The Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Podcast

In the latest episode of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Podcast, University of Illinois State Soil Fertility Specialist John Jones, Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association Director of Nutrient Stewardship Dan Schaefer, University of Illinois Agricultural Economist Nick Paulson, and Piatt County farmer Eric Miller discuss fall fertilizer management.

The conversation, part of the FarmDoc Fall 2026 Fertilizer Webinar, covers waiting for cooler soil temperatures before applying fall anhydrous ammonia, the role of nitrification inhibitors, and using on-farm research to help determine nitrogen rates. The panel also discusses using soil tests to guide phosphorus and potassium applications, managing fertility in rotations that include winter wheat, and adjusting fertilizer plans when weather or prices change.

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

In Episode 86 of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Podcast, University of Illinois State Soil Fertility Specialist John Jones talks through fall fertilizer decisions for Illinois farmers. He discusses when to apply fall anhydrous ammonia, why soil temperature matters, and where nitrification inhibitors fit into the picture. 

Jones also discusses using the Maximum Return to Nitrogen approach when choosing a nitrogen rate, what to account for when using the N rate calculator, and how soil test results can help guide phosphorus and potassium applications. 

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 

This episode of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Podcast examines the crucial role of timing in cover crop establishment through discussions with regional farmers Adam Dahmer, Brent Fowler, and Greg Thoren. The speakers emphasize that optimal seeding dates depend on geographic location and operational goals, highlighting tools such as the Midwest Cover Crops Council's county-specific seeding charts. The panel explains the biological mechanics of fall planting, where autumn-seeded crops enter survival mode to establish subsurface root systems below the frost line rather than producing top growth. They detail management strategies for various conditions, including adapting to late harvests, utilizing aerial seeding, combining cereal rye and winter wheat with oats or legumes for winter protection and soil health, and accounting for local weather challenges.

* Adam Dahmer, Williamson County, Illinois Farmer 
* Greg Thoren, Jo Davies County, Illinois Farmer
* Brent Fowler, McDonough County, Illinois Farmer

In Episode 84 of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Podcast, Illinois farmers Adam Dahmer, Brent Fowler, and Greg Thoren share practical management advice from their experiences with cover crops and no-till across different parts of the state. The third installment of the cover crop conversations series discusses cover crop establishment and termination, planter setup, lessons learned from transitioning to no-till, and using cover crops. The farmers share what has worked on their operations, what has not, and what they would do differently when getting started.

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

Cover Crop Conversations: practical management advice
* Adam Dahmer, Williamson County, Illinois Farmer 
* Greg Thoren, Jo Davies County, Illinois Farmer
* Brent Fowler, McDonough County, Illinois Farmer

This episode of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Podcast examines the economic and agronomic realities of cover crops through a panel discussion with three diverse Illinois farmers. Adam Dahmer, Brent Fowler, and Greg Thoren argue that prioritizing profit per acre and soil structure proves more financially viable than chasing raw yield metrics. The panel presents field-level observations indicating that the initial costs of cover crop establishment are consistently offset by systemic reductions in synthetic fertilizer and herbicide usage, alongside tangible logistical efficiencies during spring planting and fall harvest operations. Furthermore, the discussion details how long-term no-till and cover crop systems physically aggregate soil particles to increase water-holding capacity, effectively compounding the underlying asset value of the farmland while securing immediate, layered financial incentives through crop insurance discounts and carbon sequestration programs.

Cover Crop Conversations: profitability, soil health and yield
* Adam Dahmer, Williamson County, Illinois Farmer 
* Greg Thoren, Jo Davies County, Illinois Farmer
* Brent Fowler, McDonough County, Illinois Farmer

Despite being the only in-field practice that efficiently reduces both nitrogen and phosphorus, cover crops are currently used on just 6% of Illinois cropland. To encourage wider adoption, the University of Illinois Extension launched the FLASH (Farmer-Led Advances for Soil Health) program, which incentivizes localized farmer-to-farmer networking to foster cultural and mindset shifts. During a recent panel, three Illinois farmers shared their distinct journeys toward embracing these conservation methods. Brent Fowler highlighted the challenge of overcoming institutional family resistance, explaining how an accidental equipment mix-up led to successful no-till testing that ultimately proved profitable and effective at preventing soil erosion. Adam Dahmer emphasized that while accessing information and equipment was difficult in the past, a farmer’s rigid mindset remains the biggest barrier today, stressing the need for adaptable management and open-minded approaches to seeding methods like drills and drones. Finally, Greg Thoren expanded on the broader environmental impacts, noting that transitioning from single-species cover crops to a holistic, multi-species management system not only improves soil health but also supports natural ecosystems by promoting cleaner water and air.

In episode 81 of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Podcast, Dr. Lizzie French and Mick Goedeken from Waypoint Analytical discuss how soil microbes influence nutrient cycling, soil structure, and nutrient retention within agricultural systems.

The conversation explores how soil biology interacts with fertilizer management and conservation practices, including reduced tillage, cover crops, and managing soil compaction. The episode also discusses how microbial activity affects nitrogen cycling and nutrient movement within the soil system.

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

In episode 80 of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Podcast, University of Illinois Assistant Professor and Extension agronomist Giovani Preza Fontes shares results from a research project evaluating soybean performance across different tillage systems and fertilizer strategies. 

The study was initiated following recent dust storm events in Illinois and across the Midwest, including the tragic 2023 event near Springfield. The conversation explores how conservation practices like reduced tillage and cover crops influence soil retention, crop performance, and farm profitability. 

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

In Episode 79 of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Podcast, University of Illinois soil fertility specialist John Jones, agricultural economist Gary Schnitkey, and Illinois Corn Growers Association water quality specialist Laura Gentry share highlights from a live panel discussion recorded during the December Farm Assets Conference. The panel focuses on nitrogen rate decisions, how the Corn Nitrogen Rate Calculator works, and why maximizing profit, not yield, should guide fertilizer management. They also discuss how nitrogen rates influence nutrient loss and what farm-level data shows about applications above the economic optimum.

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

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