Frequently Asked Questions
WHERE ARE PCM PROGRAMS AVAILABLE?
PCM is organized by regions, each with a committed Specialist to assist enrolled farmers. PCM is currently available in regions in Illinois, Kentucky, and Nebraska.
HOW IS FARMER DATA USED?
PCM is a data-driven farmer service program created BY farmers FOR farmers. We have a rock-solid commitment to useing your data to serve YOU, first and foremost. We do not share your personal data unless you direct us to do so.
DO ENROLLED FARMERS HAVE TO MAKE PRACTICE CHANGES?
No. There is no committment to make a practice change when you join PCM. We hope our objective financial analysis and exclusive funding opportunities help farmers identify conservation practices that will have positive impacts on their farm net returns, as well as local water quality and soil health.
HOW MUCH OF MY TIME DOES PCM NEED?
Our goal is to prodive farmers with as much value as possible, without requiring too much of your time. Your commitment to the program includes 3 meetings per year with your PCM Specialist. Beyond that, you can use your Specialist as much or as little as you’d like.
WHAT CONSERVATION PRACTICES DOES PCM FOCUS ON?
We apply financial and environmental analysis of three in-field practices:
– Tillage
– Cover Crops
– Nitrogen Management
DOES PCM BENEFIT FARMERS OUTSIDE OF THE PROGRAM?
We use aggregated, anonymized data to help all farmers make good decision on their farms. We also use this aggregated data to inform policy makers about how conservation practices are likely to affect farm financial stability with the purpose of garnering more funding and protecting farmers from ineffective and time consuming government regulation.
WHAT KIND OF INFORMATION DOES PCM PROVIDE TO FARMERS?
1. Financial analysis of conservation practices aggregated over almost one million acres of Illinois farmland displayed at the state, region and county level.
2. Environmental assessments of conservation practices with tools from trusted partners like Field to Market, COOL Farm Tool, and University of IL Extension.
WHAT BENEFITS CAN FARMERS RECIEVE THROUGH PCM?
Financial assistance through a variety of programs based on your specific eligibility, and 1-on-1 support from your PCM Specialist including tech support, annual reports, and access to other industry experts.