Overlooking soil quality can greatly impact an operation's overall productivity. 

Soil health and quality play a significant role in the nutritional value of pastures and cover crops, determining grazing strategies and sustainability. Attending the University of Illinois Extension Dudley Smith Farm Field Day this summer will help producers break down soil components impacting quality, explore research findings, and leave with options to employ better soil health changes in their cattle, pasture, and farming operations. 

Dudley Smith Farm is where tradition drives sustainable agriculture practice into the future through hands-on research opportunities. Attendees can look forward to hearing industry updates and application examples on-site at the upcoming field day beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 20, at the research center at 2200 E. 600 North Rd., off Route 29 between Taylorville and Pana in Christian County. A free lunch is provided. 

There is also the opportunity for a farm tour of field cropping systems and the beef paddocks to conclude the day. There is no cost to attend the field day. Advance registration by June 17 is required to receive lunch.

Dudley Smith Farm Field Day Agenda

9:30 - Registration

9:50 - Welcome,  Announcements, and Introductions
Sara Marten, Extension County Director; Ed Ballard, Dudley Smith Farm Coordinator

10:00 - Nutrient Management Utilizing Tiling, Tillage, Fertility, and Cover Crops to Reduce N and P Losses from Illinois Soils
Giovani Preza Fontes, Field Crops Agronomist and Extension Specialist, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

10:30 - Modernizing Nutrient Management for Illinois Cropping Systems
Andrew J. Margenot, Associate Professor, Dept. of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Associate Director, Agroecosystem Sustainability Center, iSEE

11:00 - Break

11:15 - Transitioning the Family Farm into a Farm-to-Plate Farm
David Hebert, Hebert Family Farm, Assumption, IL

11:45 - Grazing Strategies for Illinois Beef Producers
Dan Shike, Professor, Dept. of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 

12:15 - Lunch

1:00 - Optional Tours of Field Cropping Systems and Beef Paddocks