Jim Isermann discussing soil health with the Farmland Stewards Learning Group in a field on his farm in Streator, IL.
Six farmland-owning organizations as well as representatives of other interested institutions gather around Jim Isermann (kneeling) of Isermann Farms in Streator (LaSalle County) to learn about conservation practices on June 4th. This event was part of the ongoing Farmland Stewards Learning Group, an informal and practical community of farmland-owning organizations coordinated by The Nature Conservancy and The Land Connection’s Illinois FarmLink program.
For farmland owners, whether individual families or organizations, to be able to steward their land in a way that fits their values, they need to understand the possibilities and the practicalities of different practices. Here Jim Isermann, who farms with his father (Dave) and his son (Jake,) holds up a young soybean plant that was planted “green” (while the cover crop on the field was still alive). Soil health is protected and promoted by having diverse plant roots in the soil as much as possible throughout the year. Figuring out how to accomplish that while still giving cash crops the ability to grow energetically is an art. The Isermanns also rotationally graze cattle and sometimes have the cattle graze cover crops as well.
The deeper you dive into farming the more complex you find it to be. During the day, Frank Rademacher, conservation agronomist with The Nature Conservancy and family farmer, gave the attendees a rundown of what is happening around EPA regulations on agricultural pesticide use since the EPA was forced to consider its responsibilities from the 1973 Endangered Species Act when crafting those regulations.
The Isermanns, who were named Conservation Family of the Year in 2022 by the LaSalle County Soil and Water Conservation District, had tour participants use this soil health assessment sheet to more closely observe indicators of soil health in their fields. We were collectively impressed by and grateful for the commitment to creative conservation practices that the Isermann family has had for decades.
Please note that if you are a church, university, municipality, land trust, or other organization that owns farmland and want to steward that land in ways good for soil, water, food, and wildlife, we can connect you with resources and other learning opportunities to help you on your way. Contact Nathan at nathan@thelandconnection.org.