 10 – 11 a.m. | Marshall-Putnam County Extension Office
Discover conservation practices that support wildlife on agricultural land, with a focus on bird habitat, while also addressing deer and pollinator considerations. - Edge of Field Practices
February 19, 2026 | 10 – 11 a.m. | Bureau County Extension Office
Gain insight into innovative edge-of-field solutions—such as saturated buffers, bioreactors, constructed wetlands, and prairie strips—that reduce nutrient loss and improve water quality. - Conservation Practices for Profitable Farms
March 5, 2026 | 10 – 11 a.m. | Marshall-Putnam County Extension Office
Explore conservation strategies that not only protect natural resources but also enhance farm profitability, especially during challenging economic times. - Conservation Conversations
March 20, 2026 | 10 – 11 a.m. | LaSalle County Extension Office
Learn effective communication techniques for discussing conservation practices between farmers and landowners, fostering collaboration and shared stewardship.
Programs are free to attend, but advanced registration is encouraged. Visit go.illlinois.edu/SustainableFarms to register.
If you need an accommodation to participate, please contact Emily Hansen at emhansen@illinois.edu or 815-224-0896. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.