Strengthen farm management decisions by attending the Springfield Agronomy Summit
University of Illinois Extension is holding the Springfield Agronomy Summit this winter to provide producers with the latest agronomic research updates and equip them with information that will empower them in their farm decision-making.
Continuing education units are available for Certified Crop Advisers at this in-person event. The cost to attend is $20, and registration is required. Registration includes all presentations, light refreshments, and lunch.
For questions or to request accommodations, contact Reagen Tibbs at rgtibbs@illinois.edu or 217-732-8289.
Springfield Agronomy Summit Presentations
Recent Advances in Digital Agriculture, Dennis Bowman, .5 CEU
- This session will feature some of the latest advancements and new digital agriculture technologies, as well as how they can be used by producers to make well-informed decisions on their operations.
The Challenge of Group 15 Resistance in Waterhemp: Is Metribuzin an Overlooked Option for its Management?, Aaron Hager, 1 CEU
- Recent research by the University of Illinois weed science program has investigated the propensity of reduced sensitivity of Illinois waterhemp populations to Group 15 herbicides. Waterhemp seed was collected from approximately 84 Illinois counties during fall, 2023 and subsequently used to propagate plants that were evaluated for response to S-metolachlor in greenhouse research. This presentation will share the results of this screening research and also recently-completed research conducted in 15 states to evaluate metribuzin for control of herbicide-resistant waterhemp and Palmer amaranth populations.
Hartsburg Research Plot Updates, John Jones, 1 CEU
- This session will discuss the planned research work at the 17-acre Hartsburg Research Plot, which has been operated by the University of Illinois and Extension for approximately 100 years. The research will focus on the role cover crops can play in nutrient management, as well as the benefits of cover crops for livestock production.
Insect Management in Corn and Soybean, Nick Seiter, 1 CEU
- An update on current insect pest management issues in central Illinois, including a discussion of grape colaspis biology/control, the return on investment of insecticides in soybean, and Bt resistance in corn rootworms.
Agricultural Policy Changes for 2026, Reagen Tibbs, .5 CEU
- Learn about changes in Federal and state agricultural policy and how those changes will impact producers.
Sangamon County Farm to Fork Initiative, Hunter Buchanan, .5 CEU
- Gain an overview of the work done to help connect local food producers to large-scale customers, and the future plans to help grow and develop this emerging market.
About Agronomy Summits
Expanding from one event in northern Illinois to now eight, Illinois Extension Agronomy Summits are touring throughout the state in winter 2026. Attendees can expect sessions filled with the latest research updates from 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 2026 Agronomy Summit Locations
- Peoria Agronomy Summit | East Peoria, Jan. 12
- Southeastern Agronomy Summit | Fairfield, Jan. 22
- Northwest Illinois Agronomy Summit | Freeport, Jan. 28
- Southwestern Agronomy Summit | Waterloo, Feb. 3
- Oglesby Agronomy Summit | Feb. 5
- Joliet Agronomy Summit | Feb. 10
- Springfield Agronomy Summit | Feb. 17
- Clark County Agronomy Summit, | Marshall, Feb. 24
