New Addition to PCM Specialist Team

February 20, 2023
A man with a beard and tie is smiling for the camera.

Precision Conservation Management (PCM) is thrilled to welcome Andrew Hiser as a specialist this February. He will be serving farmers in Sangamon, Christian, and Macoupin counties. 

 

Andrew was raised on his family’s farm near Monticello, IL and earned his BA in Technical Systems Management from the University of Illinois College of ACES. He has a broad agricultural background working in grain elevator operations, grain merchandising and logistics and ag machinery sales. He also owned and operated a clam and oyster farm in coastal South Carolina. 

 

He currently resides in Petersburg, IL with his wife and two sons. Andrew enjoys lending a hand on his in-law’s farm and taking his boys camping and fishing any chance he gets. 

Andrew’s connection to agriculture runs deep. Both his and his wife’s families have farmed and worked in agribusiness in Central Illinois for several generations. Through his schooling and career, he’s been able to forge several lasting relationships with farmers and industry leaders throughout the Midwest. 

 

As a PCM Specialist, he hopes to bring his experience and connections together to help farmers thrive through sound business and land management practices. Andrew’s ultimate goal is for each family farm to be viable enough for the next generation to get the opportunity to carry the torch. 

A map of iowa with a bunch of people on it

What is the PCM Program?

Precision Conservation Management is a free service created by farmers for farmers. PCM combines precision technology and data management with farm business and financials to help farmers manage, adopt, and adapt efficient conservation practices long-term to help improve their bottom line. 

 

PCM is a program funded today by IL Corn, Illinois Soybean Association, and grants from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, The Nature Conservancy, Pepsico, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, The Walton Family Foundation and Environmental Defense Fund. PCM was created as a result of a USDA Regional Conservation Partnership Program grant. 

 

Learn more about PCM and it’s goal to integrate conservation practices and financial data to help farmers. Contact your county specialist if you're interested in learning more:

farm rescue
By Tara Desmond October 10, 2025
When Crisis Strikes, Farm Rescue Steps Up for Farm Families in Illinois
Outline of Illinois; surrounded by a green background with vegetables.
By Lyndi Allen October 10, 2025
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest nutrition provision in the Farm Bill, linking food policy and farm policy.
Cliff Lane with Tara
By Tara Desmond October 2, 2025
While harvesting Cliff talks about his operation and conservation practices
Maren outside Franklin, IL
By Tara Desmond October 2, 2025
Maren, from Norway, tells her story about becoming an exchange student to a Franklin, Illinois family - the Thompsons
farmers in dc
By Tara Desmond October 2, 2025
An Illinois farmer - Lance -- tells the story of his experience in IL Corn's GROW Program.
U.S. Capitol Building with cloudy sky overhead.
By Lyndi Allen October 1, 2025
When the federal government shuts down, farmers feel the effects in their fields, finances, and futures. Government programs through the USDA can hurt farmers when not operating.
Show More