By LIN WARFEL I am a farmer on a centennial farm established in
1882 by my great-grandparents. The American farmer feeds himself
and 155 other people. I am a conservationist, a steward of the
land. I am striving to leave my soil, my farm and the world a
better place than I found it. I know the soil I farm is a
precious commodity. It is a gift to be appreciated and respected
as there is a limited supply and Mother Earth isn't getting any
bigger. As a farmer landowner some of my land is enrolled in
land conservation programs, which are subject to federal
guidelines. The current conservation programs in place help to
reduce soil erosion; restore wetlands and buffers; reduce carbon
dioxide emissions; provide wildlife habitats and refuges;
protect environmentally sensitive land; and safeguard ground
water and surface water. Strip till is a fairly new conservation
technique that uses minimum tillage and allows deep placement of
nutrients so they won't run off. Over the last two years,
Champaign County farmers have