More Illinois graziers will soon have the opportunity to walk a neighbor's pasture, explore new grazing practices and technologies, and learn from experienced producers. The Illinois Grazing Lands Coalition (ILGLC) has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI) Resilience Award from the National Grazing Lands Coalition (NatGLC). Funding for the award is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) through NatGLC and will support expanded education and technical assistance for Illinois livestock producers through July 2028.
Through its two-year project, Growing Resilience Among Illinois Graziers, ILGLC will expand access to producer-led education, technical assistance, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities across the state. The initiative will support on-farm educational events, hands-on demonstrations, producer mentorship, and expanded educational resources, while also helping identify and address the evolving needs of Illinois livestock producers.
"As livestock producers ourselves, we know that some of the most valuable lessons are learned from fellow farmers and ranchers who have faced the same challenges," said Cliff Schuette, President of the Illinois Grazing Lands Coalition. "This investment will allow us to bring more producers together, expand access to practical education and technical assistance, and help Illinois graziers build healthier pastures and stronger, more resilient operations. We're grateful to the National Grazing Lands Coalition and USDA-NRCS for supporting this important work."
"This is an important moment for grazing lands conservation and for the organizations—including the Illinois Grazing Lands Coalition—that have worked tirelessly to support producers in their communities," said Ashley McDonald, Executive Director of NatGLC. "With our partner USDA-NRCS we are putting those resources directly into the hands of organizations that understand local challenges, have established relationships with producers and know how to deliver technical assistance that makes a difference."
What the Grant Will Fund
Over the next two years, ILGLC will expand its efforts to support Illinois graziers through:
Grazing schools and pasture walks: Providing classroom instruction, on-farm learning, and opportunities for producers to exchange knowledge and experience on grazing management, forage production, soil health, and other practical topics.
Hands-on demonstrations: Introducing grazing management tools and technologies, including fencing, watering systems, and pasture assessment techniques.
Producer mentorship: Connecting experienced graziers with livestock producers who are beginning, expanding, or improving their managed grazing systems.
Expanded educational resources: Developing new videos, webinars, fact sheets, and other practical resources available through ILGLC's online educational platforms, including the Grazing & Forage Hub.
Producer needs assessment: Conducting a statewide assessment to identify the priorities, challenges, and technical assistance needs of Illinois livestock producers.
Grazing land health assessments: Providing participating livestock operations with soil testing and individualized assessments to inform grazing and land management decisions.
The award builds on ILGLC's ongoing efforts to connect Illinois graziers with educational opportunities, conservation professionals, and fellow livestock producers. Through its regional, farmer-led grazing groups and statewide partnerships, ILGLC works to make practical grazing knowledge and technical assistance more accessible to producers across Illinois.
How to Get Involved
Illinois graziers who want to take part in upcoming events or stay updated on mentorship opportunities and new resources can join ILGLC’s monthly e-newsletter list at ilgrazinglands.org