The only thing certain about modern farming is that things are always changing, and today’s weather isn’t your grandparents’ weather. Growing seasons are shifting, and extreme weather events like storms, floods, droughts, and wildfires are becoming more common. The University of Illinois Extension offers the opportunity to connect with agricultural climate experts, explore resources, and discuss real-world scenarios at the Agriculture Climate Tools Workshop on February 29, at NIU Conference Center, 8500 E. State St., Rockford.

Farmers can meet the challenges of a changing climate by applying cutting-edge tools that will help them manage risks and make informed decisions to maximize every acre now and in the future. Producers and land managers will leave with a better understanding of local growing conditions, weather, and climate monitoring tools, and feel confident planning for crop planting, fertilization schedules, irrigation, and more for the 2024 growing season and beyond. The workshops will also offer an opportunity for attendees to provide feedback and help shape the development of new agriculture climate tools. 

The Agriculture Climate Tools Workshop is free and open to specialty growers, commercial agriculture, horticulture, and landscape professionals, as well as Natural Resources Conservation Service and Soil and Water Conservation District personnel. CEU credits are available for Certified Crop Advisors.

The workshop will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with lunch included. Register at go.illinois.edu/ct, or for more information, call U of I Extension at (815) 986- 4357.

This program is provided through a Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education grant. It is cohosted by the Illinois State Water Survey, the USDA Midwest Climate Hub, the National Integrated Drought Information System, and the Midwest Regional Climate Center.