U of I Agronomy Days series returns

URBANA, Ill. — The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign returns with its Agronomy Days series where Illinois growers can learn more about the latest productivity, profitability and sustainability breakthroughs developed by experts.

Hosted by the Department of Crop Sciences, the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, and Illinois Extension, Agronomy Days kicks off this month, followed by events scheduled through September.

“The Agronomy Days series carries forward our decades-long tradition of Agronomy Day, with an emphasis on reaching a wider audience,” said Adam Davis, crop science department head.

“We’ve intentionally scheduled events across the growing season and in multiple locations to highlight what’s happening in the field and make it easier for growers and other attendees to fit these continuing education opportunities into their busy schedules.”

Agronomy Days 2025 starts with a Small Grains Field Fest from 3 to 6 p.m. on May 23 at Riggs Beer Company, 1901 South High Cross Road, Urbana.

The event is for anyone curious about small grains, including wheat, barley, rye, triticale, oats and kern.

Small grain breeders and assistant professors Jessica Rutkoski and Juan Arbelaez will show off demonstration plots located on-site at the brewery.

Nick Santantonio, small grains breeder from Virginia Tech, will talk about barley varieties adapted to Illinois, and Matt Riggs, owner of Riggs Beer Company, will speak about his experience producing small grains for brewing.

No registration is necessary. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

More small grains education is set for June 6, with a Small Grains Field Day. The event will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Agronomy Seed House, 2102 S. Wright St, Urbana.

After learning about the latest breeding advances, the formal program will conclude at 12:30 p.m., and attendees are encouraged to stay for a free barbecue lunch until 3:30 p.m. Participants should register online at https://tinyurl.com/Small-Grains-Improvement by May 24 to receive a detailed agenda by email.

Additional events will feature field days, on-farm tailgates and research tours through the summer. Some events will include light refreshments, while others will give attendees a behind-the-scenes peek at crop science and research in action.

“We will continue to add and update events throughout the season, so folks should keep an eye on our calendar all summer long,” said Nick Seiter, assistant professor and faculty Extension specialist in crop sciences.

“We’re excited to welcome folks to learn and share with us during Agronomy Days 2025.”