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.

Hear from Illinois Farmers who have joined PCM

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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

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Profitability, policy, and the future of corn: One farmer’s view

By Tara Desmond • April 2, 2026
An Illinois farmer shares lessons from 30 years of no-till, concerns about profitability, and opportunities for new corn demand in evolving markets.
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How Less Nitrogen Led to More Bushels

By Tara Desmond • April 2, 2026
Illinois farmer Jared shares how 168 lbs of nitrogen produced 308 bu/acre and why cutting rates outperformed a high-input field by $200/acre.
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Flying High on Family Roots: Lexi Murray’s Modern Farming Journey

By Tara Desmond • March 24, 2026
Seventh-generation farmer Lexi Murray shares her journey of family, faith, and innovation on a sesquicentennial farm in east central Illinois.
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Mission: Through grassroots advocacy, create a future for Illinois farmers in which they can operate freely, responsibly, and successfully.