A new incentive opportunity is now available to all non-GMO soybean growers in Illinois, made possible by a partnership between Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) and Saving Tomorrow's Agriculture Resources (STAR).
STAR is a free tool developed for farmers by farmers to evaluate, plan, and receive unbiased technical support for conservation practices on individual fields.
Through December 4, 2023, non-GMO soybean growers willing to provide information about their field management practices and non-GMO soybean growers who are interested in implementing cover crops can qualify for a minimum $250 incentive payment.
INCENTIVES
- $250 for non-GMO soybean growers who are willing to share their current management practices through an online survey developed by ISA and who complete a STAR field form
- $250 BONUS for farmers growing non-GMO soybean in 2023 who already implement cover crops
- $30/acre BONUS (up to 80 acres per farmer) for non-GMO soybean growers who implement cover crops in Fall 2023 or Fall 2024
HOW IT WORKS
- Complete the ISA Conservation in Non-GMO Soybeans Management survey.*
- If you have not grown cover crops in the past and are interested in receiving the $30/acre cost share for growing cover crops in Fall 2023 or Fall 2024, you can indicate your interest at the end of the survey.
- Once you complete the survey, you will be redirected back to STAR to complete the STAR field form.** If you are new to STAR and wish to complete the field form via the STAR Web App, you will need to create a free Web App account. If you prefer to complete a PDF of the field form, you can return the PDF to Illinois STAR Coordinator Natalie Kerr (natalie@STARconservation.org).
- The ISA Agronomy Team and STAR will review your application and determine if you qualify for the incentive.
- Payment will be issued upon approval of your application. ISA and STAR will contact you directly for payment processing information, including your W9.
* Management information collected through the survey is for ISA research purposes only and will remain confidential.
** The STAR application is a quick and easy process that typically takes less than 5 minutes to complete. Your field form responses will remain confidential and will not be shared with any outside party.
For more information about the incentive program, contact:
STAR
Natalie Kerr, Illinois Star Coordinator
ILSoyAdvisor Agronomy Team
Questions about STAR?
Contact Natalie Kerr, Illinois Star Coordinator