Local farmers and agricultural professionals are invited to gather valuable research-based insights at this year’s Illinois Extension Agronomy Summit, set for Thursday, January 22nd from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The event will be held at Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1700 Outer W. Delaware St., Fairfield.
The summit will feature university experts presenting the latest research to help farmers make informed management decisions. Sessions will address pressing topics, including managing wind and water, strategies for controlling waterhemp, and effective farm business practices. Attendees can expect to leave with practical tools, the latest research updates, and connections with fellow members of the agricultural community.
“The agronomy summit offers a great opportunity for farmers to access actionable information directly from university and Extension experts,” said Katie Bell, Illinois Extension local food systems and small farms educator. “There will be ample time for questions and conversation with presenters and other agriculture professionals.”
Admission to the summit is free and includes all presentations and lunch, sponsored by the Wayne County Farm Bureau. Certified Crop Adviser continuing education units will also be available to participants. Those interested are encouraged to register by January 16th at go.illinois.edu/SEAgronomySummit.
The Fairfield event is part of a statewide series of Illinois Extension Agronomy Summits, taking place throughout January and February 2026. Additional summit locations and dates are as follows:
Peoria Agronomy Summit | Jan. 12
Northwestern Agronomy Summit | Freeport, Jan. 28
Southwestern Agronomy Summit | Waterloo, Feb. 3
Oglesby Agronomy Summit | Feb. 5
Joliet Agronomy Summit | Feb. 10
Springfield Agronomy Summit | Feb. 17
Marshall Agronomy Summit | Feb. 24
For further information or to request reasonable accommodations, contact Katie Bell at klbell@illinois.edu or 618-395-2191. Early requests are encouraged to ensure adequate time to meet participants’ needs.