State Announces $67 Million Program To Support No-Till And Strip-Till Farming

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Department of Agriculture and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency have announced $67 million in funding to help farmers and landowners adopt no-till and strip-till practices beginning in fall 2025. The Climate Smart Agriculture Program will open for pre-enrollment on October 15 and accept applications from October 27 through October 31, offering $35 per acre each year for three years. Applications will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis per county, with local Soil and Water Conservation District staff assisting with verification and payments. The program is part of the state’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant plan, which directs more than $430 million toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions over the next 25 years.