Welcome New Precision Conservation Management Specialist, Frank Rademacher

Welcome Frank Rademacher our newest team member

Frank is the newest edition to the PCM team and heard about the position because he himself has been a part of PCM for several years and seen, firsthand, the benefits of the program.

After graduating from the U of I in 2018 with a degree in Crop Science, he started farming with his father and helped transition their operation to 100% no-till, cover crops, and non-GMO. “I’m excited to use my agronomy background and on-farm experience to help maximize the success of the PCM farmers,” Frank says.

Frank enjoys the variety farming brings – combining biology, chemistry, economics, business management and physical labor. He’s passionate about maximizing his farm (and others) profit while minimizing the environmental impact. In his spare time he enjoys reading, cooking and spending time with family and friends.

What is Precision Conservation Management?

Precision Conservation Management (PCM) is a free service created by farmers for farmers. PCM combines precision technology and data management with farm business and financials to help farmers manage, adopt and adapt efficient conservation practices long-term to help improve their bottom line. PCM is a program funded by IL Corn, IL Soybean Association, and grants from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, The Nature Conservancy, Pepsico, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, The Walton Family Foundation and Environmental Defense Fund.

What does a PCM Specialist do?

PCM’s Precision Conservation Specialists are the point of contact with farmers offering one-on-one technical support. Specialists compile and review custom farm reports, assess farm data, demonstrate agronomic strengths and weaknesses, and discuss how each farm compares to other farms in their region. They also connect farmers with Federal, state and local programs – making it a priority to attend annual training to stay informed about new programs and technology useful to PCM farmers.

Interested in participating or learning more about PCM? E-mail the PCM staff.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

The sun is setting behind the capitol building in washington d.c.

Budget Reconciliation Bill Passes Congress

By Lyndi Allen • July 3, 2025

Illinois corn farmers will be impacted by many provisions in the Budget Reconciliation Bill that passed in both chambers this week.

Importance of Trade Series: Ethanol

By Lyndi Allen • July 3, 2025

Trade plays a critical role in driving demand for U.S. corn—not only as grain or feed, but also as fuel.

Corn: More American Than Apple Pie

By Lindsay Croke • June 30, 2025

When we think of Independence Day traditions, sweet corn on the cob is as iconic as fireworks and often even more central to the celebration. According to Instacart, purchases of sweet corn surge by 380% over the annual average heading into July 4th, outranking other grilling staples like baby back ribs and burgers. But corn's role in your Fourth of July celebration goes far beyond your plate. In Illinois alone, 8,300 acres of sweet corn are harvested annually, averaging 155 cwt per acre. That’s more than 128 million pounds of locally grown sweetness fueling summer cookouts across the state. And while sweet corn makes a big impression on the grill, most of Illinois’ corn crop isn’t sweet corn - it’s field corn. Less than 1% of the state’s crop is sweet corn, while the rest is used in products that are often invisible to consumers but vital to everyday life: fuel, packaging, fireworks, and even spirits.