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.

PCM Logo

Why it Matters for Illinois Farmers

chart

DATA-DRIVEN

DECISIONS

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

people.

FARM-FIRST

APPROACH

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

A black shield with a white check mark on it.

PROVEN RESULTS

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

Check out the data

Profit Meets Conservation: Learn More About PCM in These Videos

farmer giving a quote about the precision conservation management program

Tony Stierwalt

Champaign County Farmer & PCM Participant

Watch
Laura

Dr. Laura Gentry

How PCM Builds Farmers' Trust

Watch
Lou thumbnail

Meet Lou - A PCM Specialist

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

Watch
Margaret

PCM Partner PepsiCo

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

Watch

Ready to take the first step?

PCM Checklist

Step 1

Contact PCM Specialist

person icon

Step 2

Review Your Field-Level Data

field icon

Step 3

Customize Your Farm Strategy

farm icon

Step 4

Implement changes & track ROI

profit icon
A black and white silhouette of a corn on the cob on a white background.

NEWS

cover crops in the field

What Does a Cover Crop’s Carbon Really Cost? New PCM Data Puts a Number on It

By Summary from PCM / Farmdoc Webinar • October 8, 2026
Precision Conservation data shows growing cover crops costs Illinois corn farmers $27.30 an acre to deliver carbon benefits. See how conservation payments compare.
anhydrous tanks

The "Don't Be That Guy" Fall Nitrogen Checklist

By Tara Desmond • October 8, 2026
Wait for 50°F soil, watch the forecast, and give your N a chaperone. Seven fall nitrogen tips to keep your money in the field, not the creek.
Illinois CI Tool

Conservation Corner: Explore Your Farm’s CI Score

By Megan Dwyer • October 1, 2026
See how location and practices could change your farm's CI score with IL Corn's new interactive map, built on the USDA FD-CIC Feedstock Calculator.
Show More
A group of people are sitting at a table in front of microphones.
A black and white icon of a woman holding a fork.

Mission: Through grassroots advocacy, create a future for Illinois farmers in which they can operate freely, responsibly, and successfully.