For Immediate Release
Date: March 9, 2007

Contact:
Paige Buck, State Public Affairs Specialist, (217) 353.6606
Brett Roberts, State Agronomist (217) 353.6644

Corn on Corn WITH Conservation Please!

Champaign IL— The surge in ethanol production has increased demands for corn. To meet the demand, farmers in Illinois will be growing more corn in 2007. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) recognizes the importance of market changes and profit margins, but reminds farmers of the need to continue protecting Illinois’ valuable soil and water resources. Producers preparing for operation or rotation changes should visit with NRCS to ensure their resources—and their USDA program benefits—are protected and in place.

The magnitude of increased corn acres remains to be seen. Indications are that most additional Illinois acres will come from existing cropland in 2007 versus acres devoted to other land uses such as pasture or set aside programs that take marginal land out of crop production.

“In essence, the increase in corn production will come from acres presently in a 50/50 crop mix of corn and soybeans. Farmers may change to continuous corn or two years of corn followed by soybeans if residue levels and tillage requirements are met for Highly Erodible Land (HEL),” says NRCS State Agronomist Brett Roberts. “The fact is that growing corn on corn costs more than soybeans behind corn or corn behind soybeans. Growers will have to pencil in the likely extra expenses for seed, fertilizer, fuel, and machinery costs against potential additional income to be received from higher priced corn” explains Roberts.

Many speculate that the current increase for ethanol will sustain a steady increase in demand for corn for years to come. These speculations stimulate discussions ranging from getting additional acreage from land in government retirement programs to the long-term profitability of growing more corn behind corn.

“A key point missing in these discussions,” says Roberts, “is the long-term impact this new market trend and land use changes will have on soil and water resources, especially on HEL.”

Can we increase corn production in Illinois and NOT sacrifice soil and water resources? Fortunately, the answer is yes. In Illinois it is possible if farmers use production practices tailored to the capability of the soil. “For HEL fields, there are options that allow you to modify your operation to include more corn and still remain eligible for USDA benefits,” adds Roberts.

Conservation farmer and President of the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts (AISWCD) Terry Davis knows it can work. “As a conservationist and a corn farmer, I know corn on corn can work. I’m doing it today. What one needs to keep in mind is how to efficiently raise that crop,” explains Davis. “Unfortunately as farmers we tend to want to do what we know worked in the past—we think heavy tillage is needed to raise corn. Research shows corn can be successfully grown without tillage. We producers need to take advantage of this knowledge,” adds Davis.

According to NRCS, important decisions about field preparation for planting, tillage options, and crop rotations are key to achieving both production and conservation objectives.

1. Consider the amount of tillage used to plant corn after corn. For HEL compliance, tillage practices are determined based on the crop rotation already in use or the rotation planned for future use.
2. Use a tillage method that conserves soil; no-till or mulch till. Remember, your objective for soil protection is two-fold: you want to meet HEL compliance requirements for controlling soil loss and you want to get your levels close to “T,” the tolerable soil loss level. There are many optional rotation systems, conservation choices and tillage methods that will meet both.
3. Rotations manage nutrient levels and offer crop residue for erosion protection. Use rotations to your advantage. Producers using a corn and soybean rotation on HEL ground can change to a corn-corn-soybean rotation. The three-year rotation must consist of first year corn no-tilled or strip-tilled into soybean stubble, leaving 40% ground cover after planting. Plant the second year of corn using spring mulch tillage that leaves 50% ground cover. Soybeans are then no-tilled, leaving 80% ground cover. For continuous corn, you’d need to use spring mulch tillage, leaving at least 50% ground cover after planting.

Producers who want to deviate from the tillage practices listed for the common alternatives are strongly urged to consult with their local NRCS staff and discuss their operation and other options.

“Wouldn’t it be a shame if a hundred years from now the thoughts we have today about oil and energy supplies turn into concerns about why we don’t have enough land and water resources just because someone thought they would be available forever? As a conservation-minded farmer, I know I can produce renewable energy crops, provide adequate food sources and protect the land and water resources that will allow future generations to continue doing the same,” adds Davis.

“Producers considering making the switch are already thinking about what corn can do to their bottom line but they also need to be sure the changes they make continue to protect soil and water resources. There is much to be gained in this changing agricultural market,” says NRCS State Conservationist Bill Gradle, “but we don’t want to lose the strides we’ve made in conservation and protection of the land. Just remember to keep “conservation” in the equation.”

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