Why Illinois's Nutrient Loss Strategy Matters to Every Farmer

On this episode of IL Corn TV, we sat down with Rachel Curry, Agriculture and Agribusiness Educator at University of Illinois Extension, to unpack the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy: where it came from, why agriculture's role is more nuanced than headlines suggest, and how conservation practices like cover crops and reduced tillage can cut input costs while protecting soil and water.

Curry also tackles a common misconception: that low adoption rates mean farmers aren't willing to change. The reality involves landowner approval, cost-share applications, tight planting windows, and real financial tradeoffs — all while farming remains a business.

Watch the full conversation below.