Oglesby Agronomy Summit
Make the most informed decisions you can for your farm by getting the latest research updates from crop science experts at University of Illinois. Crop producers, consultants, industry professionals, and students are invited to the 2026 Oglesby Agronomy Summit. Lunch is included with your registration cost. CEUs are available for Certified Crop Advisors: 1 nutrient management, 1 integrated pest management, 2 crop management, 1 professional development
Topics for the day include:
Bio-what? Biostimulants, Biologicals, Biofertilizers: Reviewing the Market and Tips to Their Use - Connor Sible, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The bio-product market space has expanded rapidly in recent years, with each company selling a unique bio-based product “perfect for your farm’s needs.” After nine years of trials with different product types utilized in corn and soybean systems, the session will review how these products and terminology differ, what we now know about using these products in the field, and what the key questions are to ask before implementing a product on a farm.
Agricultural Mental Health: Extension Resources for Individuals and Communities, Josie Rudolphi
Learn about current research related to agricultural mental health and resources available through Illinois Extension for individuals and communities.
Pesticide Regulatory Update for Illinois Farmers, Corey Lacey
Significant changes are coming to pesticide regulations. This session will discuss those changes and how farmers can prepare. Review the EPA’s herbicide and insecticide strategies, explain how updated Endangered Species Act labels are influencing on-farm decisions are, and outline expected changes to the applicator license renewal through continuing education. Learn and discuss more about the regulatory landscape in Springfield, and any insight Illinois farmers need to know.
Nitrogen and Sulfur Management Update, Giovani Preza Fontes
This presentation will review past and current research on nitrogen and sulfur fertilizer management in Illinois.
Dealing with Wind and Water in Illinois, Trent Ford
The session discusses the 4 "Ds" of wind and water extremes in Illinois: derechos, dust storms, drought, deluge, and highlights soil and water management strategies to deal with these impactful events.
February 5, 2026
8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Illinois Valley Community College
815 North Orlando Smith Road
Room CTC-124/125
Oglesby, IL 61348
Agenda
8:30 Registration
Block 1
9:00 Emily Hansen – Welcome and overview of Extension ag programs
9:15 Connor Sible – “Bio-what? Biostimulants, Biologicals, Biofertilizers: Reviewing the Market and Tips to Their Use”
10:00 Josie Rudolphi – “Agricultural Mental Health: Extension Resources for Individuals and Communities”
10:45 Break
Block 2
11:00 Corey Lacey - "Pesticide Regulatory Update for Illinois Farmers”
11:45 Giovani Preza Fontes - “Nitrogen and sulfur management update”
12:30 Lunch
Block 3
1:15 Trent Ford - “Dealing with Wind & Water in Illinois”
2:00 Adjourn
If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate, or for more information, contact Emily Hansen at emhansen@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting accessibility needs. If you have any dietary restrictions we should be mindful of, please send details to emhansen@illinois.edu.