FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
URBANA, Ill. – The Department of Crop Sciences, part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois, will host the 62nd annual Agronomy Day this year on Aug. 22. The event, which showcases the latest scientific discoveries from ACES researchers and Extension specialists, will feature a larger number of presentations on more diverse topics than previous years.
“This year, attendees can choose from seven tours and multiple hands-on demonstrations on topics including hemp and organic sweet corn production; uses of technology and digital platforms in ag; and fungicide applications for enhanced dairy cow performance. That’s in addition to high-demand tours on maximizing corn yield, dealing with insect pests and pathogens, and optimizing fertilizer management,” says Allen Parrish, director of Crop Sciences Research and Education Centers and chairperson for Agronomy Day. “There will be something for everyone this year.”
Similar to last year’s Agronomy Day, “tours” will be held in multiple tents and buildings surrounding the main exhibitors’ tent, each with a unique sequence of speakers. Presenters will be grouped according to themes for which attendees can earn certified crop advisor (CCA) credits.
This year’s keynote speaker is John Sullivan, director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Prior to his current role, Sullivan served as a state senator, representing Illinois’ 47th senate district from 2003 to 2017. Adam Davis, department head for crop sciences, and College of ACES dean Kim Kidwell will also speak.
The exhibitors’ tent will feature exhibits by sponsors, commercial vendors, ACES programs, and student clubs. Food trucks will be on hand for lunch, expanding the culinary options over previous years.
Agronomy Day will be held at the South First Street Facility, located at 4202 South 1st Street in Champaign; directions and additional information appear on the Agronomy Day website. Contact Linda Harvey at 217-244-1693 or lharvey@illinois.edu with questions.
Media contact: Linda Harvey, 217-244-1693, lharvey@illinois.edu; Allen Parrish, 217-300-2765, aparrish@illinois.edu
News writer: Lauren Quinn, 217-300-2435, ldquinn@illinois.edu
Source: N. Dennis Bowman, Extension Educator, Commercial Agriculture, ndbowman@illinois.edu