The Conservation Technology Information Center is partnering with Cargill and its Success From the Ground Up program to increase farmer-led outreach on soil health in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Ohio.

Through Success from the Ground Up, Cargill provides financial support to soil health organizations focused on providing access to training and technical information that can help remove barriers for row crop farmers who want to rebuild the health of their soils, plant cover crops, and make better use of their water. 

To maximize impact and coordination at the field level, CTIC invites our member organizations and other partners to join with us in the creation and support of the four farmer peer networks.

Each peer network will be led by one or more farmer-leaders, will host a field day during summer 2026, and a winter workshop for year-round engagement and sharing of practical knowledge, lessons learned, new innovations, and removing barriers for continuous improvement.  

“We appreciate the support from Cargill and look forward to partnering with farmer leaders, CTIC members, and other aligned organizations to jump-start these farmer networks,” said Ryan Heiniger, CTIC executive director. “As someone who has directly organized field days on our operation in Iowa, these are worthwhile events and can make a huge difference for other farmers wanting to learn and hear directly from farmers.”

CTIC is seeking farmer nominations by June 15 and will review applications on an ongoing basis. Farmers with a passion for conservation agriculture are encouraged to apply and to consider teaming up with a local counterpart to jointly create the network.

The application process should take only 3-5 minutes. Through the generous Cargill grant, CTIC will provide funding to cover costs for the summer field day and winter workshops.

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