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 The State of Illinois’ Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy
identifies goals and tactics to address issues using voluntary
solutions. Conservation options from USDA’s Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) offer farmers technical and
financial assistance—that means guidance and dollars—to help you
do the right thing. That’s exactly what David Olson is doing on
his farm in Vermilion County.
Olson tapped into special funds through the National Water
Quality Initiative (NWQI). NWQI offers solutions through the
Environmental Quality Incentives Program, or EQIP, which helps
producers install conservation farm solutions that reduce
nitrogen, phosphorous, sediment and other pathogens from local
water sources. Farmers and operators interested in addressing
water quality concerns can apply for EQIP funds at any time and
start improving water quality today.
Because water in Lake Vermilion serves as the drinking water
source for the City of Danville, it’s even more important that
local farmers like Olson do their part to support local and
statewide water quality improvement efforts.
David and Amy Olson farm about 1,800 acres in Vermilion and
Iroquois Counties. Their Century farm is home to many
conservation practices and management techniques, but Olson
needed some financial help to cover costs associated with adding
more cover crops on his farms. He signed up for EQIP through the
NWQI and was approved for funding.
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NRCS District Conservationist Adam Wyant was glad to
see a local farmer step up to add even more conservation to his
acres in this important watershed. “Cover crops and soil health
improvements are hot topics these days. David is a long-time
believer in the benefits they can bring,” Wyant explains. Over the
years, Olson has worked with local Soil and Water Conservation
Districts and others to host field day events at his farm to show
others what he’s learned.
“But there are costs and expenses to make those changes in my
operation,” says Olson. “And if I can get some of that covered
because I’m doing the right thing to help fix the community’s
drinking water? That’s an easy decision,” Olson adds. EQIP funds
helped Olson develop a plan, select the perfect species to
address issues on his fields, and pay for seed and application
costs.
“All farmers in Illinois can take steps to protect their soils
and make improvements for their farm and local water supplies
just like David. If every farmer and landowner here did just one
new conservation practice on their farm, we could drastically
impact poor conditions in the Mississippi River Basin and
beyond,” Wyant said.
Are you ready to make a difference and improve water quality on
your farm? Get in touch with your local NRCS office and start
the conservation conversation.
To read David Olson’s full story visit
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/
nrcs/detail/il/newsroom/stories/cid= nrcseprd1391328.
To find your nearest NRCS team, visit
www.il.nrcs.usda.gov.
[Paige Buck
Public Affairs Officer
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service] |
