A new position within the Illinois Department of Agriculture will help farmers implement conservation practices.
Director of Agriculture Jerry Costello tells Brownfield they have leveraged state funds with a match from the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation District to hire 40 conservation practitioners over the next two years.
“To be out in the field, boots on the ground, working with soil and water conservation districts to make sure that conservation practices are in fact being done the right way.”
He says the department already provides assistance through brochures, phone calls and videos, but having someone in-person to help walk through practices in the field is important.
Illinois Department of Agriculture increasing conservation staff
