The Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Podcast

The Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction podcast explores efforts to reduce nutrients in Illinois waterways from agricultural runoff to municipal wastewater with host Todd Gleason and producers Rachel Curry, Nicole Haverback and Luke Zwilling with University of Illinois Extension. Read the blog at extension.illinois.edu/nlr/blog.

Episode 78 | 35 Years of USDA Wetland Restoration

In Episode 78 of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Podcast, University of Illinois agricultural economist Marin Skidmore discusses her study reviewing 35 years of USDA wetland restoration. She explains how these restorations reduce nitrogen concentrations in surface water, the data used to evaluate their effectiveness, and the cost-saving implications for rural communities that rely on surface water for drinking supplies. She also describes how wetlands fit into broader conservation efforts and what long-term benefits they may provide.Explore efforts to reduce nutrients in Illinois waterways with host Todd Gleason and producers Rachel Curry, Nicole Haverback, and Luke Zwilling.Read the blog at extension.illinois.edu/nlr/blog   Subscribe for updates Explore more about nutrient loss in Illinois at go.illinois.edu/nutrientloss

12-10
09:45

Episode 77 | Batch and Grow with Farmer-Led Advances in Soil Health (FLASH)

Farmers often learn best from one another, and the Farmer-Led Advances in Soil Health (FLASH) program helps make those connections possible. In Episode 77, Morgan Cauble from AFT, Malina Przygoda from the Coles County Soil and Water Conservation District, and Bobby Orman, a Coles County farmer, discuss the FLASH program and its Batch and Grow cover crop initiative. Explore efforts to reduce nutrients in Illinois waterways from agricultural runoff to municipal wastewater with host Todd Gleason and producers Rachel Curry, Nicole Haverback, and Luke Zwilling.·       Read the blog at extension.illinois.edu/nlr/blog  ·       Subscribe for updates ·       Explore more about nutrient loss in Illinois at go.illinois.edu/nutrientloss

11-17
26:21

Episode 76 | Addressing Nutrient Loss Through Conservation: Precision Conservation Management (PCM)

In episode 76, Precision Conservation Management (PCM) director Greg Goodwin, conservation specialist Lou Liva, and Stark County farmer Noah Forlines discuss how the PCM program works with farmers to collect field-level data and return it to them in a usable format. The conversation focused on how PCM combines conservation and profitability through detailed data analysis, gathering information pass-by-pass from the farm. The field-level data helps farmers improve their economic and environmental performance without requiring changes in their practices. The data is also organized into an annual report, allowing farmers to compare their local performance and better understand their own operations. Explore efforts to reduce nutrients in Illinois waterways from agricultural runoff to municipal wastewater with host Todd Gleason and producers Rachel Curry, Nicole Haverback, and Luke Zwilling.·       Read the blog at extension.illinois.edu/nlr/blog  ·       Subscribe for updates ·       Explore more about nutrient loss in Illinois at go.illinois.edu/nutrientloss

10-28
23:32

Episode 75 | Cover Crop Conversations: Management Advice

In the second of a two-part series, Illinois farmers Norm Deets of Ogle County, Brian Corkill of Henry County, and John Pike of Williamson County share management advice from years of working with cover crops. They discuss seeding rates, species selection, erosion control, and how to balance profitability with your conservation goals.Explore efforts to reduce nutrients in Illinois waterways from agricultural runoff to municipal wastewater with host Todd Gleason and producers Rachel Curry, Nicole Haverback, and Luke Zwilling.Read the blog at extension.illinois.edu/nlr/blog  Subscribe for updates Explore more about nutrient loss in Illinois at go.illinois.edu/nutrientloss

09-15
25:05

Episode 74 | Cover Crop Conversations: Barriers to Entry

In the first of a two-part series, three Illinois farmers- Norm Deets of Ogle County, Brian Corkill of Henry County, and John Pike of Williamson County discuss their experiences with cover crops, focusing on the challenges they faced when getting started and lessons they learned along the way. Explore efforts to reduce nutrients in Illinois waterways from agricultural runoff to municipal wastewater with host Todd Gleason and producers Rachel Curry, Nicole Haverback, and Luke Zwilling.Read the blog at extension.illinois.edu/nlr/blog  Subscribe for updates Explore more about nutrient loss in Illinois at go.illinois.edu/nutrientloss

08-27
20:39

Episode 73 | Branching Out: Agroforestry's Role in Reducing Nutrient Loss

Nate Lawrence and MJ Oviatt from the Savanna Institute discuss how agroforestry practices like windbreaks, alley cropping, and silvopasture can reduce nutrient loss and support farm resilience. They highlight research showing these practices improve water quality, enhance biodiversity, and provide new revenue streams for farmers. The episode also covers economic challenges to adoption and invites farmers to engage through events and the Corn Belt Windbreak Project.Explore efforts to reduce nutrients in Illinois waterways from agricultural runoff to municipal wastewater with host Todd Gleason and producers Rachel Curry and Nicole Haverback.Read the blog at extension.illinois.edu/nlr/blog  Subscribe for updates Explore more about nutrient loss in Illinois at go.illinois.edu/nutrientloss

