New program in Illinois compares farming practices and outcomes

(The Center Square) – A farming program in Illinois aims to improve farm incomes and environmental outcomes.

Precision Conservation Management recently released a summary of nine years worth of in-field data from Illinois farms. Farmers enrolled in PCM receive annual data analysis for their farm in addition to access to conservation experts and guidance on cost-share programs available to farmers. Through their data analysis, the program aims to identify conservation practices that effectively address environmental issues without risking the farmers’ bottom line.

“It definitely sheds light on what a person is doing and if someone else is doing it the data set can give you a glimpse into a different practice that maybe you aren’t doing that you want to do,” said Zach Wells, a farmer in Champaign County.

According to PCM data , the most frequently observed tillage systems on the most profitable acres were one-pass light tillage for corn and no-till for soybeans.

PCM surveyed enrolled farmers in 2024 and found that 64% of farmers who don’t already use reduced tillage practices agree that they are likely to reduce or eliminate tillage due to information they have received from PCM.

Reducing tillage can also have a significant impact on soil erosion and water quality. PCM began as a response to the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy in 2015, which guides state efforts to improve water quality at home and downstream by reducing nitrogen and phosphorus levels in lakes, streams and rivers.

“Between now and 2025, we all have to do something different on each acre to achieve the goals of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy,” said Dirk Rice, a Champaign County farmer. “We can’t do what we’ve always done and avoid negative publicity or difficult regulations like we see in surrounding states.”

Farmers in Kentucky and Nebraska are also taking part in the program.