By Andi Anderson
Agronomy Days 2026 at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is continuing with a series of educational events designed to help growers improve productivity, profitability, and sustainability.
Organized by the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) and Illinois Extension, the program highlights the latest agricultural research and modern farm management practices.
The event series offers farmers an opportunity to learn directly from researchers and industry experts. Topics include crop health, pest management, fertilizer strategies, weather forecasting, and methods to improve crop yields.
One of the upcoming events is the Orr Agricultural Research and Demonstration Center Field Day, today, July 15, 2026. Experts will discuss important issues affecting crop production, including disease risks, insect and weed management, and weather-related challenges. The event aims to provide practical information that growers can apply on their farms.
Another major event in the series is “Stairway to Yield,” scheduled for Aug. 6, 2026, in Savoy. This crop physiology-focused field day will feature eight presentations covering fertilizer management strategies and insights into achieving higher corn and soybean yields.
Researchers will share their latest findings and discuss management practices that can support better crop performance.
“This year marks our fifth annual Crop Physiology Day,” said Connor Sible, research assistant professor in the Department of Crop Sciences, part of the College of ACES. Sible will discuss management factors and their impacts on soybean yield. “We can’t wait to share our research with the people we do it for: Illinois growers.”
The free event will begin at 8 a.m. at the Crop Sciences Research and Education Center. Participants will receive breakfast and have opportunities to attend research presentations, visit sponsors, enjoy refreshments, and network with fellow growers throughout the day.
Additional Agronomy Days events will take place throughout the summer and fall. These include:
- Monmouth Field Day – July 22
- Ewing Agronomy Field Day – July 23
- Discussion on the Upcoming Alma Mater Plots – August 11
- Insect Management Field Day and Plot Tour – August 12
- First International Miscanthus Summit – October 26
“We’ve had great participation so far in our early-summer events, and we look forward to welcoming even more growers as the series continues,” said Agronomy Days organizer Nick Seiter, an assistant professor and faculty Extension specialist in crop sciences. “The best part, from our perspective, is learning from growers about the challenges they’re facing. A huge part of our land-grant mission is responding to the needs of our stakeholders, and this is a great way to get to hear from folks. Come on out!”
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: Illinois, General, Rural Lifestyle, Sustainable Agriculture