Meet with University of Illinois Extension agriculture experts and learn about the latest research affecting farms while attending the Greater Peoria Farm Show.
Visit the Illinois Extension booth during show hours on Tuesday, Dec. 1 and Wednesday, Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursday, Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to discuss questions and find resources on extreme weather, drones, artificial intelligence, farm safety, ag/rural mental health, farm and home horticulture, estate planning, farm leasing, and farm drainage.
Illinois Extension experts and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign faculty will also share useful presentations on issues that will impact plans for the 2027 growing season. Topics will include corn and soybean diseases, fertilizer decisions, marketing strategies, wind and water challenges, and small forest management. Certified Crop Advisors can earn continuing education units by attending the presentations. See the schedule below for details.
Educational Sessions
Sessions are one hour long and are eligible for continuing education units for Certified Crop Advisors.
Tuesday, Dec. 1
10 a.m. | Disease Challenges in Illinois Corn and Soybean: Key Observations from the 2026 Growing Season
Boris Camiletti, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Assistant Professor, Crop Science Research and Education Center
Examine the major disease challenges observed in Illinois corn and soybean during the 2026 growing season, with emphasis on field observations, diagnostic trends, and emerging issues. Examples from university and commercial fields will illustrate the occurrence and impact of diseases such as red crown rot in soybean and foliar diseases in corn, along with practical considerations for scouting, diagnosis, and disease management. (Eligible for one CCA CEU, Integrated Pest Management)
11 a.m. | Fertilizer Decisions with Unfavorable Price Conditions
John Jones, University of Illinois Assistant Professor of Agronomy and Soil Fertility Extension Specialist
Learn about recent data from statewide research evaluating agronomic and economic responses to fertilizer use and annual updates to Illinois fertilizer recommendations. (Eligible for one CCA CEU, Nutrient Management)
1 p.m. | The World is Falling Apart – Now Let’s Market Some Corn and Soybeans
Kevin Brooks, University of Illinois Extension Farm Business Management and Marketing Educator
Wars, inflation, trade disputes, and market volatility dominate the news. We’ll separate the headlines from the market fundamentals and discuss practical strategies for marketing corn and soybeans in uncertain times. (Eligible for one CCA CEU, Professional Development)
Wednesday, Dec. 2
10 a.m. | Managing Your Farm for Wind and Water in Illinois
Trent Ford, Illinois State Climatologist, University of Illinois Assistant Research Scientist, Climatology
The weather and climate in Illinois bring frequent challenges — none more pressing than wind and water. We’ll discuss the wind and its role in evaporation, soil loss and dust storms, and on-farm damage; and we’ll talk about managing too much water, too little water, and quick flips between the two. (Eligible for one CCA CEU, Crop Management)
11 a.m. | A Look Forward: The Politics, Programs, and Possibilities in 2027
Evan Hultine, Vice President, Illinois Farm Bureau
(Eligible for one CCA CEU, Professional Development)
1 p.m. | The World is Falling Apart – Now Let’s Market Some Corn and Soybeans
Kevin Brooks, Illinois Extension Farm Business Management and Marketing Educator
Wars, inflation, trade disputes, and market volatility dominate the news. We’ll separate the headlines from the market fundamentals and discuss practical strategies for marketing corn and soybeans in uncertain times. (Eligible for one CCA CEU, Professional Development)
Thursday, Dec. 3
10 a.m. | Nurturing Your Woodlands: Small Forest Management and Native Trees
Karen Weigelt, Illinois Extension Agriculture and Natural Resource Program Coordinator
Small woodland areas are precious natural assets that thrive with careful stewardship. Extension program coordinator and forest landowner Karen Weigelt will share responsible land-use strategies to help foster a healthier, more diverse ecosystem and highlight native tree species ideal for your land. (Eligible for one CCA CEU, Professional Development)
11 a.m. | Talk Dirt Before They Throw It at Each Other: Farm Estate Planning and Family Communication
Kevin Brooks, Illinois Extension Farm Business Management and Marketing Educator
Estate planning paperwork is easy compared to a family meeting. This session focuses on communication techniques that can help keep both the farm and the family together. (Eligible for one CCA CEU, Professional Development)