From the Farm: How Illinois Farmers and NREC Are Preventing Nutrient Runoff

From the Farm: Preventing nutrient runoff in Central Illinois

CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Farmers typically apply fertilizer and other crop nutrients based on expected corn and soybean needs for a normal growing season. When weather is unusually wet or dry, however, crops may not absorb all applied nutrients and the excess can move off fields into rivers and streams.

The Nutrient Research and Education Council (NREC) distributes millions of dollars collected through a farmer-funded fertilizer checkoff. Those funds support research and outreach aimed at reducing nutrient loss from agricultural fields and improving water quality.

Julie Hewitt, NREC's executive director, spoke with Stu Ellis for WCIA's "From the Farm" series to explain how the council prioritizes and uses those investments. Their conversation highlights how research, education and on-farm practices work together to limit runoff and protect waterways. The interview also notes that the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association president addressed related topics, including international trade, in the series.

The research funded by NREC focuses on practical strategies and farmer outreach — from improved application timing and nutrient management to outreach about conservation practices — so growers can make decisions that support both productivity and water quality.

For the full interview and related coverage, visit WCIA.com for news, weather, sports and streaming video.