As a Crop Systems Educator, Ellen Phillips' programs have focused on soil management, forage, pasture and grazing management. She also has responsibilities in corn and soybean crop production. In this role, she works closely with farmers, agri-business, homeowners and other agencies to identify educational needs, and deliver unbiased research-based information to clientele. She works with Extension Unit Leaders and agribusiness suppliers to present agronomic information at crop seminars, in-depth workshops, pasture walks, summer crop and pest management field clinics, variety field days, and pesticide applicator training clinics. Working with University specialists, other Extension Educators, and farmer cooperators, she helps conduct research and field demonstrations on specialty crops and pasture management. She has also presented a variety of soils and crop-related programs to Master Gardeners, garden clubs, horse clubs and teachers. She provides educational resources, programs and training to community and educational organizations on understanding the importance of soils and agriculture in our society.

She holds a B.S. in agronomy with an emphasis on soil fertility from the University of Illinois and a M.S. in soil management from Iowa State University. She is member of the Soil Science Society of America, International Soil Science Society, and American Society of Agronomy.

Previously, she worked as a soil specialist with the University of the Virgin Islands Cooperative Extension Service. She managed the Soil, Plant and Water Analysis Lab. Working with home and commercial horticultural producers, she focused on the areas of fertilizer plans and organic matter management through composting. She also assisted livestock producers with fertilizer plans and pasture management

Phillips serves Winnebago, Boone, McHenry, Lake, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, Cook, Kendall, Will and Kankakee counties.

She is a native of DuPage County. Her husband is an electronic engineer, and they live in DuPage County with their three young children.

Areas of Expertise

• Soil Management
• Grain and Forage Crop Production
• Integrated Pest Management Strategies
• Private Pesticide Applicator Training
• Soils, Agriculture, and Gardening in the Classroom
• Organic Production

Current Research and Demonstrations

• Specialty Crop Demonstration Plots
• Horse Pasture Management in Northern Illinois
• Soil Quality Evaluation
  

Phillips can provide presentations, educational materials or make field visits in the following areas. Most topics can be presented in a variety of formats from field days, presentation or hands-on workshops, from 30 minute to four hour workshops. Audiences might include: adults, youth, agricultural producers, crop and chemical dealers, horse owners, teachers, students, community groups, or gardeners.

A Season of Horse Pasture Management

Best management practices for horse pastures are presented. Topics include identifying the plants and weeds in pastures, identifying poisonous plants, having the soil analyzed to determine fertilizer needs, and developing a grazing plan.

Hay Quality

This hands-on program discusses physical, chemical and biological properties of hay. Participants receive a checklist to consider when purchasing and storing hay.

Manure Management

Laws, limits and opportunities of managing manure.

Crop Ecology

Sustainable practices such as cover crops, organic matter management, and soil ecology that can be incorporated into production systems.

Best Management Practices: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Forages, Pasture, Oats, Barley, and Specialty Crops

This session focues on recommended management production and IPM practices for grain and forage crops.

Smart Scouting with IPM

Know before you go. A checklist of things to bring and things to think about before you walk into a field to scout.

Specialty Corn and Soybean Crops

Data from Northern Illinois research plots are presented and options for marketing grain are discussed.

Ag Internet Resources

Tour websites that can offer information on best management practices for crop production and marketing.

Soil Basics and Management

For those who have an interest in understanding the "why"behind how soils work, this workshop includes topics such as soil pH, soil water, soil temperature, and soil compaction.

Assessing Soil Quality

A hands-on presentation to evaluate chemical, physical and biological properties of soil and assess management practices to improve the quality of the soil.

Soil Carbon Sequestration – Is It Feasible?

Can soils save the world from global warming? A look at how carbon cycles through our ecosystem.

Macro and Micro: Plant Nutrients Your Plants Need

What are the essential nutrients plants need and do your plants have enough.

Fertilizers and Amendments

Choosing the best fertilizer or amendment to meet the needs of your soils and plants.

Composting

Understanding the difference between active and passive composting can help you successfully compost at home or on your farm.

Illinois Soils: Where Did They Come From?

Travel through time to discover why it can take 500 years to create an inch of soil. Learn why Illinois has some of the most productive agricultural soils.