2021 Fall Farm

Page 10 2021 Logan County Fall Farm Outlook Lincoln Daily News Oct. - Nov. 2021 and since, it was passed due to its extreme measures. This past Aug 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency invited perspectives on WOTUS in light of the agency’s intention to revise the definition. A National Corn Grower Association leader told the EPA, “Federal regulations on remote bodies of water will hurt farmers without providing any significant improvement to water quality.” NCGA representative Andy Jobman said, “They [EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers] must not assume that achieving desired water quality outcomes means that remote water features must be made waters of the U.S. The facts simply do not support this assumption as it applies to farms, conservation practices and farmland water management.” Jobman said, “Corn farmers are committed to protecting this resource for the benefit of their crops, their communities and the planet.” “We want to focus on working together to support our water quality protection efforts on our farms,” he said. Sustainability and regenerative farming In short, the aim of sustainable agriculture is to provide food, feed, fiber and renewable energy products to meet the needs of increasing population while not harming the environment. Groups concerned about climate change have targeted the agricultural system as contributing pollutants to air and water. Over the past 20 years agricultural departments and associations have introduced new opportunities to assist farmers in how they farm to reduce pollutants. Through communications and education, farmers innovatively are improving operations, often increasing profits and lowering pollutants. Five-year data studies show highest profits can be made while using conservation practices and fertilizer application options in cropping. Example: page 14 shows optimal amount N use for maximum profit. https://www.ilcorn.org/file/594/PCM%20 booklet_singles_%20Updated%20 FINAL%206-2-21.pdf Beyond sustainability Illinois Soybean Association Director Ron Kindred addressed two ways that farmers might benefit their farm and aid in improving the environment through the newly emerging carbon market industry. Kindred said, “Today, there are a number of conservation programs for farmers to opt into. As yet, more research is needed in carbon markets, but there are some programs paying minimal dollars. “We’re trying to figure out what the true value of carbon sequestration is, and then how to pay farmers fairly for participation.” Referencing past, present and future of conservation programs, Kindred said, “For years many farmers have chosen conservation practices and are still doing the work,” but they are no longer being paid for it. “Right now programs being offered are for new conservation methods.” This puts the farmer who has continued a practice at a disadvantage. That needs to be changed. Continue 4