
				Pat Quinn, Governor

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Environmental Progress - Summer 1998

Farm Stewardship Nominees Sought

Program now offers $500 prize

Agricultural producers who make environmentally sound farming practices part of their day-to-day efforts are eligible for a $500 award under a joint program sponsored by the Illinois EPA and the state's Department of Agriculture. Applications for the third annual Illinois Farm Stewardship Award will be accepted by the Illinois EPA no earlier than May 1, and no later than the close of business on June 1, 1998.

Emphasis is on voluntary efforts to protect the state's rivers, streams, lakes and aquifers that go beyond those required under current mandates. Nominees are evaluated in the areas of crop production, livestock production, farmstead activities and leadership activities.

Candidates can be self-nominated or entered by a third party, such as local Farm Bureau chapters. Arrangements are currently being finalized to recognize groups nominating a winning entry with a prize to the nominator. Farm Stewardship award winners will be presented a $500 U.S. savings bond and a permanent sign to be displayed at their farm during Agriculture Day activities during the 1998 Illinois State Fair in Springfield next August.

Previous winners have included brothers Tom and Doug Block, who jointly operate the Hunter-Haven farm near Pearl City, the 1996 winners, and John and Becky Nichols, who breed cattle on a farm near Oneida, in Knox County, the 1997 recipients.

Applications may be sent to or additional information can be obtained from:

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
Bureau of Water, Planning Section
1021 North Grand Avenue E., Box 19276
Springfield IL 62794-9276
Attn.: Environmental Farm Stewardship Award