Final NLRS Field Day draws more than 50 attendees

More than 50 farmers, landowners, agribusiness professionals, and conservation-minded individuals gathered at Sugar Creek Valley Farms in Aviston on August 8th for Clinton County Farm Bureau’s 2026 Nutrient Stewardship Field Day. Funded in part through an Illinois Farm Bureau Nutrient Stewardship Grant, the event provided attendees with practical insights into regenerative agriculture, soil health, farm profitability, and emerging technologies.

Nationally recognized agricultural innovator Jason Mauck of Indiana, known throughout the industry as “Farming Weird,” shared his experiences with relay cropping, regenerative farming practices, and innovative cropping systems. Mauck challenged attendees to think differently about conventional production systems and explore opportunities to improve soil health, efficiency, and productivity.

Lauren Sprung, Director of Sourcing and Supply Chain Development for Regenified examined the connection between regenerative agriculture practices and farm profitability. She discussed how improvements in soil health, water infiltration, nutrient cycling, biodiversity, and ecosystem function can contribute to stronger financial outcomes while highlighting emerging market opportunities for producers.

Attendees also toured the Clinton CFB’s cover crop demonstration plots, participated in a farmer panel featuring firsthand experiences with cover crops and conservation practices, and watched live agricultural drone demonstrations provided by L&R Ag.

The field day also included the final drawing for Clinton County Farm Bureau’s 2026 cover crop subsidies, which provide financial assistance to local producers implementing cover crops on their operations. The final three recipients were: John Bruggemann, Jerome Korte, and Gerald Huelsmann.

The event was part of Clinton County Farm Bureau’s ongoing Nutrient Stewardship Program efforts to promote soil health, improve water quality, encourage responsible nutrient management, and support the long-term sustainability and profitability of agriculture.

More information on Clinton CFB’s Nutrient Stewardship efforts is available at www.clintoncofb.org.