Harvest is well underway across the state, with record yields projected for both corn and soybean. Many farmers are also gearing up to plant their winter cover crops. In recent...
Choosing the right cover crop can be a daunting task, whether it is the first time you’re planting a cover crop or you're deciding to switch to something new. With countless options and complex factors to consider, it can be difficult to determine which is the best cover crop for your...
In recent years, cover crops have gained popularity as a sustainable agricultural practice that farmers can implement to improve the health and functioning of their soils. Cover crops are not a new concept, though. They used to be a normal part of our agricultural systems. It is...
Driving through the country this time of year, you’re likely to see two things: corn and soybeans. In 2023, 11.2 million acres of land in Illinois were planted in corn and nearly 10.4 million acres in soybeans. These two crops make up the vast majority of our agricultural production in...
Pesticides are essential for commercial growers to control weeds, insects, and disease, and are an integral part of an integrated weed management (IWM)...
The growing season is underway at the University of Illinois Extension + Illinois Valley Community College Agriculture Research and Demonstration plots. On the IVCC side, plots were planted with multiple varieties of corn and soybeans donated by Channel Seed. These plots will be used to...
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...
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...
