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Illinois farmer says improving soil health builds profit per acre

A northwestern Illinois farmer says building soil health pays off in the long run.

“I tell everybody that I’m a cheap farmer. I do not like to buy inputs.”

Greg Thoren, who raises row crops and cattle near Stockton in Jo Daviess County, says incorporating multi-specie cover crop mixes and focusing on improving soil health in 2012 has dramatically reduced his need for inputs.

“We plant only non-GMO crops.”  He says, “No seed treatments on them. Actually, no bought fertility except low rates of nitrogen since 2019. No fungicides, insecticides. We do use herbicides but at a lower rate. We’re just trying to farm more like nature.”

He tells Brownfield that as his soil has improved over the years, it’s produced healthier, more resilient crops.

“I can put a corn crop in for like between $200 and $250 an acre.”  He says, “That’s a number of dollars less than the average person does. I may not get as good a yield sometimes, other times I can, but the net profit per acre is just tremendous.”

Thoren says farmers looking to incorporate soil health practices on their operations should start small and utilize trusted resources.

Greg and Janis Thoren were named the 2026 Illinois Leopold Conservation Award winners, which recognizes farmers and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement.  Sand County Foundation and American Farmland Trust will present Leopold Conservation Awards to landowners in 28 states this year.

AUDIO: Greg Thoren – Illinois farmer