2023
Supporting Conservation in Non-GMO Soybean Systems
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Contributor/Checkoff:
Illinois Soybean Association
Category:
Sustainable Production
Keywords:
AgricultureField management
Parent Project:
This is the first year of this project.
Lead Principal Investigator:
Erin Gundy, Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District
Co-Principal Investigators:
Ivan A. Dozier, Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District
Project Code:
Contributing Organization (Checkoff):
Illinois Soybean Association
$127,350
Institution Funded:
Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District
$127,350
Brief Project Summary:
The Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District is partnering with non-GMO soybean buyers to identify growers who are new to using cover crops in their management systems. The SCWD will use the Saving Tomorrow’s Agriculture Resources (STAR) tool to evaluate management and make recommendations for adding conservation practices to their farms. They will provide technical assistance when implementing cover crops for pest management, soil health and water quality. Field days will be held to help disseminate information to growers and the STAR app will be updated to include this information.
Key Beneficiaries:
#agronomists, #Extension crop specialists, #farmers
Unique Keywords:
#conservation, #cover crops, #financial incentive, #integrated pest management, #non-GMO, #non-gmo soybeans, #soil health, #soybean pests, #sustainable agriculture, #technical conservation solutions, #water quality
Information And Results
Project Summary

The “Supporting Conservation in Non-GMO Soybean Systems” project will utilize Saving Tomorrow's Agriculture Resources (STAR) to assist soybean growers with evaluating current farm management and conservation efforts and encourage the use of cover crops, especially cereal rye, that lead to opportunities to improve overall sustainability, including, but not limited to, improved water quality and soil health.

Project Objectives

The Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District (CCSWCD), in partnership with non-GMO buyers, will identify soybean growers who are new to including cover crops in their soybean management systems. The Saving Tomorrow’s Agriculture Resources (STAR) tool will be used to evaluate growers’ past year management and recommend new conservation management practices or enhancements to existing conservation practices. Additionally, communication materials will be developed for outreach and education, and the STAR Web App will be enhanced with features that improve the soybean growers’ and technical advisors’ experience.

Project Deliverables

Project Deliverables:
1. Develop and implement an incentive program that rewards Non-GMO soybean growers for incorporating cover crops into their crop management system.

2. Provide technical assistance to Non-GMO soybean growers interested in incorporating cover crops into their crop management system for integrated pest management, soil health, and water quality.

3. Develop technical information to support growers' implementation of cover crops in Non-GMO soybean systems.

4. Host an information field day, in partnership with a local Non-GMO soybean buyer, to promote cover crops and other conservation practices.

5. Enhance the Saving Tomorrow's Agriculture Resources (STAR) Web App to improve the soybean growers’ and technical advisors’ experience.

Proposed outcomes:
1. Soybean growers will have increased awareness of cover crop management, including the benefits of incorporating cover crops, especially cereal rye, into non-GMO soybean management systems.

2. Increased adoption of cover crops in soybean systems in Illinois.

3. Reduced soil and nutrient loss with improved soil health and water quality.

4. Growers will have increased ability and confidence to find resources and technical assistance with new relationships with advisors, retailers, and peers.

Progress Of Work

Final Project Results

Benefit To Soybean Farmers

By providing direct financial assistance to farmers to offset risks of change, this project will increase awareness and utilization of cover crops in soybean systems and bolsters the farmers’ confidence in utilizing additional conservation management practices. With a secure foundation of knowledge through technical assistance, farmers can better position themselves for niche markets, such as non-GMO.

The United Soybean Research Retention policy will display final reports with the project once completed but working files will be purged after three years. And financial information after seven years. All pertinent information is in the final report or if you want more information, please contact the project lead at your state soybean organization or principal investigator listed on the project.