Illinois NLRS Program and Project Narratives

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. 

ISAP’s Advanced Conservation Drainage Training program focuses on practices such as saturated buffers, constructed wetlands, controlled drainage, and bioreactors to reduce nitrate‑nitrogen from tile drainage. The program provides classroom and hands‑on training to help make conservation drainage a standard part of tile installation and farm management, while building a professional network to support these practices. In 2019, in‑person trainings were held in central Illinois. In 2020, training shifted to a three‑part webinar series, with recordings available online.

Saving Tomorrow’s Agriculture Resources, STAR, is a free nationwide tool to assist farm operators and landowners in evaluating their nutrient and soil loss management practices on individual fields. STAR’s goal is to encourage the continued adoption of conservation practices and recognize farmers for their commitment to improved water quality and soil health. For more information, see www.starfreetool.com

Precision Conservation Management (PCM), launched in 2016 by ICGA and ISA, helps farmers adopt conservation practices while maintaining profitability. Working with over 350 farmers and 30+ partners, PCM provides one-on-one support, data-driven insights, and financial guidance. Its platform analyzes environmental and economic impacts across 825,000 acres. From 2019–2020, PCM practices reduced nutrient and sediment losses significantly, including 1.2 million lbs of nitrate-N and 250,000 tons of sediment.