2023 Spring Farm Outlook

Page 17 2023 Logan County Spring Farm Outlook LINCOLN DAILY NEWS March 2023 Cover crops often include various types of clovers; barley; buckwheat; collards; flaxseeds; millets; oats; peas; radishes; rapeseed; rye; turnips; and winter wheat. Cover crops are grown primarily for the benefit and growth of future crops. In Illinois, cover crops are often grown before soybeans. These crops help prevent soil erosion and improve soil health, can help combat invasive weeds, pests and diseases; increase diversity of crops in the fields, and provide another avenue for potential profit. Additionally, cover crops can help promote a higher quality of water. This is because cover crops do not call for as much in the way of pesticides and herbicides. Cover crops are a problem for pests and diseases all on their own. By planting cover crops, farmers can prevent more nutrient and pesticide runoff, and essentially help give the waterways more time to recover. As for the Partners for Conservation Fund, that is a long-term state initiative that works to protect natural resources in Illinois. The IDOA also oversees this fund along with several other states agencies that share responsibility for administering money. According to the Fund website, the program provides funding for grants related to steam bank stabilization and soil and water conservation. Two of these grants focus on Illinois waterways. The stream bank stabilization and restoration program focuses on promoting effective vegetative and bio-engineering techniques to help control potential stream bank erosion. This process is often accelerated by efforts to channel and straighten streams Continued --