Urbana, Illinois, USA
January 30, 2026
Cover crops is one way to help inform growers on the importance of sustainability practices in farming operations. Photo Credit: Sam Henry
What better way to learn about cover crops than from someone already growing them? University of Illinois Extension is offering farmers, producers, landowners, and industry professionals a chance to log on for a free virtual panel on Feb. 24, all about cover crops in today’s agricultural landscape.
Cover Crop Conversations: Farmer-to-Farmer Insights Across Illinois is back for another exclusive session with questions and conversation from and for farmers. The panel discussion includes three farmers from northwest, west central, and southern Illinois who utilize cover crops in their operations.
“Whether an individual has already implemented cover crops on their farm, is possibly considering them, or may not see how it will work with their operation, it’s important to keep the conversation going,” says Rachel Curry, Extension agriculture and agribusiness educator and member of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy team.
Hear how these farmers have incorporated cover crops and other agricultural conservation practices on their farms, lessons learned, and how these practices fit into their goals for soil health, nutrient management, and profitability. The event panelists include Adam Dahmer of Williamson County, Brent Fowler of McDonough County, and Greg Thorne of Jo Daviess County.
When considering a change in a farming operation, it is important to ask all the questions before making decisions. The discussion and experiences shared from fellow farmers and producers help inform growers on the importance of sustainability and the how-tos of integrating cover crops and other agricultural conservation practices into their farming operations.
“Extension is providing the opportunity, resources, and support to farmers to take cover crops from the wish list to more farm fields across Illinois,” says Curry.
The panel event will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 24. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required at go.illinois.edu/CoverCropChat. CPDU and CEU credits are available to those who qualify.
For questions or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Rachel Curry at rccurry@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet access needs.
ABOUT ILLINOIS EXTENSION: University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy. Learn more at extension.illinois.edu.
SOURCE: Rachel Curry, agriculture and agribusiness educator, Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy, Illinois Extension
WRITER: Jenna Braasch, media communications coordinator, Illinois Extension
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