University of Illinois agronomy days offer valuable insights in July and August

By Andi Anderson

The Illinois farming community is invited to participate in the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s annual Agronomy Days series, hosted by the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES), the Department of Crop Sciences, and Illinois Extension.

This series, which began in May and extends through August, offers attendees the opportunity to explore various topics of interest.

July may be more than half over, but there are still five events remaining on the Agronomy Days calendar.

Highlights include a visit to the Corn Box on July 22, where U. of I. tests innovations for digital agriculture in a live corn field. Additional field days will be held at Monmouth Research Center on July 24 and Ewing Demonstration Center on July 25.

Farmers interested in integrating solar energy on their farms should attend the Illinois Agrivoltaics Field Day on July 24, while organic growers will benefit from the Organic Systems Trial Field Day on July 25.

August brings even more valuable lessons from U. of I. experts. The third annual Crop Physiology Field Day on August 1 is hosted by Fred Below’s group, which encourages attendees to register.

“Our theme this year is ‘Got Yield?’ The presentations will cover yield components, herbicide resistance, root architecture, hybrid selection, strip-tillage, fertilizer placement, and residue management. We will have a high-yield farmer panel featuring Troy Uphoff, who is the Illinois corn yield record holder,” Below said. “There will be coffee, drinks, refreshments, and lunch, and we are approved for 4.5 CEUs of CCA credits. We will also have some industry exhibitors.”

In August, farmers can also learn about the latest hemp research on August 2, attend a two-day nitrogen use efficiency workshop from August 5-7, and gain insights on managing insects in corn and soybean production systems on August 13.

Agronomy Days at the University of Illinois offer a unique opportunity for farmers and landowners to gain valuable knowledge and connect with experts in the field.

Photo Credit: illinois-state-university