Essential Agricultural Tools and Resources
Looking for reliable agricultural resources? Check out these valuable tools and guides from University of Illinois Extension. Whether you're managing crops, calculating nitrogen rates, or staying up-to-date on pesticide regulations, these resources will help you optimize your agricultural practices.
- Explore the Illinois Agronomy Handbook
- Gain CEUs through CropFlix: Online Certified Crop Advisors
- Calculate nitrogen returns with the MRTN Calculator
- Maximum Return to Nitrogen Access detailed Commercial Ag Fact Sheets
- Get information on legislation, regulations, and more in the Illinois Pesticide Review Newsletter.
Agriculture Trainings and Workshops
Pesticide Safety
Dec. 11 - April 8: Illinois Pesticide Safety Education Program
Multiple dates and locations, including online
Need to obtain a pesticide applicator or operator license? Sign up for in-person training and testing, or complete it anytime online. Seating for the in-person clinics is limited, so don't delay.
January 20 is the date for Rock Island PSEP!
Sign up here: for PSEP in Person Clinics
Contact: Jonathan Jackson for more information.
Private Applicator In-Person Clinic Schedules
- Dec. 11, Champaign
- Dec. 18, Effingham
- Jan. 6, Carterville
- Jan. 20, Rock Island
- Feb. 10, Springfield
- Feb. 11, Quincy
- Feb. 17, Collinsville
- Feb. 25, Peoria
- March 10, Rockford
Agronomy Summits
Jan. 12 - Feb. 24: Illinois Extension Agronomy Summits
Multiple dates and locations statewide
Attend one of eight statewide Agronomy Summits this winter. Attendees will hear research updates from university experts to gain insightful tips for making informed decisions around farm management. Visit the location for full event details, contacts, and registration.
- Jan. 12: Peoria (East Peoria). Register by Jan 6.
- Jan. 22: Southeastern (Fairfield)
- Jan. 28: Northwest Illinois (Freeport)
- Feb. 3: Southwestern (Waterloo)
- Feb. 5: Oglesby
- Feb. 10: Joliet. Register by Jan. 31.
- Feb. 17: Springfield
- Feb. 24: Clark County (Marshall)
Crop Management Conference
March 1 - April 30: Crop Management Conference
New for 2026: Online-Only
Dig deeper into what is impacting Illinois Crop production with the latest research updates to improve productivity and output from crop science experts at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and beyond. Crop producers, agriculture consultants, industry professionals, and students are invited to attend. Get full event details and register for the Crop Management Summit [go.illinois.edu/CMC]. Register by April 15. Contact: Megan Weber
Sustaining Farm Legacy Meetings
March 2: Focus on the Future: Sustaining Farm Legacy Meetings
Multiple dates, hybrid in-person and online options
There are significant and detailed decisions to be made when owning a farm and building a legacy. Illinois Extension and Illinois Farm Bureau are here to provide resources, networking opportunities, and support through new, informative meetings designed specifically for Illinois farmland owners and agricultural stakeholders.
Dig deeper into building stronger working relationships, today's farm economics, sustainability, and regional networking.
Cost is $20. Get event details and register for Farm Legacy Events [go.illinois.edu/FarmLegacy] Contact: Reagen Tibbs
Farm Legacy Event Dates:
- March 2, Champaign
- June 30, Sycamore
- Aug. 25, Mt. Vernon
Commercial Applicator/Operator In-Person Clinics:
- Dec. 15-16, Champaign
- Jan. 7-8, Mount Vernon
- Jan. 12-13, Springfield
- Jan. 27-28, Tinley Park
- Feb. 18-19, Collinsville
- Feb. 23-24, Peoria
- March 3, Mount Vernon
- March 11-12, Rockford
- March 31-April 1, Skokie
- April 7-8, Crystal Lake
Nutrient Loss Reduction Podcast
Hear interviews with agriculture and water quality educators from University of Illinois, Extension, soil and water and other agencies as well as farmers who give tips, explain processes and tell first-hand stories about real-life applications of strategies.
Nutrient Loss Reduction Blog
Dig deeper into the podcasts with the related blogs. This issue covers the Inflation Reduction Act with Ivan Dozier, Illinois State Conservationist, and Jonathan Coppess, University of Illinois Agriculture Policy Specialist.
I-FARM Series
The I-FARM University Learning Series provides a comprehensive exploration of cutting-edge technologies and economic strategies shaping modern agriculture. Sessions begin at 11 a.m. on the second Thursday of the month through December. Topics: Sept 12, Farm Robotics: Revolutionizing Agricultural Practices, Oct 10, Economics of Adopting Weeding Robots, Nov 14, Smart Grazing: AI Integration into Grazing Management, and Dec 12 Bridging the Gap: Technology Adoption in Small Holder Farms
Featured Resources
Pesticide Safety Education Program
Pesticide safety training is critical for all who work with pesticides, and none more so than certified Applicators and Operators. The PSEP team is here to help you meet your training and certification goals.
Certified Livestock Managers Training
Livestock facilities in Illinois that house more than 300 animal units are required to have at least one certified livestock manager. The certificate is administered by the Illinois Department of Agriculture and it is valid for three years.
farmdoc
News and insight into managing and operating your farm