Explore local agriculture at Illinois Agronomy Summits in January

By Andi Anderson

With the Midwest harvest season wrapped up, Illinois farmers are setting their sights on spring 2025. To help prepare, the University of Illinois Extension is hosting six Agronomy Summits across the state this January.

These events offer farmers a chance to gain practical knowledge and insights from leading experts in crop science and farm management.

Expanding from a single event last year to six locations this year, the summits will bring university researchers, industry professionals, and agriculture educators to share the latest updates in soil health, pest and weed management, and market trends.

Participants will benefit from customized sessions tailored to their region, using local agriculture statistics and case studies.

Emily Hansen, an Extension agriculture educator, highlights the importance of these sessions. “Farmers will receive relevant, localized updates while also connecting with familiar faces in their communities,” she said.

Event Details and Locations:

Peoria Agronomy Summit: Jan. 14 in East Peoria, $40. Register by Jan. 7.

Southwestern Agronomy Summit: Jan. 16 in Waterloo, $25. Register by Jan. 10.

Springfield Agronomy Summit: Jan. 21 in Springfield, $30. Register by Jan. 14.

Oglesby Agronomy Summit: Jan. 23 in Oglesby, $25. Register by Jan. 16.

Southeastern Agronomy Summit: Jan. 28 in Albion, free. Register by Jan. 21.

Northwest Agronomy Summit: Jan. 29 in Freeport, $25. Register by Jan. 22.

Each summit offers presentations, refreshments, and lunch. Some locations feature sponsored exhibits. Attendees can also earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for Certified Crop Advisers.

To ensure accessibility, attendees requiring accommodation are encouraged to contact event staff early. For complete details and registration links, visit the University of Illinois Extension website.

These summits are a perfect opportunity for Illinois farmers to gain valuable tools and insights for a successful 2025 season.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski