Make farm management decisions that keep crops trending upward. 

Finding tools to help strengthen confidence in decision-making on the farm is the theme for the Agronomy Summit stop on Jan. 23 at Illinois Valley Community College, Oglesby in room C-316. 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.

Oglesby Agenda 

8:30 a.m.        Registration

9:00                  Welcome and overview of Extension agriculture programs
                           Presenter: Emily Hansen

9:15                  Management Strategies with Low Incomes
                           Presenter: Gary Schnitkey

10:00               Midwestern Hemp Research Collaborative: Insights into Agronomic Performance and
                          Chemical Traits of Industrial Hemp for the North Central Region  
                          Presenter: Chance Riggins

10:45               Break   

11:00               Current Strategies for Disease Management in Field Crops 
                          Presenter: Boris Camiletti 

11:45              Corn and Soybean Management Considerations for 2025
                         Presenter: Connor Sible

12:30 p.m.    Lunch  

1:15                 Updating Illinois phosphorus and potassium soil test recommendations for the 21st century
                          Presenter: Luke Bergschneider

2:00                 Adjourn 

Continuing education units are available for Certified Crop Advisers at the in-person event. The cost to attend is $25, and registration is required by Jan. 16 at go.illinois.edu/AGSOglesby. Registration includes all presentations, light refreshments, and lunch for the Oglesby 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

• Peoria Agronomy Summit | Jan. 14
• Southwestern Agronomy Summit | Waterloo, Jan. 16
• Springfield Agronomy Summit | Jan. 21
• Southeastern Agronomy Summit | Albion, Jan. 28
• Northwest Illinois Agronomy Summit | Freeport, Jan. 29