Illinois farmers more environmentally friendly

SPRINGFIELD (AP) — Farmers in Illinois are using more environmentally friendly tillage practices.

A new study released Wednesday by the Illinois Department of Agriculture found 49.9 percent of Illinois cropland was farmed with a conservation tillage system in 2009. That’s the highest percentage since the department started keeping track in 1994.

According to state agriculture director Tom Jennings, conservation tillage prevents soil erosion and improves water quality.

Jennings says the system also “is good for farmers because it preserves fertile farmland and ensures our agricultural production is sustainable for generations to come.”