Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy

09/16/2026

"Mistakes were made." - Brent Fowler, McDonough County, Illinois Farmer 😎

Learn from these seasoned farmers about lessons they have learned along the way and tips to help you navigate barriers to entry.

Cover crops and no-till can take some trial and error. In Episode 84 of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Podcast, three

08/26/2026

A few tips from our very own Illinois NLRS Steering Member and Extension Educator, Rachel Curry.

Did you know 70-75% of Illinois farmland is rented, not owned by the farmer working it? That's just one reason conservation adoption is more complex than it looks.

On this episode of IL Corn TV, U of I Extension's Rachel Curry breaks down the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy and why practices like cover crops and no-till aren't just good for water quality, they're good for the bottom line. 🌽💧 (Link in comments)

University of Illinois Extension

08/06/2026

NOAA's annual Gulf hypoxia survey is a key measure of progress toward the goals that inspired nutrient reduction strategies across the Mississippi River Basin, including Illinois' NLRS efforts.

Just in! NCCOS-funded scientists measure a 1,332 square mile, smaller-than-expected in the Gulf. Annual mapping of the zone has been ongoing since 1985. This is the 2nd smallest zone on record in the 40 year measurement history. The measured size was much smaller than anticipated due to the passage of Tropical Storm Bertha through the northern Gulf on the eve of the cruise. Learn more:
https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/noaa-and-partners-find-smaller-than-anticipated-hypoxic-zone-in-gulf-of-america

LSU College of the Coast & Environment Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON)

07/28/2026

One cover crop conversation. Big benefits for soil health, water quality, and profitability. Read more in the latest NLRS blog!

Illinois EPA, Illinois Department of Agriculture, University of Illinois Extension

When evaluating cover crops, many conversations begin with one question: Are they profitable?

07/15/2026

By tailoring cover crops to farmers’ goals, partners are demonstrating stronger soil health, less nutrient loss, and more resilient operations, right here on Illinois farms.

07/06/2026

Interested in becoming an Illinois Certified Crop Advisor (ICCA) or brushing up on agronomy basics? Join the ICCA Study Session on July 15 for a helpful crash course. This is a great opportunity for exam prep and better nutrient management.

📝 ICCA Exam registration open July 1–31 (Aug 5–19 testing window). Find more at https://illinoiscca.org/
👉 RSVP for the July 15 ICCA Study Session: https://form.123formbuilder.com/6796374/cca-study-session-registration-form

06/26/2026

06/26/2026

🌿 Partnership in Action 🌿

The SIU College of Agriculture Field Day is more than just a day in the field—it’s a chance to see how organizations across Illinois are working together to support the Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy.

On July 14, join SIU, NREC, Illinois Soybean Association, and Illinois Farm Bureau as they:
💧 Highlight nutrient management research
💧 Strengthen partnerships
💧 Work toward better water quality for Illinois

SIU University Farms (Carbondale) | 9 AM – 1:30 PM
Lunch provided | Rain or shine | RSVP: https://form.123formbuilder.com/6953951/7-14-2026-nutrient-research-field-day-carbondale

06/17/2026

NOAA is forecasting this summer’s Gulf “dead zone” –an area of low to no oxygen that can kill fish and other marine life– to be approximately 7,027 square miles, larger than the long-term average measured size of 5,223 square miles. Learn more: https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/jun26/summer-dead-zone.html

06/09/2026

In episode 81 of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Podcast, Dr.