From Family Roots to Farmer Networks: Growing Soil Health in Illinois

By Morgan Cauble

Since starting with American Farmland Trust in June, I have worked with farmers across the state of Illinois through our Farmer-Led Advances in Soil Health (FLASH) program. Attending the FLASH group meetings, I’ve met many passionate conservationists dedicated to protecting farmland for future generations, a sentiment very personal and important to me. I grew up in Ramsey, a small town in south-central Illinois. My family has been farming in the area since around the 1850s; my great-grandmother grew up on the same farm as I did. My dad still farms the land, maintaining an operation of corn, soybeans, and beef cattle.

Back to My Roots

Agriculture is in my blood, but I can’t say that it was always my intended career path. I started out at the University of Illinois studying business. I enjoyed my classes, but I felt like I was missing a personal connection.

I decided to branch out and take an agricultural history class. I read about attitudes regarding agricultural land use, and I took an interest in the philosophies of early conservationists. I was surprised to learn that over half of the U.S. population lived on farms and ranches in the 1850s, compared to less than 2% of the population today.

I have many cherished memories of growing up on the farm, from riding in the buddy seat of my dad’s combine after school to bottle feeding piglets. When I realized just how unique my upbringing was, I wanted to help preserve the ‘farm kid’ experience for future generations. I knew that I would feel fulfilled by helping farmers in my career, so I refocused my studies on agriculture.