Strengthen farm management decisions by attending the Clark County Agronomy Summit
University of Illinois Extension is holding the Clark County 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 up to five CEUs at this in-person event. The cost to attend is $30, and registration is required. Registration includes all presentations, light refreshments, and lunch.
For questions or to request accommodations, contact Rebecca Schiver at schiver@illinois.edu or 217-465-8585.
Clark County Agronomy Summit Presentations
Management Decisions given 2026 Price and Return Outlook, Gary Schnitkey (1.0 CEU – Crop Management)
- We will present a price outlook for corn and soybeans for the 2026 production year. Costs and return outlook will be presented. We will then look at management decisions faced by farmers, including whether to plant corn or soybeans. Finally, strategic decisions will be discussed.
The Challenge of Group 15 Resistance in Waterhemp: Is Metribuzin an Overlooked Option for its Management?, Aaron Hager (1.0 CEU – Integrated Pest Management)
- 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 of 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.
High-Tech Harvest: Tools for the Farm of the Future, Dennis Bowman (1.0 CEU – Precision Agriculture)
- Curious about what’s next in agriculture? This program highlights the latest tools farmers are already putting to work — spray drones, mapping, AI, and more — along with emerging practices like agrivoltaics. We’ll focus on what these innovations can really do on your farm today and where they may take agriculture tomorrow.
Agricultural Mental Health: Extension Resources for Individuals and Communities, Josie Rudolphi
- Learn about current research related to agricultural mental health and resources available through Illinois Extension for individuals and communities.
AG Succession, JR Glenn (1.0 CEU – Professional Development)
- One of the greatest transitions of wealth is in the process of taking place. Given the dollar value of land and equipment and the number of farmers reaching retirement age, transition plans have to be considered and put into place to ensure operational vitality. For example, there are a number of adult children that have not had the opportunity to make decisions on the farm. And, given today’s farming costs, that individual may (or may not be) in a position to borrow the money necessary to plant a crop, buy out the operation, or continue the operation after the senior generation reaches retirement age. In other instances, it is important for the senior generation to understand why transition planning needs to start sooner rather than later. The vast majority of farmers and ranchers do not have estate or transition plans. With offspring not coming back to the farm or not wanting to take over the operation, along with rising costs of health and medical care, and farming in general, this process cannot be overlooked.
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 | 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
