Kris Reynolds joined American Farmland Trust in 2017. Kris’s primary responsibility is managing programs in the Midwest that promote sound farming practices, help keep farmers on the land and protect farmland. He is also responsible for working with partners to coordinate activities with farmers and landowners that improve water quality, improve soil health, enhance nutrient efficiency, utilize conservation cropping systems, combat climate change and meet the goals of Illinois’ Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy.

Kris previously worked as a Resource Conservationist with the Montgomery County Soil and Water Conservation District for 15 years where he worked with local farmers and landowners to develop conservation plans on their land. He also spent time as a Cover Crop Specialist with the Illinois Council on Best Management Practices promoting, educating, and advising on cover crop usage.

He is a Certified Crop Advisor with the American Society of Agronomy and holds a specialty certification as a 4R Nutrient Management Specialist and Sustainability Specialist. Reynolds holds a B.S. in Agronomy and Ag Business from Illinois State University.

Kris is also a 5th-generation corn and soybean farmer in Nokomis, Illinois who grew up on a diversified grain and livestock farm. He began his soil health journey in 2013 by incorporating cover crops, no-till and nutrient management practices into his farming operation and he continues to expand and improve their use on his farm each year.