Precision Conservation Management

Jonah - a PCM Specialist in a corn field

Helping Illinois corn farmers build resilient, profitable, conservation-minded operations. Precision Conservation is a smarter approach to sustainable farming. Powered by real on-farm data, this strategy helps Illinois farmers reduce input costs, improve soil health, and stay profitable—while protecting natural resources.

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Why it Matters for Illinois Farmers

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DATA-DRIVEN

DECISIONS

Use real farm data to guide smart conservation investments that actually boost the bottom line.

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FARM-FIRST

APPROACH

Built with farmers, for farmers - this isn’t about mandates. It’s about profitability and long-term success.

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PROVEN RESULTS

Hundreds of Illinois farmers have adopted precision conservation and seen measurable gains.

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Profit Meets Conservation: Learn More About PCM in These Videos

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Tony Stierwalt

Champaign County Farmer & PCM Participant

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Laura

Dr. Laura Gentry

How PCM Builds Farmers' Trust

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Meet Lou - A PCM Specialist

PCM has specialists all over Illinois who come directly to your farm.

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Margaret

PCM Partner PepsiCo

Pepsico has been partnering with the Precision Conservation Management program for years.

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Ready to take the first step?

PCM Checklist

Step 1

Contact PCM Specialist

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Step 2

Review Your Field-Level Data

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Step 3

Customize Your Farm Strategy

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Step 4

Implement changes & track ROI

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NEWS

Andy Gilson

Meet Andy Gilson: A New Precision Conservation Management Specialist

By Tara Desmond • August 5, 2026
Meet Andy Gilson, A new PCM specialist — a 4th-gen farmer bringing firsthand experience to conservation economics.
Kent

Farmer Kent Bohnhoff Recognized for a Career Built on Conservation

By Tara Desmond • August 4, 2026
Retired NRCS conservationist and ICGA member Kent Bohnhoff reflects on decades promoting no-till, cover crops, and soil health on Illinois farms.
Greg and Janis Thoren

2026 Leopold Conservation Award Winner: Greg and Janis Thoren

By Lyndi Allen • July 30, 2026
The Illinois 2026 Leopold Conservation Award recipient is Greg and Janis Thoren in Stockton, Illinois. The Leopold Conservation Award honors farmers who go above and beyond
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Mission: Through grassroots advocacy, create a future for Illinois farmers in which they can operate freely, responsibly, and successfully.