University of Illinois Extension and Illinois Valley Community College Agriculture welcomed farmers, agribusiness professionals, students, and community members to the annual Fall Nutrient Field Day on September 11. While the event has long been a collaboration between IVCC Agriculture and Illinois Extension, this year's program expanded through a new partnership with the LaSalle County Farm Bureau as part of the Illinois Farm Bureau Nutrient Stewardship Field Day Series.
The collaboration brought together local producers, students, University of Illinois researchers, and industry professionals to explore the latest research and innovations in nutrient management, crop production, and conservation practices. By joining the statewide field day effort, organizers were able to connect local research with broader conversations about nutrient stewardship taking place across Illinois.
"We were excited to partner with the LaSalle County Farm Bureau this year and become part of the Illinois Farm Bureau Nutrient Stewardship Field Day Series," said Emily Hansen, University of Illinois Extension educator. "Our annual field day has always focused on bringing research-based information to students and local farmers, and this partnership allowed us to broaden the event's reach while continuing to showcase the valuable research collaborations taking place at the IVCC and Extension Research and Demonstration Plots."
Attendees heard presentations from University researchers and industry experts on a range of timely topics, including biological products, nutrient management strategies, nitrogen rate research, emerging corn and soybean traits, and crop disease management. The program also included a field tour of the IVCC and Extension Research and Demonstration Plots, where participants learned more about ongoing research projects and their practical applications for Illinois agriculture.
A key feature of the event was highlighting the strong research partnership between Illinois Extension and IVCC Agriculture. The demonstration plots provide opportunities to evaluate new practices and technologies under local conditions while creating educational experiences for students.
Organizers extend their appreciation to all presenters, sponsors, and partners who contributed to the event's success, including Channel Seed, Northern Partners, Illinois Farm Bureau, and the LaSalle County Farm Bureau.
The annual field day continues to serve as a valuable opportunity for farmers and agricultural professionals to engage directly with researchers, learn about emerging agricultural technologies, and explore practical solutions that support productivity, profitability, and environmental stewardship.
For more information about upcoming agriculture programs and events, visit go.illinois.edu/BLMPAg
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 500 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 five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.