Phosphorus coming from southern Illinois streambank erosion may be significant based on preliminary measurements by Jon Schoonover, Southern Illinois University professor. He is studying two watersheds in southern Illinois to find the impact thanks to funding from the Illinois Nutrient Research and Education Council.   Read more

The Illinois Nutrient Research and Education Council (NREC) is funding a five-year project to determine how much streambank erosion is occurring statewide and the amount of phosphorus that adds to rivers and streams. “We will look at the soil phosphorus at all the sites — actually do soil profiles,” said University of Illinois Assistant Professor Andrew Margenot, who is leading the project.   Read more

A recent National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) survey measured farmers’ awareness of best management practices and implementation of practices recommended in the Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy. The result? Illinois farmers are using best fertilizer management practices on more acres. Julie Hewitt, executive director of the Illinois Nutrient Research and Education Council, discussed key takeaways of the survey.   Read more

 Andrew Margenot, University of Illinois assistant professor, wants to find out. Margenot and fellow researchers have spent a couple of years recovering and curating soil samples from 1899 through the 2000s. Now, he’s looking for farmers’ help in accessing land to collect soil samples from 450 marked locations across the state.   Read more

Culver’s is partnering with U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action and the Decade of Ag movement for its annual FFA essay contest. Three FFA members will be selected as winners, earning prizes of $7,500, $5,000 and $2,500 for their FFA chapters

 Jones, Schahrer and the team of four female students, Grace Lemenager, Hannah Miller, Ellie Ellis and Carla Kilgus, share the impact of the gift.     Watch