06-27
26:39

Episode 72 | Constructed Wetlands for Water Quality: Wetlands, NARPS, and Advocacy

Mila Marshall of the Sierra Club Illinois Chapter highlights the group's work to reduce nutrient pollution in Illinois through education, advocacy, and the promotion of constructed wetlands. The Sierra Club promotes wetlands as a cost-effective solution for reducing nitrogen and phosphorus pollution. She emphasizes collaboration between farmers, wastewater treatment facilities, and the public to support the state's Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy. Explore efforts to reduce nutrients in Illinois waterways from agricultural runoff to municipal wastewater with host Todd Gleason and producers Rachel Curry and Nicole Haverback.Read the blog at extension.illinois.edu/nlr/blog  Subscribe for updates Explore more about nutrient loss in Illinois at go.illinois.edu/nutrientloss

05-14
19:49

Episode 71 | Constructed Wetlands for Water Quality: Easement Programs for Agricultural Conservation

In this episode of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Podcast, Paula Hingson and Matt Robert of USDA NRCS discuss how wetland restoration easements and constructed wetlands help reduce nutrient loss in Illinois. They explain how easement programs like wetland restoration easement through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) support landowners by converting flood-prone farmland back to wetlands, and how constructed wetlands are engineered to treat runoff and improve water quality. The conversation also covers funding options, habitat benefits, and how producers can get started with support from local NRCS offices and partners like The Wetlands Initiative.Explore efforts to reduce nutrients in Illinois waterways from agricultural runoff to municipal wastewater with podcast host Todd Gleason and co-producers Rachel Curry, and Nicole Haverback. Read the blog at extension.illinois.edu/nlr/blog Subscribe for updates Explore more about nutrient loss in Illinois at go.illinois.edu/nutrientloss

04-15
15:21

Episode 70 | Constructed Wetlands for Water Quality: Insights & Farmer Perspectives

On this episode of the Nutrient Loss Reduction Podcast, Jill Kostel from The Wetlands Initiative and farmer Rex Newton, discuss constructed wetlands highlighting their role in intercepting tile drainage and reducing nitrates.Explore efforts to reduce nutrients in Illinois waterways from agricultural runoff to municipal wastewater with host Todd Gleason and producers Rachel Curry and Nicole Haverback.Read the blog at extension.illinois.edu/nlr/blog  Subscribe for updates Explore more about nutrient loss in Illinois at go.illinois.edu/nutrientloss

03-26
14:44

Bonus | Corn, Ethanol, Conservation, a Conversation

In this bonus edition of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Podcast, Todd Gleason interviews Jon Doggett, head of Camas Creek Consulting LLC and former CEO of the National Corn Growers Association. They discuss the importance of conservation and climate-smart practices in agriculture, the opportunities presented by the Inflation Reduction Act, and the need for voluntary, incentive-based programs. Jon shares insights on building coalitions between farm and environmental groups, the evolving perspective of farmers on climate change, and the rapid technological advancements in agriculture. He emphasizes the importance of effective communication with policymakers and the potential for agriculture to showcase its positive impact with the right support and partnerships.Explore efforts to reduce nutrients in Illinois waterways from agricultural runoff to municipal wastewater with host Todd Gleason and producers Rachel Curry, Nicole Haverback, and Luke Zwilling.Read the blog at extension.illinois.edu/nlr/blog  Subscribe for updates Explore more about nutrient loss in Illinois at go.illinois.edu/nutrientloss

02-28
33:37

Episode 69 | Constructed Wetlands for Water Quality: Perceptions in Today's Society

Wetlands are some of the most vital yet misunderstood ecosystems, often portrayed in film as eerie, dangerous places rather than the biodiverse habitats they are. In this episode, Dr. Jeff Matthews and Dr. Caitlin Bloomer from the University of Illinois discuss wetland perceptions, their ecological importance, and efforts to improve public understanding.Explore efforts to reduce nutrients in Illinois waterways from agricultural runoff to municipal wastewater with host Todd Gleason and producers Rachel Curry and Nicole Haverback.Read the blog at extension.illinois.edu/nlr/blog  Subscribe for updates Explore more about nutrient loss in Illinois at go.illinois.edu/nutrientloss

