Be sure to review our Conservation Tree Sale and Fish Order Forms for the Spring of 2022. All purchases are for conservation improvements in McLean County and products are of conservation grade. To learn more about our spring sales, contact our office at 309-452-3848 ext 3.
A Seed Vendor List is Available at our office. Contact us for a copy!
Scholarship Opportunity
The Jim Rutherford Scholarship was established by the McLean County Soil and Water Conservation District to assist outstanding agricultural students at any Illinois College. The student awarded the scholarship should demonstrate superior agricultural academic achievement, commitment to soil and water conservation and potential for innovation and/or leadership ability. The Jim Rutherford Scholarship is awarded in the fall semester of the academic year. The fall 2022 scholarship award will be $500.
The following newsletter is mailed to subscribers in effort to further educate the public of services available to you. If you would like to be added to our newsletter mailer, please email us at mcleancountyswcd@gmail.com
Agricultural producers and landowners can sign up soon for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), a cornerstone conservation program offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and a key tool in the Biden-Harris Administration effort to address climate change and achieve other natural resource benefits. The General CRP signup will run from Jan. 31 to March 11, and the Grassland CRP signup will run from April 4 to May 13.
“We highly encourage farmers, ranchers and private landowners to consider the enrollment options available through CRP,” said Zach Ducheneaux, Administrator of USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). “Last year, we rolled out a better, bolder program, and we highly encourage you to consider its higher payment rates and other incentives. CRP is another way that we’re putting producers and landowners at the center of climate-smart solutions that generate revenue and benefit our planet.”
Producers and landowners enrolled 4.6 million acres into CRP signups in 2021, including 2.5 million acres in the largest Grassland CRP signup in history. There are currently 22.1 million acres enrolled, and FSA is aiming to reach the 25.5-million-acre cap statutorily set for fiscal year 2022.
Contact our office to apply!
Interested in learning more about CRP?
Click on our most recent McLean County CRP Newsletter
Why have a soil tested? Does my soil have problems? Does my crop need fertilizer? What kind of fertilizer should I use? How much should I apply? A soil analysis can help farmers and gardeners answer these questions. A basic soil analysis provides information on two important soil characteristics:
• Soil pH is a measurement on a scale from acid (low pH) to alkaline (high pH). Most soils are on the acid side of the pH spectrum. Good soils for crop production are often moderately acid, but some soils in Hawaii are acidic to the extent that crops grow poorly. Soil tests indicate pH problems and allow recommendations for correcting them.
• Available nutrient levels in the soil determine how good crop growth will be. Testing for phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) helps determine the need for soil amendments (phosphate, and lime or dolomite) and the right fertilizer formulations for the crop to be grown.
Learn more about soil testing services and labs near you by Clicking Here
Frost Seeding Tools & Resources
Frost seeding is a technique used to introduce diversity into existing stands or to provide cold moist stratification for new plantings of diverse native stands. Success with frost seeding occurs where at least 50% of the soil surface is free of litter or plant canopy and is dependent on multiple freeze/thaw cycles to adequately incorporate seeds into the soil surface. In Illinois, these conditions generally occur in late February to Early March. Historically, this method has been used with forage legumes and some grass.
The McLean County SWCD has multiple broadcast seeders available to rent.
Rental Agreement Details: Checks made payable to: McLean County SWCD
$50 Security Deposit (Returned when equipment is returned in good working order. **Operable and Clean) inspection is made by Resource Conservationist, and must be dropped off with the employee present.
$20 per Business Day Cost. (Planter to be picked up and returned on same day. If not, an additional $20 charge for each day utilized
Learn more about the frost seeding process by Clicking Here
Do you Plan to Burn your CRP?
Inquire about your CRP Burn Plans and Permit Applications for Mid Contract Management. Contact Brodie Eddington, Pheasants Forever Farm Bill Biologist in our office.
Black-eyed Susan can be found in moist prairies, open woods, pastures, fields, roadsides and savannas in the eastern half of the state. This plant has upright, hairy stems. The simple, lance‐shaped leaves are arranged alternately along the stem. Each hairy leaf has teeth that are widely spaced along the margin. Flowering occurs from June through October.
The McLean County Pheasants Forever chapter has made three Truax Drills available for wildlife habitat installation in McLean County. These drills were purchased in cooperation with Illinois DNR through Habitat Stamp funds purchased by Illinois Hunters. Reporting of seeding is required to maintain records of habitat installed. The Drills are located at the SWCD office for rental.
Rental Agreement Details: Checks made payable to: Pheasants Forever
$250 Security Deposit (Returned when equipment is returned in good working order. **Operable and Clean) Drill inspection is made by Resource Conservationist, and must be dropped off with the employee present.
$50 per Business Day Cost. (Planter to be picked up and returned on same day. If not, an additional $50 charge for each day utilized.
- Minimum 50 Horsepower Tractor
- Drill has Pioneer ends and 2 hydraulic Lines for raising/lowering
- A truck with a hitch pin needed for transport (45mph max speed)
- Drill is pulled with a tow bar
- Drill is 8 feet wide and does 5 feet of planting
- The three seed boxes are capable of planting native seed mixes, pollinator habitat, food plots, and cool season plantings.
Special thanks to the following sponsors for their support of our conservation mission in McLean County.
These sponsors are advertisers in our SWCD publications and not an endorsement of the company or services provided. We are an equal opportunity farm advertiser.
-OUR POLICY-
The McLean County Soil and Water Conservation District does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status or disability. This policy covers all programs, services and procedures of the District, including employment. The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
-SWCD BOARD MEETINGS-
SWCD board meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at our office. Contact our office for changes and details.
Our mailing address:
402 N Kays Drive Normal Illinois 61761
309-452-3848 ext 3
mcleancountyswcd@gmail.com
