OGLESBY, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension hosted the inaugural Oglesby Agronomy Summit on January 23, 2025 at Illinois Valley Community College. Expanding from one event in northern Illinois last year to six this year, the Agronomy Summits are intended to provide farmers and agronomists with the latest information from University of Illinois Crop Sciences researchers.
Illinois Extension has worked to increase ag staff numbers throughout the state to reach more local farmers and open communication channels. With those channels established, events like Agronomy Summits can be more customized, and staff can deliver updates on relevant topics that farmers are experiencing on their farms today.
The event was attended by farmers, agribusiness representatives, and local agency staff alike. Participants heard the latest research updates from University of Illinois experts on best management practices for corn and soy growers. Dr. Gary Schnitkey, ag economics professor, discussed different management strategies that farm businesses can consider in years with low returns. Dr. Boris Camiletti, plant pathologist, discussed the main diseases impacting corn and soybeans in Illinois and how to manage them to maintain yields. Dr. Connor Sible, crop production researcher, reviewed the key considerations related to fertilizer management, row spacing, and variety selection that provide the greatest successes for growers. Luke Bergschneider, a soil researcher, discussed ongoing research projects at the University that will improve phosphorus and potassium management and recommendations for Illinois growers. Finally, Dr. Chance Riggins, crop sciences professor, discussed his work with industrial hemp and the future of this specialty crop in Illinois.
Participants walked away with the tips and tools needed to manage their farms in years with unpredictable weather, disease issues, and low incomes. Local Illinois Extension staff were happy that they could bring this event to growers in Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, and Putnam counties. “The Oglesby Agronomy Summit was a huge success,” said Emily Hansen, Commercial Agriculture Educator. “It was great to meet with local growers and share the latest University research and resources with the community.”
The Oglesby Agronomy Summit will return next winter. To stay up to date on this program and others visit go.illinois.edu/BLMPAg.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.