The Illinois Pork Producers Association offers a tree buffer cost-share program for swine farmers who implement fresh landscaping on their farms. A buffer is a strategically placed area of trees that provides a windbreak, recycles clean air, and adds curb appeal to a landscape. IPPA matches up to $2,500 of the total cost for each project. Funding can be used to purchase trees, shrubs, and design services. To date, IPPA has invested over $80,000 in the program, allowing swine farmers from across the state to take advantage of this incentive. In 2019 alone, 682 trees were planted.
An environmental engineer for IPPA, funded in part by the Illinois Soybean Association Checkoff Program, provides research and planning services to tree buffer cost-share projects. A local Extension educator may also provide support by suggesting the best types of trees for the desired location. Their expertise ensures that each project yields a useful tree buffer that will benefit the farmer.
A map of IPPA-funded tree buffer projects is available at ilpork.com/farmers-care/sustainability/ tree-buffers-across-illinois.