01-30
17:59

Episode 68 | Building Better Waterways: Installing Woodchip Bioreactors

Woodchip bioreactors are a useful tool in reducing nutrient loss, particularly nitrate, from tile-drained fields before the water is discharged. In this episode of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Podcast, farmer Brian Corkill and contractor David Johnston join Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership’s Helen VanBeck to discuss the recent installation of a bioreactor on Corkill’s farm, the process behind it, and the benefits of this edge-of-field practice. Check out the blog recap of this episode.Explore efforts to reduce nutrients in Illinois waterways from agricultural runoff to municipal wastewater with host Todd Gleason and producers Rachel Curry and Nicole Haverback.Read the blog at extension.illinois.edu/nlr/blog   Subscribe for updatesExplore more about nutrient loss in Illinois at go.illinois.edu/nutrientloss

12-19
11:17

Episode 66 | Edge of Field Considerations: A Farmer Perspective

Edge-of-field practices reduce nutrient loss, improve wildlife habitats, and support long-term sustainability. In this episode, farmers Brian Corkill, Brent Fowler, and Jim Fulton from Henry, McDonough, and Livingston counties share their experiences with implementing these conservation practices, offering valuable insights for landowners and farmers.Explore efforts to reduce nutrients in Illinois waterways from agricultural runoff to municipal wastewater with host Todd Gleason and producers Rachel Curry, Nicole Haverback, and Emma Eldridge.  Read the blog at extension.illinois.edu/nlr/blog Subscribe for updates Explore more about nutrient loss in Illinois at go.illinois.edu/nutrientloss

08-26
23:27

Episode 65 | Phosphorus and streambanks: a battle for cleaner waterways

In Episode 65 of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Podcast, we take a deeper look at the importance of stable streambanks in keeping waterways clean and protecting farmlands with Dr. Andrew Margenot from University of Illinois, Trevor Toland, a landowner from western Illinois, and Jeff Boeckler of NorthWater Consulting.Explore efforts to reduce nutrients in Illinois waterways from agricultural runoff to municipal wastewater with host Todd Gleason and producers Rachel Curry, Nicole Haverback, and Emma Eldridge.  Read the blog at extension.illinois.edu/nlr/blog Subscribe for updates Explore more about nutrient loss in Illinois at go.illinois.edu/nutrientloss 

07-30
29:27

Episode 64 | Register for the Ag & Climate Conference

The North Central Agriculture and Climate Conference aims to connect research, extension, and outreach within the agricultural community and will be held at the Peoria Civic Center from July 31 to August 1, 2024.  North Central Agriculture and Climate ConferenceExplore efforts to reduce nutrients in Illinois waterways from agricultural runoff to municipal wastewater with host Todd Gleason and producers Rachel Curry, Nicole Haverback, and Emma Eldridge.  Read the blog at extension.illinois.edu/nlr/blog Subscribe for updates Explore more about nutrient loss in Illinois at go.illinois.edu/nutrientloss 

07-01
12:33

Episode 63 | Data Intensive Farm Management (DIFM.farm)

With thin profit margins and the high cost of inputs, there is a need to make farming more efficient and profitable. One way that researchers and farmers are working together to do this is through data-intensive farm management. Data Intensive Farm Management Program: https://difm.farmExplore efforts to reduce nutrients in Illinois waterways from agricultural runoff to municipal wastewater with host Todd Gleason and producers Rachel Curry, Nicole Haverback, and Emma Eldridge.  Read the blog at extension.illinois.edu/nlr/blog Subscribe for updates Explore more about nutrient loss in Illinois at go.illinois.edu/nutrientloss 

05-17
18:19

Episode 62 | ISAP Soil Health Leadership Program

The Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership coordinates the Soil Health Leadership program, which Extension partners on. Explore more below. Information and applicationVideo, ISAP Soil Health Leadership ProgramExplore efforts to reduce nutrients in Illinois waterways from agricultural runoff to municipal wastewater with host Todd Gleason and producers Rachel Curry, Nicole Haverback, and Emma Eldridge.  Read the blog at extension.illinois.edu/nlr/blog Subscribe for updates Explore more about nutrient loss in Illinois at go.illinois.edu/nutrientloss 

04-26
26:03

Episode 61 | Uncovering the Power of Clover Cover

Interested in diversifying your cover crop mix or exploring the power of clover cover? Episode 61 of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction podcast looks into utilizing clover as a cover crop with Adam Dahmer, farmer from Williamson County in southern Illinois, and Nathan Johanning, Commercial Agriculture Educator with the University of Illinois Extension. - Midwest Cover Crop Council Cover Crop Selector ToolExplore efforts to reduce nutrients in Illinois waterways from agricultural runoff to municipal wastewater with host Todd Gleason and producers Rachel Curry, Nicole Haverback, and Emma Eldridge.  Read the blog at extension.illinois.edu/nlr/blog Subscribe for updates Explore more about nutrient loss in Illinois at go.illinois.edu/NutrientLoss 

03-25
29:51

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