The 2026 Peoria Agronomy Summit welcomed more than 50 growers, ag professionals, and land owners to Illinois Central College’s East Peoria campus for a full day of research-focused learning. Hosted by University of Illinois Extension in partnership with ICC on January 12, the event provided practical strategies to help producers improve farm decision-making in the year ahead.
As part of a coordinated, statewide effort, the Peoria Agronomy Summit was one of several Illinois Extension Agronomy Summits held across the state in early 2026. In addition to the East Peoria event, producers and advisers could attend regional summits in Fairfield, Freeport, Waterloo, Oglesby, Joliet, Springfield, and Marshall—each designed to deliver localized, research‑based insights tailored to the agronomic challenges of that region.
The Peoria program focused on soil and nutrient management.
- Dr. Howard Brown shared results from on-farm research examining in-season soil testing for improved nitrogen recommendations.
- Dr. Andrew Margenot presented a history of phosphorus use in Illinois with insights into managing legacy sources.
- Dr. Stacy Zuber presented on soil biology, highlighting the role of unseen soil organisms in cropping systems.
- Lowell Gentry shared his research studying farm tile drainage systems and in-field management practices aimed at reducing nutrient loss.
- Pete Fandel provided hands-on soil demonstrations to illustrate how conservation techniques such as reduced tillage can positively impact long-term soil productivity.
Attendees left with new ideas, many identifying clear management steps they plan to implement as a result of what they learned, including plans to explore winter barley as a cover crop ahead of corn, add testing for grain nutrient content, and re-evaluate phosphorus and nitrogen programs.
“With tight margins defining the current economic climate for farmers, it’s more important than ever to make smart, informed decisions in farm management,” said Tara Heath, Extension Commercial Ag Educator. “Events like the Agronomy Summit give producers the tools they need to adapt, innovate, and remain resilient.”
The Peoria Agronomy Summit also offered up to five Certified Crop Adviser continuing education units, emphasizing Extension’s commitment to supporting both producers and agricultural service professionals. The program’s blend of research updates and peer networking continues Extension’s tradition of bringing relevant, community-focused agricultural education to central Illinois.
Photo caption - Dr. Andrew Margenot from University of Illinois was one of the presenters at the 2026 Agronomy Summit. Fifty landowners, ag professionals, and growers spent the day learning research-based insights tailored to the agronomic challenges of this area. Photo by Anita Wilkinson, Illinois Extension.
Meet the Author
In 2021, Tara Heath joined the University of Illinois Extension team as horticulture program coordinator for Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties. After three+ years successfully supporting the local Extension Master Gardener program, Tara completed her master of science degree and was promoted to a commercial ag educator, with a focus on agronomy and crop sciences. In her new role, she will continue her work as the Annie's Project coordinator and begin her programming efforts in the area of regenerative agriculture practices such as reduced tillage and cover crops.
Tara received her Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture with an emphasis in horticulture from Western Illinois University and Master of Science degree in crop sciences with an emphasis in horticultural food systems from University of Illinois. She has over 20 years of experience in landscape management, having served as the Superintendent of Grounds at Western Illinois University.
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