LAWRENCEVILLE, Ill. — When it comes to farming, there is no substitute for experience. This March, producers and landowners can connect with local Illinois farmers and learn from others’ hands-on knowledge on preventing soil loss in their fields at the Cultivating Conversations: Preventing Soil Loss on Your Farm panel discussion for east-central Illinois.

Three local producers — Adam Buchanan, Jon Buchanan, and Terry Dahmer — will share their experiences with soil loss on their farms and share insights through their years of experience before answering questions in this free event. Network with other producers, learn how soil conservation practices work, and explore cost-share opportunities. The program will also include a discussion about the Illinois Nutrient Loss Strategy.

The program is from 9 a.m. to noon on March 26 at the Lawrence County Extension Office, 10722 Cherry Blvd., Lawrenceville. Sign up at go.illinois.edu/PreventSoilLoss. A light breakfast will be provided.

This program is provided in partnership with the Illinois Soybean Association, Illinois Corn Growers Association, and the Lawrence County Soil and Water Conservation District. 

Across Illinois, farmers are working together to reduce nutrient loss from their fields, which can reduce the return on investment, impact local waterways and drinking water, decrease property values, hinder recreational opportunities, and harm local businesses and tourism. Local water quality also has an impact downstream from the Mississippi River to the gulf, where a hypoxic zone the size of New Jersey threatens the fishing industry. Explore more about preventing nutrient loss in Illinois with Illinois Extension and the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy.