The Dudley Smith Farm Field Day proved important for local farmers, gaining valuable insight into new technologies and information to take back to the field. The University of Illinois Extension and the College of ACES continues to provide resources to improve sustainability and yields in Central Illinois. Giovanni Preza-Fontes, an assistant professor of Agronomy and Crop Sciences with the University of Illinois, starts by talking about his background.

Preza-Fontes focus for his research project is cover crop management and going beyond the traditional cereal rye that is commonly used.

Many different cover crops exist and Preza-Fontes is looking at preliminary data to conclude what is best for farmers locally.

What has the research found so far? Preza-Fontes says that cereal rye may still be the best option to minimize nitrogen losses.

Learn more about the research projects and the Dudley Smith Farm by visiting www.dsi.aces.illinois.edu.

Giovanni Preza-Fontes appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show as part of our coverage from the Dudley Smith Farm Field Day.