NREC investing over $4.8 million for research

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Nutrient Research and Education Council will invest more than $4.8 million across 29 research and education projects during the 2026-2027 funding cycle, continuing Illinois agriculture’s investment in nutrient efficiency and meeting the goals of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy.

The portfolio balances continued investment in multiyear research with new science addressing emerging needs.

More than $4 million will support continuing projects, while $817,955 will fund five new projects.

The 29 projects involve 16 principal investigators across six institutions, bringing together agronomists, soil scientists, economists, conservation specialists and other disciplines for collaborative, applied research.

The portfolio includes five first-year projects, nine second-year projects, eight third-year projects, three fourth-year projects and one fifth-year project, while maintaining three key long-term research efforts underway for more than a decade.

“By balancing long-term research with targeted new projects, NREC delivers practical insights that help Illinois farmers stay profitable while improving nutrient stewardship — maximizing our research investment today and bringing new science into the pipeline for the future,” said Corey Lacey, NREC executive director.