**NOTE: The IL Corn office will close at noon on 12/31/14 and reopen on 1/2/15. Happy New Year!**

If you invest just twenty bucks and one day this coming winter, you can feed your curiosity and growing desire to improve productivity on your farm. Local agricultural producers and resource experts will share information and insights on soil health improvement options, cover crop success, and wise nutrient management techniques.

Consider attending any of the three unique seminars planned at three Illinois locations—January 27th in Sycamore, February 4th in Mattoon, and February 18th in Macomb. To register, visit www.ccswcd.com and click on the Seminars logo to access the website.

The fee to attend is $20, payable by check or credit card. The new Conservation Cropping Seminars were an outgrowth of popular Tillage Seminars attended by producers, Ag industry representatives, certified crop advisors, and others held over the last several years. Seminars run from around 8:30 am and end at 3:30 pm, with time to meet after and visit speakers, sponsors, and attendees in an informal networking atmosphere.

“We are pleased to work with conservation partners another year to bring this series of seminars to more locations across the state," Agriculture Director Bob Flider said. "I hope we can reach more farmers and agribusiness professionals who attend one of these meetings and learn how to adopt workable conservation systems on their own farms."

January 27, 2015  – DeKalb County Farm Bureau -- 1350 W Prairie Dr. Sycamore, IL – Contact: Joe Bybee (815)787-5480 

February 4, 2015  – Lake Land Community College -- 5001 Lake Land Blvd.

Mattoon, IL – Contact: Elliott Lagacy (217) 353-6603

February 18, 2015  – Student Union, Western IL University  -- 1 University Circle  Macomb, IL  -- Contact: Marty McManus (309) 738-7227

“Attendance last year was strong,” said Illinois NRCS State Conservationist Ivan Dozier, “and feedback confirmed the topics and innovative speakers we offer at these sessions really meet the needs and interests of Illinois farmers.”

Seminar coordinators encourage producers near local sites register and see detailed Seminar agendas, discussion topics, and speakers. Visit the Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District website www.ccswcd.com and click on the seminar logo. Local businesses and organizations can exhibit, serve as sponsors, and reach local and new clients. See website for details. The, Illinois Department of Agriculture, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, American Farmland Trust, the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, the Illinois Council on Best Management Practices, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, and local Soil and Water Conservation Districts.