Our trip to the Erickson farm in Milan, Illinois involved a three hour drive through pouring rain. But once we arrived, the rain stopped and the sun made a partial appearance. Because we had about 40 partners, guests, and several media reps invited, I called it divine intervention.
Secretary Vilsack was here to announce the national Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) awardees, using a multi-generation Illinois farm as a fitting and picturesque backdrop. The family took the Secretary on a short driving tour to show all they've done to protect their 100 year-old farm.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), USDA Rural Development and the Farm Service Agency state leaders were honored to have Vilsack in the state for this national announcement. NRCS was particularly happy to have him here touting the benefits and importance of soil health, which is the primary focus of one of the CIGs that included Illinois this year and beyond.
The day began with Secretary Vilsack's introduction to the Erickson family. He met with everyone and chatted briefly with them in youngest son Nick's dining room. On the table was a black and white photo of 3-year-old Wayne Erickson on a 1928 McCormick Deering 1020 tractor. Wayne and wife Carol spoke to Vilsack, along with son David, wife Tammy, and two grandsons Nick and Bradley.
The Secretary was pleased to see three generations on the family farm with all members still active and committed to protection of soil and water resources. The family was honored to have the Secretary visit and to have been selected as a conservation farm.
NRCS displayed a powerful soil health demonstration in the machine shed to show local soil core samples that confirm the stark difference healthy soil has on water quality. NRCS and the Rock Island Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) offered information on programs, cover crops, and other options farmers can use to improve soil health.
Hats off to the NRCS staff in Milan, the local SWCD, and all the partners who pulled off the entire event. And a heart-felt thank you to ALL members of the Erickson Farm family for letting us visit your farm and your home. And Tammy, it is official: your pumpkin bars were wonderful!
