The 2024 Conservation Farm Family award was given to the lssert Family Farm of Wilmington by the Will-South Cook SWCD. In 2014, the farmstead was designated as a Will County Historic Landmark by the Will County Historic Preservation Commission and the Will County Board. Steve operates the farm with help from his wife Debbie, their three children and seven grandchildren.
The farmstead includes corn and soybeans, as well as over 100 acres of woodlands. The farming operation involves a system of conservation practices that include minimal tillage, grass waterways, terraces, filter strips, field windbreaks, surface drains, farm ponds and wetlands.
As an approved contractor for the SWCD, Steve gained experience building terraces and waterways, and he has done all the excavating work to put these practices to use on his own farm. When asked about his work to help build these conservation features on others’ farms, Steve remarked, “It’s rewarding work — a nice waterway or terrace, that’s something you remember.”
The Issert Family Farm was honored at the Will-South Cook SWCD Annual Recognition Dinner on August 1, 2024.
On August 14, a farm tour was held and around 50 people had the opportunity to enjoy the morning viewing the farm.
Opportunities to learn more about the farm’s resources were provided at several preplanned stops where presentations were followed by an opportunity to ask questions by the group. The stops included wetlands, terraces, waterways, well managed woodland, field windbreaks, conservation tillage, and soils ranging from silt loam to fine sandy soils.
It is hoped this information will be shared with others or put to use on the tour participants’ properties.
