08 Aug Farmers Dig Deep into Regenerative Practices at Clinton County Field Day
A 6-acre research plot in Clinton County transformed into a hands-on learning ground for more than 100 farmers, agronomists, and conservation leaders during the 2025 Summer Nutrient Stewardship Field Day, hosted at Sugar Creek Valley Farms. The event was part of the Clinton County Farm Bureau’s (CFB) Nutrient Stewardship Grant project, supported by the Illinois Farm Bureau’s Nutrient Stewardship Grant Program.
The day featured returning guest speaker Russell Hedrick, a North Carolina no-till farmer known for his record-setting 459-bushel/acre corn yield using regenerative practices. His in-field session, dubbed “Russell Hedrick 2.0 – In the Field, to Build Those Yields,” focused on practical strategies for nutrient cycling, stress mitigation, and building healthier soils through biological processes.
“We’ve got to learn the soil is alive,” Hedrick told attendees. He emphasized aligning nutrient applications with microbial activity to improve input efficiency and plant uptake.
A Living Laboratory
The heart of the event was a comprehensive research plot, managed by host farmer Mark Litteken, who began exploring regenerative methods like cover crops and manure applications in 2010 to boost forage and soil health.
“We need to find out what is working, what’s not, and what works best under different conditions,” said Litteken. “It’s not just about soil — it’s about creating something sustainable for the next generation.”
That next generation was present and active: Caiden Litteken, Mark’s 17-year-old son and president of Breese Central FFA, led field tours and explained research trials. “My dad’s big goal is to make this farm better for me to take over,” Caiden said. “And when I do, I’ll have the same goal for my kids.”
Diverse Trials and Real-World Data
Participants viewed side-by-side comparisons of cover crop strategies, manure applications, row spacings (30-inch vs. 60-inch corn), fertilizer timing, and drone inter-seeding. Some cover crops were grazed or harvested for forage before replanting, while others were terminated or planted green.
The 60-inch corn row trials, inspired by Northern Illinois farmer Greg Thoren, drew attention for their potential to enhance cover crop establishment and livestock integration. Replicated trials tested in-furrow and side dress fertilizer, as well as variations with and without manure.
Additional presentations from Julie Hewitt (NREC) on NLRS Best Management Practices, soil health and forage sampling, and L&R Ag’s drone inter-seeding demonstration rounded out the day’s technical insights.
Collaboration & Incentives
After touring the field, attendees gathered at the Aviston Legion for lunch, a second presentation from Hedrick, a farmer panel, and audience Q&A. Eligible producers were entered into a drawing for 40 acres’ worth of cover crop seed, aimed at kickstarting their own regenerative journey. Winners of local cover crop grants included Aaron Heinzmann, Paul Meyer, and Mark Huelsmann.
The event welcomed participants from across the state, including counties as far north as Jo Daviess, illustrating the growing momentum behind soil health collaboration across regions.
As Mark Litteken put it, “We’re going after the same end game. It’s a mindset change, but it’s one that improves both the bottom line and the soil. That’s what makes the future.”
More information on Clinton CFB’s Nutrient Stewardship efforts is available at www.clintoncofb.org.
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