Freeport, IL-------The 2019 growing season was one of the most challenging years in recent memory for crop producers in Illinois. A cold, wet spring prevented us from getting into the field to conduct scheduled operations resulting in many acres which were not planted. For the crop that did get planted, extensive late-season rainfall delayed us in getting it out. Things were far from perfect this year as a wide array of issues popped up throughout the growing season to cause problems for producers including: nutrient deficiencies, insect pest and disease issues, and weed escapes among others. The situations we found ourselves in, and the decisions which were made can have lasting impacts on our production systems moving forward. In the hopes of answering producers’ questions and providing the most up to date research in the region, the Northwest Illinois Agronomy Summit will be held at Highland Community College Conference Center in Freeport, IL on January 14th, 2020 from 8:30a.m.- 3:00p.m.

 The theme for this year’s conference is Updates in Nutrient and Pest Management. For Certified Crop Advisors, five CEU’s will be available, including the categories of nutrient and pest management. Our 2020 agenda for the regional program includes the following topics and presenters:

• Updates in Pest Management- Dr. Nicholas Seiter, Research Assistant Professor and Field Crop Entomologist, University of Illinois

• Updates on 2 Years of Waterhemp and Dicamba Research – Rodrigo Werle, Assistant Professor and Extension Cropping Systems Weed Scientist, University of Wisconsin Madison

• 2020 Forage Update – Laura Lant, Agronomist, Midwest Grass and Forage 

• Tar Spot and Southern Rust: Corn Diseases to Keep on Your Radar –Dr. Nathan Kleczewski, Research Assistant Professor and Field Crop Pathologist, University of Illinois

• Data Intensive Farm Management – Daniel Smith, Nutrient and Pest Management Extension Specialist, University of Wisconsin-Madison

While this event is most suited for our producers, there will be CEU’s available for our Certified Crop Advisors (CCAs), including the categories of nutrient and pest management. Those interested in viewing a complete agenda or attending the summit may register online at go.illinois.edu/AgSummit or by calling the University of Illinois Extension-Stephenson County at 815-235-4125.

 The cost of the program is $30, which includes a light breakfast and lunch. Pre-registrations are encouraged due to limited seating. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact the Extension Office, early requests are strongly encouraged to allow enough time for meeting your access needs. For additional questions, contact Phillip Alberti, Crop Science Educator with University of Illinois Extension in the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences at palberti@illinois.edu, 815-599-3644 or on Twitter (@NorthernILCrops).