If you happened to miss the 2021 Spring Nitrogen Webinar, click the pdf below to view Dr. Nafziger's slides covering what we learned regarding nitrogen management in 2020.

Below is a brochure that describes the parameters for containment of bulk fertilizers and pesticides stored on the farm.  A sample of an on-farm containment permit is also posted.  

Click the document below for the Part 255 Illinois Department of Agriculture containment regulations for the bulk storage and handling of fertilizers and pesticides for commercial, non-commercial and on-farm facilities.  

Click the heading for news on NREC activity.  

Click the heading for view the Illinois Agronomy Handbook On-Line.

We have received many calls in the past week at the office from our members expressing concern about bulk fertilizers being dumped in the fields.  While Illinois' on-farm containment regulations allow over 50,000 lbs of bulk dry fertilizer or 5,000 gallons or more of liquid to be stored for up to 45 days by farmers, certainly from a stewardship standpoint it is not recommended.  Even when under the 45 days, the product can only be stored at the farm (or in the field of application) by the farmer who owns it and not as a transfer point.  IFCA is working with the IL Dept of Agriculture to ensure that those selling the fertilizer and directing farmers to terminals for pick-up are registered to sell fertilizer in Illinois, are reporting the tonnage, are subject to quality control checks and remitting the tonnage tax.  IDA is investigating several cases already.  We have also heard of liquid fertilizer being put into tanker trucks and parked somewhere until spring arrives.  Since tankers are non-mobile containers they also fall outside of the containment regulations.  One thing is for sure, some people exploit the loopholes that exist.  If this is ...more

Click on the heading above for the Illinois Fertilizer Act.