Grazing in Illinois
Grazing Features
NRCS Knows Grazing
Illinois NRCS values the benefits good grazing management offers Illinois producers and their natural resources. We offer conservation programs and practices specifically designed to help graziers find success in sustainable and profitable operations. NRCS grazing assistance is targeted to all types of livestock operation s—beef, dairy, sheep, goats, bison, etc.
NRCS works alongside many Illinois partners committed to grazing—The Illinois Grazing Lands Coalition (GLC), University of Illinois Extension specialists, and others who value grass and forage production, good grazing management techniques, and planning. NRCS has support staff—two Grass Lands Specialists—who work with all county level Field Office staff, partners and clients to create quality grazing systems.
Grazing Programs & Practices
NRCS programs most relevant to graziers include the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Grassland Reserve Program (GRP), the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and the Organic EQIP options. In addition, NRCS offers valuable resources and guidance such as the Illinois Grazing Manual (see information and link below).
For information on Grazing with the Conservation Stewardship Program
“Good Grazing Makes Good $ense!”
Back in 2010, NRCS and GLCI launched an effort to promote the art and science of good grazing management through a campaign called “Good Grazing Makes Good $ense!” To learn more about these new educational materials or to speak to someone about using these materials to promote grazing at a local field day, demonstration site or workshop, please contact your local NRCS District Conservationist.
With feed costs always on the rise, Illinois livestock operators might be ready to consider the benefits of a GRAZING MANAGEMENT PLAN. “Good Grazing Makes Good $ense!” is Illinois NRCS’ newest information campaign. These materials detail benefits and options of sustainable and profitable grazing systems and they tell you how to make it work on your ground.
Below are grazing resources and helpful information. For more information contact your local NRCS county office.
The following documents require either Adobe Acrobat or Microsoft Word.
Other Grazing Information Web Sites and Organizations
NRCS Illinois Grass Land Contact:
Matt Bunger, State Grazing Land Specialist
2118 W. Park Court
Champaign, IL 61821
217-353-6641
E-Mail: matt.bunger@usda.gov
