Upgrade your farm with climate tools

By Andi Anderson

Farmers, prepare to adapt to changing weather patterns and make smarter decisions for your operation in 2025. The University of Illinois Extension is hosting a free workshop this December that will equip you with the latest climate-smart farming tools.

As weather trends continue to shift, it is essential for farmers to understand how to plan and adapt for the growing season and beyond.

The Agriculture Climate Tools Workshop is designed for field crop producers, specialty growers, farm managers, crop advisors, and other agriculture professionals. The workshop will provide valuable insights into regional weather patterns and tools that help farmers manage weather-related risks.

This event offers a unique opportunity to connect with agricultural climate experts, explore resources, and discuss real-world scenarios.

During the workshop, regional climate specialists will demonstrate how to use available tools to track weather trends, monitor climate conditions, and make informed decisions about planting, fertilization, and irrigation.

Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of local growing conditions and leave feeling confident about planning their farm operations. The workshop aims to reduce the financial impact of unpredictable weather on farms by providing practical strategies for crop management.

The event will take place on December 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Sims Meeting Room at the ACES Library, located at 1101 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL. Lunch will be provided, and attendees can earn Continuing Education Units (CEU) credits if they are Certified Crop Advisors.

The workshop is hosted in collaboration with the Prairie Research Institute, the Illinois State Climatologist office, the USDA Midwest Climate Hub, the Midwest Regional Climate Center, and the National Integrated Drought Information System.

Funding support comes from a Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Professional Development grant.

Farmers and other agriculture professionals are encouraged to sign up by November 25 at go.illinois.edu/RiskTools.

Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic