A University of Illinois small farms educator is researching the recent resurgence of dust storms in central Illinois and perhaps the role agriculture can play in mitigating the frequency.

Reagan Tibbs is a Small Farms Educator at the University of Illinois Extension in Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties, and indicates the dust storm in the spring of 2023 that occurred south of Springfield, which claimed the lives of multiple motorists on Interstate 55, first brought this issue front and center.

Tibbs' initial publication on the topic drew the interest of the National Weather Service in Lincoln. One point of emphasis for him is the issue is not going to be resolved with one solution.

A piece of legislation from the 60s allowing for the removal of tree lines on agricultural land removed a lot of windbreaks and Tibbs speculates that over time, the removal of those tree lines to maximize production has made an impact.

In partnering with the National Weather Service, Tibbs explains they are putting an emphasis on the lingo of the ag community so when they issue notices or advisories, they can effectively direct producers on how to use caution.

Tibbs' findings haven't led him to the conclusion that ag practices are creating the conditions to deteriorate soil conditions to create these dust storms however, he believes there are things producers can do to help make things better.

While producers are not intentionally out trying to stir up dust, in fact, often, field work is not going on when these dust storms pop up, but he believes there are things producers can do that can help keep those things from happening. 

You can find Tibbs' blog at extension.illinois.edu/lms.