Northwest Illinois Agronomy Summit
Every growing season, corn and soybean producers have to make numerous management decisions that affect their bottom line. And as agriculture technology and research advance at a rapid pace, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest recommendations.
To provide producers with the latest research updates and to equip them with information that will help them to confidently make these important management decisions,
University of Illinois Extension is pleased to announce the annual Northwest Illinois Agronomy Summit that will be held at Highland Community College Student Conference Center in Freeport, IL, on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, with the program running from 10 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.
This year’s conference will feature research updates from University of Illinois faculty specialists, highlighting best management practices in the areas of soil fertility, corn and soybean management, and weed control.
Topics for the day include:
What we Know Today About Biologicals in Illinois Row Crops | Dr. Connor Sible, Research Assistant Professor, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois
Biologicals, biostimulants, and biofertilizers…oh my! This new market space has expanded rapidly in recent years, with each company selling a unique bio-based product “perfect for your farm’s needs.” After eight years of trials with different product types and cropping systems, we will review what we now know about using biologicals in the field and what are the key questions to ask before implementing a biological on your farm.
Managing P & K to Optimize Corn Response to N in Northern Illinois Soils | Dr. John Jones, Assistant Professor of Agronomy & Soil Fertility Extension Specialist, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois
Efficient use of soil and fertilizer nitrogen by corn plants will depend on controllable and uncontrollable factors. Controlling soil-test levels of phosphorus and potassium can affect corn nitrogen fertilizer use efficiency; economic returns to N, P, and K fertilization; and general nitrogen cycling in corn-soybean rotations. This presentation will review recent research regarding the interaction of soil-test nutrient levels and nitrogen use, and provide a discussion targeting research to study soil fertility and nutrient losses in Northern Illinois.
Corn and Soybean Management Considerations for 2025 | Dr. Connor Sible, Research Assistant Professor, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois
The last three seasons have brought various challenges for corn and soybean production, with unique weather situations and a wide range of planting and harvest windows. We will review the key considerations related to fertilizer management, row spacing, seeding rates, and foliar protection for specific scenarios, and which management decisions proved most consistent across the different environments.
Resistance, Mitigations, and Metribuzin: Aspects of Weed Management in 2025 | Aaron Hager, Professor & Weed Science Extension Specialist, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois
Giant ragweed, burcucumber, and waterhemp are weed species that continue to plague many farmers in northern Illinois. Giant ragweed’s extended germination and emergence pattern of today contrasts with its discrete emergence pattern of 50 years ago, few herbicide options exist for burcucumber, and effective control of waterhemp postemergence in soybean is now dependent on only two herbicide active ingredients. US EPA released the finalized Herbicide Strategy to begin bringing the agency into compliance with its obligations under the Endangered Species Act, but seemingly few understand
Highland Community College Agriculture Research Update | Justin Ebert, Agriculture Instructor, Highland Community College
Update on the agriculture program and college research plots, including the newly installed subsoil irrigation system.
Agenda:
9:30-10:00 - Registration
10:00 - Welcome and overview
10:05-10:50 - What we Know Today About Biologicals in Illinois Row Crops | Dr. Connor Sible
10:50-11:00 - Break
11:00-11:45 - Managing P & K to Optimize Corn Response to N in Northern Illinois Soils | Dr. John Jones
11:45-12:05 - Highland Community College Agriculture Update | Justin Ebert
12:05-12:15 - Exhibitor spotlights
12:15-12:55 - Lunch and exhibitor visits
1:00-1:45 - Corn and Soybean Management Considerations for 2025 | Dr. Connor Sible
1:45-2:35 - Resistance, Mitigations, and Metribuzin: Aspects of Weed Management in 2025 | Dr. Aaron Hager
CEUs will be offered: 1 in nutrient management, 2 in crop management, 1 in IPM
To view additional ag programs offered by University of Illinois Extension serving JoDaviess, Stephenson, and Winnebago counties, visit
https://extension.illinois.edu/jsw/agriculture