Later this summer (possibly in August) the Illinois EPA will release for public comment the "Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy."  The development of this strategy document has been a collaborative effort between state agencies, agriculture (including IFCA), the point source community, environmental organizations and universities.  It will contain suggested activities to reduce nutrient losses from the ag sector, and the Nutrient Research & Education Council has invested significant resources toward new research aimed at identifying profitable practices that farmers can utilize in managing nitrogen and phosphorus to reduce losses and keep the nutrients for their crop.  When the document is released for public comment, IFCA will provide guidance to our members on how to submit comments on the strategy.  USEPA is requiring states to develop and submit these strategies to outline efforts that each state will state to reduce nutrient losses to the Gulf of Mexico, and to also improve state water quality.  If you have questions about nutrient issues, please contact Jean Payne.