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Visit with University of Illinois researchers about the latest in crop sciences research and development during one of the five dates.

Sierra Day, Field editor

July 19, 2021

2 Min Read
weeds in crop field
WEED CONTROL: One topic of discussion at the U of I Agronomy Days will cover management of weeds in soybeans. Holly Spangler

Looking for an opportunity to learn more about topics in agronomy? The University of Illinois’ Agronomy Day will look a little different in 2021, as researchers take the show on the road, holding tours throughout the state this summer. 

Last year, organizers held the event virtually. However, with COVID-19 restrictions loosening throughout Illinois, the crop sciences folks at the University of Illinois say they’ll hold it in person. 

“I know people want to get away from Zoom meetings and see in-person interactions,” says Allen Parrish, chairperson for Agronomy Day and director of crop sciences research and education centers at U of I.

Typically, Agronomy Day is one event in Urbana, with other field days held at the multiple research and education centers throughout the state. This year, the department has rebranded them all as Agronomy Days. Tours will happen each Thursday from July 22 through Aug. 19.

The tour agendas include speakers from 9 a.m. to noon, offering up looks at recent research, Parrish says. He says the new format will let attendees visit with speakers for more one-on-one conversations during breaks. He adds that they’re intentionally keeping discussions broad to reach a more diverse audience.

That means ag teachers, parents or grandparents can bring children that are interested in agriculture to the event. With speakers not going into in-depth logistics, young people can learn without getting overwhelmed. Plus, Parrish says, it will allow students to see if agriculture is a potential career field.

“We will have several speakers talking about regenerative ag and carbon credits,” Parrish says, plus a wide variety of other topics. “Farmers may be considering these different management ideas and philosophies. This will be a great opportunity for them to find out how they can integrate these concepts into their farms.”

Tour dates

The tours will be held at research and education centers near Baylis, Champaign, Monmouth and Urbana. Here are the dates and locations for this year’s events:

  • July 22 at 2711 S. Race St., Urbana

  • July 29 at 37803 State Highway 104, Baylis

  • Aug. 5 at 3603 S. Race St., Urbana

  • Aug. 12 at 321 210th Ave., Monmouth

  • