Start at the soil level to keep farm management decisions trending upward. 

Farming trends in the Peoria area have soil management at the top and the theme for the Agronomy Summit stop on Jan. 14 at Illinois Central College, East Peoria. Attendees will hear research updates from university experts to gain insightful tips for making farm management decisions.

Illinois Extension has worked to increase agriculture staff numbers 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.

Attendees will walk away from summit events with research updates, resources, and new connections in their communities. The event is built to provide agriculturalists with tools and management considerations for continued farming success.

Peoria Agenda 

8:30 a.m.       Registration and sponsor exhibit visits 

9:00                 Soil Health Principles
                          Presenter: Pete Fandel 

9:45                 Soil Testing: What Do Crops Really Need?  
                          Presenter: John Jones

10:30              Break   

10:45              Managing Nitrate Loads on Farm Drainage Tile Systems 
                         Presenter: Lowell Gentry

11:30              Visionary Approach to N Management 
                         Presenter: Howard Brown

12:15 p.m.    Lunch  

1:15                 Phosphorus in Illinois: The Old, the New, and the Future
                          Presenter: Andrew Margenot

2:30                 Adjourn 

Five continuing education units are available for Certified Crop Advisers, with four in nutrient management and 1 in soil and water at the in-person event.

The cost to attend is $40, and registration is required by Jan. 7 at go.illinois.edu/AGSPeoria. Registration includes all presentations, exhibits, light refreshments, and lunch for the East Peoria location. 

About Agronomy Summits

Expanding from one event in northern Illinois last year to now six, Illinois Extension Agronomy Summits are touring throughout the state this January 2025. Attendees can expect topical sessions filled with the latest research updates from various crop science experts at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, Illinois Extension, as well as additional university and industry professionals.

Additional Summit Locations

• Southwestern Agronomy Summit | Waterloo, Jan. 16
• Springfield Agronomy Summit | Jan. 21
• Oglesby Agronomy Summit | Jan. 23
• Southeastern Agronomy Summit | Albion, Jan. 28
• Northwestern Agronomy Summit | Freeport, Jan. 29