The University of Illinois International Agronomy Day is a platform for worldwide agronomic conversations, says Aaron Hager, a weed scientist and event chairman at U of I. The event will take place on Aug. 28 at the U of I South Farms, just one day before the 2017 Farm Progress Show begins in Decatur.

International Agronomy Day will feature brief, in-field presentations by six university specialists, followed by question-and-answer sessions. The real value of the day is the chance for international visitors to ask questions, Hager says. He encourages producers from around the globe to participate in this unique forum to discuss the latest in agronomy, weed science, crop production, soybean breeding, water quality and more.

What’s the top global agronomic topic on farmers’ minds? Herbicide resistance. South American farmers are especially interested in hearing the latest and greatest ways to combat herbicide-resistant weeds, Hager explains. “That’s a topic very high on their priority list,” he adds. “That’s a stop all of the visitors will want more time on.”

The University of Illinois began hosting International Agronomy Day in 2012. Event organizers expect about 500 international visitors from Argentina, Brazil and Chile to attend this year’s field day.  

About the tour
All presentations will be given in English, so each group must provide its own interpreter(s). Participants should arrive at the South Farm by 7:15 a.m., and the field tour will begin precisely at 8 a.m. Participants will be divided into groups and will begin the tour at a designated presentation. Each presentation will include 10 to 15 minutes of prepared comments, followed by 15 to 20 minutes of discussion. Participants will walk a short distance to the next presentation, and this will be repeated until everyone has attended each presentation.

The 2017 International Agronomy Day speaker lineup is: Dr. Pat Tranel, Dr. Laura Christenson, Dr. Randy Nelson, Dr. Joe Spencer, Dr. Maria Villamil and Dr. Fred Below.

Tour groups with five or more people attending should register prior to the event.

“Every year we receive several requests to host international visitors, and this is our way of meeting that demand with a single event,” Hager explains. “We hope to continue a new tradition for people who attend the Farm Progress Show and add value to their experience.”