PCM Expands Support in Southeastern IL with New Specialist Kate Baker

Precision Conservation Management (PCM), a farmer-led program created by IL Corn in 2015, is expanding its footprint in southeastern Illinois with the addition of Conservation Specialist Kate Baker. Developed by farmers, for farmers, PCM helps farmers use field-level data to make more profitable and resilient conservation decisions.

Kate brings a strong background in agronomy, soil science, and conservation research to her new role. She holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Plant, Soil, and Agricultural Systems from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, where her academic and research work focused on cover crop management, nutrient cycling, and soil–plant interactions. Those areas of expertise align closely with PCM’s mission of evaluating how conservation practices perform economically and agronomically on real farm fields.

“I believe it is possible to make good stewardship decisions while maintaining yields and profit,” Kate said. “I’m excited to bring strategic data analysis and agronomic support to the farmers in my region.”

A native of Neoga, Illinois, Kate is eager to work directly with local growers, offering free, confidential, data-driven analysis through PCM. Her addition to the team expands PCM’s reach into Cumberland, Jasper, Effingham, Crawford, Clay, Richland, and Lawrence counties.

Kate is particularly interested in helping farmers explore integrated management approaches rather than focusing on a single practice. While she has a strong background in cover crops, she emphasizes that conservation success rarely comes from a one-size-fits-all solution.

“For me, it’s not about exclusively using cover crops, tillage, or strictly following MRTN guidelines,” Kate explained. “It’s about building those practices together over time in a way that fits each operation. My goal is to help farmers reach their full potential using all the tools available to them—without hurting their bottom line.”

She also hopes to clear up common misconceptions around conservation practices, especially cover crops. One of the most persistent myths, she says, is that cover crops always lead to yield loss or economic setbacks.

“To say ‘always’ just isn’t true,” Kate said. “There are plenty of research and commercial data points showing no yield penalty and no economic loss when cover crops are managed properly. The challenge is that farmers are often overwhelmed by conflicting information presented as the ‘right’ or ‘best’ way. My job is to help farmers figure out what works best for them.”

Outside of the field, Kate brings energy and personality to her role. While she enjoys coffee—black with sugar—her go-to pick-me-up is a Red Bull. She loves to travel and is on a mission to visit all 50 states before turning 30. When she’s on the road between farm visits, she swears by Clubhouse cheese crackers, calling them “a truly unmatched delicacy.” And on busy days, nothing lifts her spirits more than a phone call from a college friend, even if it’s just to talk about nothing.

Farmers in southeastern Illinois interested in enrolling in Precision Conservation Management can fill out an interest form to get started and connect with Kate for personalized, data-driven support.