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American Farmland Trust, USDA-NRCS, IL Department of Agriculture and other groups have announced the fifth year of Conservation Cropping Seminars.

These one-day seminars will feature local agricultural producers and resource experts who will share information and personal experiences on soil health improvement options, cover crop success and nutrient management techniques.

The deadline to register for these seminars is January 15—online registration is available here.

Learn from industry, academic and farmer experts, including nationally recognized cover crop coach Steve Groff. In addition to becoming local innovators and leaders, these growers will tell you how to do it right and how to make a profit as well.

Illinois farmers have become largely aware of the various practices that mitigate nutrient loss. In August 2017, the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS) Biennial Report indicated 70-percent of Illinois farmers are knowledgeable about NLRS conservation practices. In fact, a recent NLRS producer survey points to farmers more than doubling their use of cover crops in recent years.

The time is now to add conservation to the conversation with your landowner or tenant. What can you do to improve soil health, restore water quality? Join us to learn more!

The cost to attend each seminar is $20 per person, $10 per student, and lunch will be provided. Register online by January 15.

Below is an agenda for each of the one-day seminars:
January 23, 2018
Kankakee, IL
Location: Hilton Garden Inn
NLRS Biennial Report Update
2017 Transect Survey Results
Cover Crops A to Z
Cover Crop Farmer Panel
Economics of Soil Health
Nutrient Cycling with Covers
Nutrient Solutions IL NREC Results
Meet & Greet with Speakers, Exhibitors

January 24, 2018
Olney, IL
Location: The Holiday
NLRS Biennial Report Update
2017 Transect Survey Results
Resistance Weed Management
Cover Crops A to Z
Economics of Soil Health
Cover Crop Farmer Panel
Nutrient Solutions IL NREC Results
Meet & Greet with Speakers, Exhibitors

January 25, 2018
Peoria, IL
Location: Holiday Inn & Suites
NLRS Biennial Report Update
2017 Transect Survey Results
Cover Crops A to Z
Nutrient Solutions IL NREC Results
Economics of Soil Health
Aerial Application
Cover Crop Farmer Panel
Meet & Greet with Speakers, Exhibitors

(CCA - 5.5 SWM Credits Approved)
In addition to the Illinois Department of Agriculture, seminar coordinators include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, American Farmland Trust, Illinois Stewardship Alliance, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Council of Best Management Practices, local Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the ISA checkoff program.