SPRINGFIELD, IL. – The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is sponsoring a series of one-day seminars to provide farmers with the latest information about soil and water conservation practices. 

The series begins January 26 at the iHotel Conference Center.  Other seminars will be held throughout the month in Godfrey and Milan.

Each seminar will have its own agenda. However, all three will include local agricultural producers and resource experts will share information and personal experiences on soil health improvement options, cover crop success, and wise nutrient management techniques. 

“These seminars provide an opportunity for farmers, producers and land owners to gain valuable information on the environmental and economic benefits of cover crops,” said Steve Chard, Bureau Chief of IDOA Land and Water Resources. “This is also a great chance for those individuals to network with other farmers and producers in order to gain knowledge, insight and skills that can benefit their farms and their bottom line.”

Cover crops are plants, typically grasses or legumes, seeded into farm fields either within or outside of the regular growing season. These crops can play an important role in erosion control, nutrient management, weed control, soil conservation, and soil health.  Research suggests they have a significant competitive advantage compared to the more traditional management practices, and they also may offer production benefits.  A survey of Midwestern farmers by USDA’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program revealed higher corn and soybean yields in fields where cover crops had been planted.