Illinois farmers are preparing to highlight their ongoing commitment to conservation as the Illinois Farm Bureau’s (IFB) Nutrient Stewardship Field Days return this summer. The annual series of events will put a spotlight on innovative approaches in regenerative agriculture and nutrient management being implemented across the state.
“Field days are an important platform for elevating the voices of those implementing unique regenerative practices,” said Bena Pegg, IFB environmental program manager. “The farmers leading these events are mentors, sharing practical, local knowledge that helps others build more resilient, productive, and sustainable operations.”
Pegg emphasized that the Field Days continue to play a significant role in advancing Illinois’ Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy goals. The events have also evolved into valuable opportunities for peer learning and community engagement. This year’s Field Days, running from June through September, will cover a variety of topics including soil health, field research, livestock integration, and regenerative agriculture.
Among this summer’s highlights is a July 7th bus tour organized by the Jasper, Clark, Cumberland, and Richland County Farm Bureaus. Attendees will visit Southern Illinois University and Southern FS to hear directly from researchers and agronomists. The daylong event will include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
In addition, the Wayne County Farm Bureau will host an event on August 20th from 6 to 8 p.m., featuring a tour of the Nutrient Loss Inhibitor Demonstration Plot. This year’s research trials will examine the effects of nitrogen stabilizers, micronutrients, humic acid, and application timing.
The 2026 Nutrient Stewardship Field Days are funded by the IFB’s Nutrient Stewardship Grant Program, which has awarded $1.75 million to support 192 county-led nutrient stewardship projects since 2015. The Pollinator Conservation Grant Program, now entering its fifth year, has provided $165,000 for 45 pollinator projects.
For updates, detailed event information, and to RSVP, visit bit.ly/IFBFieldDays.