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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Quick Cover Crop Tips from a Farmer & Professor with 16 Years of Experience

By Tara Desmond • May 14, 2026
16-year farmer & professor Pete Fandel shares expert cover crop species tips for corn and soybean rotations in the Midwest.
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IL Corn’s Dr. Laura Gentry Elected President of Ag Data Transparent Initiative

By Tara Desmond • May 7, 2026
Dr. Laura Gentry named ADT President, helping ensure transparency in ag data and keeping farmers in control of how their data is used and protected.
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Bridging the Gap Between the Farm and the Newsroom

By Tara Desmond • April 23, 2026
Illinois journalists experience immersive full-day on Illinois farms illustrating purposeful conservation practices.
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Mission: Through grassroots advocacy, create a future for Illinois farmers in which they can operate freely, responsibly, and successfully.