Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever (PFQF) is dedicated to conserving pheasants, quail and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public access, education and conservation advocacy. Their vision is to create a North American landscape of quality habitat supporting wild, sustainable populations of upland game birds and other wildlife that are accessible to hunters and conservationists for generations to come.

One of the largest barriers to implementing conservation practices onto working farms is landowners not being aware of the tools and resources available to them. To address this challenge, Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) has partnered with PFQF to connect landowners directly with PFQF field staff. These experts can help identify low-producing areas within fields, determine eligibility for cost-share programs and provide ongoing technical assistance, from initial planning through implementation. Along with 24 staff members, Illinois PFQF has 53 chapters totaling over 9,000 members as well as field staff that are valuable resources to the public.

A common misconception among landowners is that they must choose between agricultural production and wildlife habitat to maximize profitability. PFQF staff and volunteers operate under the belief that the two can coexist and even enhance one another. By managing each acre for its most optimal use, farms can achieve greater overall productivity while improving soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat.

This partnership also includes outreach opportunities for landowners to connect with local resources such as Pheasants Forever Farm Bill Biologists and PFQF Precision Ag Conservationists through workshops, webinars and blogs. Additionally, the partnership aims to establish pollinator demonstration plots which can be utilized for outreach efforts in the future.

Already, PFQF has implemented a pollinator plot at the ISA Agronomy Farm in Heyworth, Ill., as well as at ISA plots at the Decatur, Ill., Farm Progress Show site, which both showcase how farmers can support pollinators on their operations.

To check out the Farm Progress Show pollinator plot, scan the QR code to join us in Decatur on Thursday, September 10, for the Illinois Crop Management Field Day. The day will also highlight ISA’s On-Farm Trial Network, conservation practices, soybean and corn management decisions and ISA checkoff-funded research.

Through partnerships like this, PFQF and ISA are helping shape a future where productive farmland and thriving wildlife habitat go hand in hand.