The Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership (ISAP) is a coalition of ag industry organizations (i.e. commodities, conservation, academia) working collaboratively on agriculture programs that promote whole system conservation solutions focused on soil health and water management to reduce nutrient losses and meet sustainability goals. During the second year of ISAP's Advanced Conservation Drainage Training (ACDT) program, which provides classroom and hands-on training for drainage contractors, farmers, advisers, retailers, and conservation practitioners to better understand edge of field practices, ILICA completed the installation of a 1,200' saturated buffer for the treatment of 46 acres of tile drainage near Longview, IL. Under the lead of ILICA member Don Koeberlein, Koeberlein Drainage, the majority of the practice installation occurred during the day of the open-to-the-public field day on June 20. During the 3 hour field day, approximately 60 attendees witnessed first-hand what goes into constructing a saturated buffer practice, what it does, how it works, and why it's important here in IL. Also during the field day, conservation partners presented on additional topics such as soil properties, the S.T.A.R. program, and wildlife habitat. Eric Snodgrass, Nutrien Ag Solutions, concluded the event with a presentation over lunch on managing water in a changing climate.

Without the concerted effort and expertise of our volunteer members, associates, and partners involved, this critical type of industry and public education, which is so crucial to helping Illinois attain its nutrient loss reduction goals, would not be possible. THANK YOU to all those involved with this great project!