SAVING TOMORROW’S AGRICULTURE RESOURCES (STAR):
STAR is a free state-wide tool to assist farm operators and land owners in evaluating their nutrient and soil loss management practices on individual fields. The ultimate goal is to meet the goals of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy. The STAR evaluation program assigns points for each cropping, tillage, nutrient application, and soil conservation activity on individual fields. The potential benefits of using this program include:
Increase net farm income
Inspire other farmers and landowners to take action in helping to meet nutrient loss reduction goals for Illinois
Promote a positive image of farmers and agriculture in the local community
Reduce crop insurance premiums
Decrease nutrient loss
Promote producers for new farmland leases
Assist producers in securing local conservation cost-share
Assist producers in securing market incentives for growing crops using conservation cropping practices and thus “sustainable”
Assist producers in obtaining documentation in support of water quality issues
STAR Field Forms can now be, conveniently, filled out and saved online through the STAR Web App. Once complete, your score will be generated and suggestions will be provided on how your score can be improved!
Field forms can also be completed by hand and returned to the office for scoring if this method is preferred. A copy of the field form can be accessed at the bottom of this page under STAR Resources.
For more information, contact the District’s Resource Conservationist, Alyse Olson, at Alyse.Olson@il.nacdnet.net or visit https://starfreetool.com/
STAR Resources: