blog posts

• Illinois Buffer Partnership

  Dec 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.

• Illinois Cover Crop Initiative

  Dec 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

  Dec 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.

• Post Application Coverage Endorsement Crop Insurance Policy

  Dec 8, 2023 12:30 pm

  IL Corn worked to help develop a new crop insurance product to cover a farmer’s risk from being unable to get an in-season application of nitrogen. Post Application Coverage Endorsement, PACE, protects a farmer if a planned in-season application of nitrogen (V3-V10) cannot be made due to unfavorable conditions. For more information, see pacecropinsurance.com.

• Precision Conservation Management

  Dec 8, 2023 12:30 pm

  The Precision Conservation Management program is an agricultural service program created to assist farmers with identifying the best management practices for their individual farming operations, conservation interests, and business goals. It is jointly managed by the Illinois Corn Growers Association and the Illinois Soybean Association. For more information, see www.precisionconservation.org.

• Soil and Water Outcomes

  Dec 8, 2023 12:30 pm

  The Illinois Soybean Association, in partnership with USDA-NRCS and others, offers financial incentives to producers transitioning to conservation practices that provide positive outcomes for carbon sequestration and water quality. Program expansion in 2021–22 made incentives available to producers in 17 Illinois counties.

• STAR Conservation Evaluation Tool

  Dec 8, 2023 12:30 pm

  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

• Tree Buffer Program

  Dec 8, 2023 12:30 pm

  The Illinois Pork Producers Association offers a tree buffer cost-share program for swine producers who implement fresh landscaping on their farms. For more information see ilpork.com/farmers-care/ funding-opportunities/tree-buffer-grant-program

• Vermilion Headwaters Watershed Partnership

  Dec 8, 2023 12:30 pm

  The Vermilion Headwaters Watershed Partnership is a group of stakeholders, including farmers, community leaders, government agencies, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations working to reduce the loss of nitrogen from farmland in the watershed. The adoption of conservation cropping systems, such as reduced tillage, cover crops, nutrient management, and tile water treatment, can help protect water quality and improve a farmer’s bottom line. Key partners include American Farmland Trust, The Wetlands Initiative, NRCS – Pontiac Office, Livingston County Soil and Water Conservation District, Northwater Consulting, Precision Conservation Management, and Compeer Financial. For more information, see farmland.org/vhw.

• DuPage County Water Quality Improvement Program

  Dec 8, 2023 12:30 pm

  DuPage County Stormwater Management recognizes the financial burden a property owner may face when undertaking a project that improves regional water quality. The county’s Water Quality Improvement Program, WQIP, offers financial assistance to projects providing a regional water quality benefit to local waterways. The grant funds up to 25% of eligible construction costs for water quality improvement projects. DuPage County initiated the grant program in 2000 and has awarded nearly $6.3 million across 108 projects. DuPage County government agencies, organizations, and individuals are eligible to receive funds under the WQIP. The WQIP story map provides information on the grant and application process and gives examples of eligible projects, such as rain gardens, green roofs, permeable pavers, and streambank stabilization. The story map also includes animated infographics, photos, project descriptions, and an interactive map of previously awarded projects.

  For more information, see dupagecounty.gov/government/departments/stormwater_management/grants/water_quality_ improvement_program.php.