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Illinois NLRS Program and Project Narratives

This site features NGO partner program and project narratives, searchable by title, date, and categories. These narratives have been reported in the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS) annual reports and updates. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all nutrient loss-related initiatives across Illinois.

The NLRS is a statewide, collaborative effort aimed at reducing the levels of nitrogen and phosphorus entering Illinois waterways. This page specifically highlights NGO-led efforts that have contributed to the strategy since 2023.

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  • Farm Gate

    by Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy TeamDec 8, 2023 12:30 pm

    Illinois’ livestock industry is dedicated to addressing environmental protection through regulatory programs, industry-led educational initiatives, and publicly funded programs. Illinois Farm Bureau continues to distribute resources that provide members with a first step toward understanding whether and how environmental rules and regulations impact their operations. For more information, see ilfb.org/FarmGate.

  • Illinois Farm Bureau NLRS Priority Watershed Work

    by Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy TeamDec 8, 2023 12:30 pm

    Watershed planning efforts in Illinois EPA priority watersheds continued to be a significant area of focus for Illinois Farm Bureau and County Farm Bureaus across the state. IFB’s work in this area often included providing technical, financial, and outreach support to these efforts. By working closely with CFBs and their local communities, IFB is also able to help ensure farmer and landowner feedback is brought to watershed planning initiatives.

  • IFCA-supported NREC Projects

    by Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy TeamDec 8, 2023 12:30 pm

    New in 2021-22, the Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association supports research on practices listed in the Illinois NLRS at permanent sites in Douglas County and Piatt County. This work is funded by the Illinois Nutrient Research & Education Council. IFCA staff helps to manage all practices at these sites, including implementing and managing nutrient applications, crop protection applications, tillage practices and cover crop seeding. Tile monitoring structures are used at both sites, enabling further insight into nitrogen and phosphorus losses from differing agricultural practices researched.

  • Illinois Ag Retailer Survey

    by Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy TeamDec 8, 2023 12:30 pm

    New in 2022, an Illinois Ag Retailer Survey and data collection processes were planned to capture farm management with regards to agricultural practices recommended by the NLRS. This project is spearheaded by Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association, with support from many other agricultural organizations. The Illinois Ag Retailer Survey will replace the 4R Metrics Survey. The first data collection period was initiated in spring 2023.

  • Illinois Buffer Partnership

    by Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy TeamDec 8, 2023 12:30 pm

    The Illinois Buffer Partnership promotes and provides cost-share funding to the voluntary conservation efforts of Illinois farmers and landowners with the goal of improving water, air, and soil quality. Buffer projects help to reduce erosion, sequester carbon, provide wildlife and pollinator habitat, and can also create additional income for landowners. This program is a collaborative partnership of Trees Forever, GROWMARK, state and federal government agencies, Trees Forever members, and participating landowners. For more information, see treesforever.org/illinois_buffer_partnership.

  • 5-Year Soil Health Transition

    by Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy TeamDec 8, 2023 12:30 pm

    The Illinois Corn Growers Precision Conservation Management team has been working with participating farmers in the 5-Year Soil Health Transition program to complete new enrollments and to prepare current participants for adapting to soil health management systems. Conservation specialists work with each farmer to evaluate the financial and logistical details of implementing new management practices. For more information, see www.precisionconservation.org

  • Illinois Cover Crop Initiative

    by Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy TeamDec 8, 2023 12:30 pm

    The Illinois Cover Crop Initiative, ICCI, is a partnership between American Farmland Trust, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, ADM. ICCI provides financial incentives to Illinois farmers planting cover crops. Additional incentives are available for ADM customers to implement no-till and/or provide data for emissions scoring. For more information, see farmland.org/icci.

  • Illinois Cover Crop Programs

    by Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy TeamDec 8, 2023 12:30 pm

    Illinois Corn Growers Association believes in recognizing early adopters and finding ways to support growth of cover crop acres across the state. They partner with various organizations and companies to provide financial support to growers in the form of direct cost-share dollars and incentives. For more information, see Ilcorn.org/covercrops.

  • Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Partnership

    by Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy TeamDec 8, 2023 12:30 pm

    The Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership is a non-profit member-based organization working collaboratively to encourage the adoption of sustainable and profitable production practices that improve soil health and restore local waters. By developing comprehensive programming, building a strong network of sustainable agriculture advocates, and sharing relevant research and resources, the partnership is committed to working together to support healthy soil, clean water, and profitable farms in Illinois. The organization invites conservation leaders to share their own conservation story by adding their pin to its new Conservation Story Map at ilsustainableag.org/conservation-story-map.

    Updates on previously-reported NLRS programs and projects, such as the Advanced Conservation Drainage Training, Advanced Soil Health Training, and Soil Health and Conservation Drainage Specialist Network (Local Farmer-Led Networks), and Illinois Alphabet Soup Group, can be found at www.ilsustainableag.org.

  • ILSoyAdvisor

    by Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy TeamDec 8, 2023 12:30 pm

    New in this Biennial Report, the ILSoyAdvisor agronomy team and website resources provide expert agronomic and management advice for Illinois soybean production. Funded by the Illinois Soybean Association checkoff program, it provides education, outreach, networking, and technical assistance on a variety of practices recommended by the NLRS. For more information, see www.ilsoyadvisor.com.