One of the things we can be proud of in Illinois is the way we have partnered with water supply officials, regulatory agencies and environmental groups on the IFCA Keep it 4R Crop program.  Earlier this spring, we advised our members that nitrate levels in some surface water supplies had reached levels of concern following heavy rains in December and the above normal temperatures this winter.  With the support of NREC, IFCA is leading extensive efforts to test soil nitrate levels with N WATCH, looking at fall applied anhydrous ammonia and evaluating the nutrient and water quality situation hand in hand. This aligns with the 4R program which is focused on nutrient stewardship to meet economic, environmental and societal goals.  The University of Illinois featured some of IFCA's work in an April 8th bulletin on nitrogen soil testing results and thoughts on spring management.  It is available at http://bulletin.ipm.illinois.edu/?p=3554   Thanks to all who continue to make recommendations based on science and observation, with the needs of our farmer customers, water supply officials and the public in mind.