Cover crops

Soil health is among the most important foundations for sustaining plants, humans and animals. Only living things can have “health,” so viewing soil as a living, breathing ecosystem reflects a shift in the way soil is observed and managed.

A multi-year cover crop project by the Marshall-Putnam Farm Bureau and partners was featured in a field day. The event was part of Illinois Farm Bureau’s Nutrient Stewardship Field Days held this summer across the state.

The United States is making a big bet on the role that farmers can play in mitigating climate change.

Farmers fully understand in order to yield a successful crop we need our vast natural resources. The sun, air, water and soil are just some that we rely on. For thousands of years, farmers have fed the world while protecting these resources and operating sustainable family businesses.

Tunnel ventilation of the freestall barns at Hunter Haven Farms provides improved airflow for the cows throughout the year.

Multiyear field trials in Douglas County were conducted to find answers to the complexities of nitrogen management in tile-drained fields.

When was the last time you grabbed your favorite shovel or spade and took a walk through your fields? A simple shovel test can reveal several things about soil that you may want to take into consideration this year and looking forward.

The way in which the country reopens after the past 14 months of economic shutdown will impact how policy is shaped by the U.S. Congress.

Cover crop successes and challenges were featured in a recent field day at the Illinois State University Research Farm. Nicholas Heller, ISU assistant crop sciences professor, led a tour of three cover crop systems that looked at seeding, management and benefits.

CoverCress is a new cash crop that also provides the benefits of a cover crop. Developed from pennycress, CoverCress is a value-added cover crop.