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

cover crops in an Illinois field

2026 Cover Crop Coupon Now Live

July 16, 2026
2026 Cover Crop Coupon is here. New seed suppliers and application discounts give Illinois farmers more options to save on conservation practices.
Jim Isermann on his farm

Why Barley Might Beat Cereal Rye Ahead of Corn

By Tara Desmond & Jim Isermann • July 14, 2026
Thinking about planting cover crops ahead of corn? Soil Health Specialist Jim Isermann shares practical tips on species selection, timing and management for success.
Matt Boucher

Meet Matt Boucher: Fourth-Gen Farmer, Cover Crop Expert

By Tara Desmond • July 2, 2026
Meet Matt Boucher of Boucher Family Farms in Dwight, IL — a 4th-gen farmer using cover crops, custom application & more. Read his story.
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Mission: Through grassroots advocacy, create a future for Illinois farmers in which they can operate freely, responsibly, and successfully.