Illinois Corn Marketing Board leaders spent part of their time away from Commodity Classic headquarters and in the heart of a key issue: The Gulf of Mexico.

ICMB representatives met with researchers from Turtle Cove Environmental Research Station, located just off Lake Pontchartrain which is connected to the Gulf of Mexico. “Nutrient runoff from Illinois is a big issue with them,” said Tom Mueller, ICMB District 3 Chairman. “The line has been drawn in the sand. We have to have a 45% reduction in nitrogen runoff by 2025.”

Midwest farmers have a link to the Gulf of Mexico and Illinois corn growers got the chance to learn more about ways to help solve nutrient management problems during this year's Commodity Classic. (Photo: Mario Tama/Getty)

Mueller said farmers will need to look at nutrient loss reduction best management practices (BMPs) such as cover crops and split applications of nitrogen. “If we don’t do it voluntarily, it will become mandatory,” said Mueller. “Just like out in Chesapeake Bay.”

To get more farmers engaged in nutrient loss reduction BMPs, the Illinois Corn Growers Association announced the Precision Conservation Management program. “The goal is to connect conservation best management practices with financial benefits,” said Justin Durdan, ICGA District V Vice President. “Our biggest focus is getting that program out in front of people and off the ground.”

Mueller and Durdan are leading by example to reduce nutrient loss on their farms.  They are experimenting and implementing split applications of nitrogen. “Two years ago we sidedressed nitrogen on 10% of our acres,” said Durdan. “We moved that to 100% this year and saw a good value.” Both Mueller and Durdan plan to explore cover crops in the future as well.

That’s two farmers making nutrient loss reduction plans, but that’s not enough.

Mueller said PCM program data will be collected through the Illinois Farm Business Farm Management Association. Farmers in the program who plant cover crops will report costs and yields. The goal is to show potential return on investment for nutrient loss reduction BMPs.

Mueller said it will take more than a handful of farmers to make a difference. “Everyone is going to have to do something on their farm to help meet these requirements.”