URBANA, Ill. — Analyzing last year’s statewide crop trends alongside current research helps to strengthen planning for the 2025 crop year. Taking time to reflect at the University of Illinois Extension Crop Management Conference helps agriculturalists develop strategies around decisions that can impact a farm’s priorities, profitability, and future.
With multiple locations and an online option, everyone can gather the information needed to make the most informed decisions for farming operations. Attendees can expect topical sessions filled with the latest production research updates from crop science experts at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.
“Figuring out the future of crop production in Illinois requires a cooperative effort,” says Talon Becker, Extension commercial agriculture specialist. “It takes bringing people together, like producers, industry representatives, researchers, and students, to discuss current production issues we’re facing and determine the best path forward.”
Conference session topics vary by location, but participants who attend in person will also have access to online sessions. General topics for all locations include field weed and disease control updates, weather trends and monitoring to help ag decisions, insect management in corn and soybean, and advancements in ag technology.
Up to seven continuing education units are available for certified crop advisers covering various crop production topics at in-person events. Additional presentations and CEUs are available by accessing the online content available from Feb. 23 to April 30. Access to online content is included in the registration cost for in-person events or can be purchased separately.
Attendees can choose from two in-person locations and dates, including:
- Feb. 12: Champaign. Register by Feb. 5 for an early-bird rate.
- Feb. 19: Sycamore. Register by Feb. 12 for an early-bird rate.
Registration cost for each in-person location is $80 before the early bird date and $100 after. Lunch is included. The student cost is $20. Students must bring a student ID to the program day to verify.
Online Only Access
For those who prefer to access the recorded presentations online only, the registration cost is $50. Online will be live from Feb. 23 through April 30. For access, register by March 15.
Certified crop advisers may earn CEU credit by viewing the online presentations and completing the corresponding quizzes to access a QR code that can be scanned with a CCA app. Sessions will be worth 0.5 to 1.0 CEUs, accordingly. Online presentations run 25 to 50 minutes long.
Online participants must access the content through a Learn @ Illinois Extension account. Registrants who do not have an account associated with the email address used for registration will have an account created for them, and login instructions will be sent to registrants before Feb. 23.
Find complete event details, including links to presentation titles, agendas, and registration for all conference events, available at go.illinois.edu/CMC.
For questions or if a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in this program, contact Megan Weber, Extension program coordinator, at megannr2@illinois.edu or 217-265-5321. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet access needs.
SOURCE: Talon Becker, commercial agriculture specialist, Illinois Extension
WRITER: Jenna Braasch, media communications coordinator, Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.