Future-ready farming with smart tools

By Andi Anderson

As weather patterns continue to shift, farmers need the right tools to adapt and make informed decisions throughout the growing season.

This December, agricultural professionals have the chance to connect with experts and explore resources at a free climate-smart farming workshop hosted by the University of Illinois Extension.

The Agriculture Climate Tools Workshop, open to field crop producers, specialty growers, farm managers, crop advisors, and other agricultural professionals, aims to provide participants with a deeper understanding of local weather trends, climate monitoring tools, and strategies to reduce the impact of unpredictable weather conditions.

Attendees will engage in real-world scenario discussions with regional climate specialists who will guide them through available tools and techniques for weather and climate risk management.

These resources are designed to help farmers plan their planting schedules, optimize fertilization, manage irrigation, and improve overall crop yield, ensuring that their operations are resilient against climate fluctuations.

Scheduled for December 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Sims Meeting Room at the ACES Library in Urbana, Illinois, the workshop will include sessions on leveraging climate data for better decision-making.

Experts will demonstrate how these tools can be integrated into daily farm operations to minimize losses due to weather extremes.

Participants will leave equipped with actionable knowledge, feeling more confident in their ability to plan for the 2025 growing season and beyond. Lunch is provided, and Certified Crop Advisors can earn Continuing Education Units (CEU) credits for attending.

Farmers and agricultural professionals are encouraged to sign up by November 25 to secure their spot and take advantage of this valuable opportunity to enhance their climate-smart farming skills. Learn more and register at go.illinois.edu/RiskTools.

Stay ahead of the weather, adapt to changing conditions, and ensure your farm’s future with the right tools and insights.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave