Illinois’ only cover crop incentive program could lose nearly a third of its funding under Gov. JB Pritzker’s proposed state budget. A bill to increase funding missed Friday’s committee deadline. Farmers and environmental advocates warn conservation efforts could stall without it.
While fertilizer prices are coming down, experts at a recent industry conference say high input costs are at least one factor driving some farmers to look more at no-till systems and cover crops as a way to reduce nutrient and chemical needs.
