Farmers and agricultural professionals across Illinois and Indiana are invited to attend a one-day crops conference featuring leading experts from both states who will share the latest research and management strategies to improve crop production and profitability. The conference will be held on December 12 at the Beef House (Oak Room) at 10:00 a.m. and will run until 2:30 p.m. (EST), with a one-hour lunch included in the conference price.
The event begins with a welcome from event coordinator Tricia Herr, followed by presentations from university specialists on nitrogen and sulfur fertilization, short-stature corn hybrids, and disease management in corn and soybeans.
Conference agenda (all times are EST)
- 9–10:00 a.m. (EST) – Registration
- 10–10:05 a.m. – Welcome – Tricia Herr
- 10:05–10:55 a.m. – “Nitrogen and Sulfur Fertilization in Illinois: What Research Is Telling Us”
Giovani Preza Fontes, Illinois Field Crop Research and Extension Specialist - 11–11:50 a.m. – “Agronomic Management of New Short-stature Corn Hybrids in Indiana”
Dan Quinn, Purdue Extension Corn Specialist - 11:50 a.m.–noon – Q&A, surveys, and break
- Noon–12:50 p.m. – Lunch (included with registration)
- 1–1:50 p.m. – “Managing Emerging and Established Diseases in Corn and Soybean”
Boris Camiletti, Illinois Field Crop Pathology and Extension Specialist - 1:55–2:20 p.m. – Regulatory topic
- 2:20–2:30 p.m. – Surveys and dismissal
Session highlights
- Fertilizer management: Giovani Preza Fontes will discuss recent findings on nitrogen and sulfur fertilization in Illinois cropping systems, including N timing for soybeans and nutrient strategies for conservation systems such as strip-till, no-till, and cover crops.
- Corn production: Purdue’s Dan Quinn will share insights from trials comparing short-stature and full-stature corn hybrids, exploring how row spacing, seeding rate, and nitrogen management affect performance.
Disease management: Field crop pathologist Boris Camiletti will outline approaches to managing key corn and soybean diseases, including tar spot, red crown rot, and southern rust, focusing on fungicide timing, integrated crop protection, and digital tools for informed decision-making.
The cost to attend is $35, payable by cash or check at the door. Lunch is included. Certified Crop Adviser CEUs, Indiana PARP credits, and Indiana Commercial CCHs will be available.
