PEORIA, Ill. - The 2026 Peoria Agronomy Summit welcomed more than 50 growers, ag professionals, and land owners to Illinois Central College’s East Peoria campus for a full day of research-focused learning. Hosted by University of Illinois Extension in partnership with ICC on January 12, the event provided practical strategies to help producers improve farm decision-making in the year ahead.
As part of a coordinated, statewide effort, the Peoria Agronomy Summit was one of several Illinois Extension Agronomy Summits held across the state in early 2026. In addition to the East Peoria event, producers and advisers could attend regional summits in Fairfield, Freeport, Waterloo, Oglesby, Joliet, Springfield, and Marshall—each designed to deliver localized, research‑based insights tailored to the agronomic challenges of that region.
The Peoria program focused on soil and nutrient management.
- Dr. Howard Brown shared results from on-farm research examining in-season soil testing for improved nitrogen recommendations.
- Dr. Andrew Margenot presented a history of phosphorus use in Illinois with insights into managing legacy sources.
- Dr. Stacy Zuber presented on soil biology, highlighting the role of unseen soil organisms in cropping systems.
- Lowell Gentry shared his research studying farm tile drainage systems and in-field management practices aimed at reducing nutrient loss.
- Pete Fandel provided hands-on soil demonstrations to illustrate how conservation techniques such as reduced tillage can positively impact long-term soil productivity.
Attendees left with new ideas, many identifying clear management steps they plan to implement as a result of what they learned, including plans to explore winter barley as a cover crop ahead of corn, add testing for grain nutrient content, and re-evaluate phosphorus and nitrogen programs.
“With tight margins defining the current economic climate for farmers, it’s more important than ever to make smart, informed decisions in farm management,” said Tara Heath, Extension Commercial Ag Educator. “Events like the Agronomy Summit give producers the tools they need to adapt, innovate, and remain resilient.”
The Peoria Agronomy Summit also offered up to five Certified Crop Adviser continuing education units, emphasizing Extension’s commitment to supporting both producers and agricultural service professionals. The program’s blend of research updates and peer networking continues Extension’s tradition of bringing relevant, community-focused agricultural education to central Illinois.
Photo caption - Dr. Andrew Margenot from University of Illinois was one of the presenters at the 2026 Agronomy Summit. Fifty landowners, ag professionals, and growers spent the day learning research-based insights tailored to the agronomic challenges of this area. Photo by Anita Wilkinson, 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 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.