Farmers and agriculture professionals from across southeastern Illinois gathered in Fairfield on January 22 for the region’s second Southeastern Agronomy Summit, an event designed to bring the latest research and resources directly to the agriculture community. Hosted by Illinois Extension, the summit provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to learn from leading experts and share ideas to tackle the mounting challenges facing modern farming.
Participants heard from specialists with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Prairie Research Institute, and Precision Conservation Management. The sessions focused on vital topics including weather trends, phosphorus use, conservation and tillage practices, and strategies for managing production costs while maximizing profit potential.
“With farmers being squeezed between rising inputs and low grain prices, we have to keep in mind that maximizing profits does not necessarily mean maximizing yields,” said Dane Hunter, commercial agriculture specialist with Illinois Extension. “The data shows that profitable farms reduce input costs by preventing erosion and nutrient loss through conservation practices and keep ahead of an increasing pool of herbicide-resistant weeds, which can decimate yields.”
The summit, which serves Edwards, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, and Wayne counties, is one of eight Agronomy Summits hosted statewide by Illinois Extension through the end of February. Organizers expressed gratitude to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for providing event space, the Wayne County Farm Bureau for sponsoring lunch, and Farm Business Farm Management for supplying educational materials.
Local farmers, producers, and homeowners interested in expert guidance on farm management, specialty crop production, pasture management, and more are encouraged to contact Katie Bell, Extension educator in the local food systems and small farms program. Bell can be reached at klbell@illinois.edu or by calling the Richland County Extension Office at 618-395-2191.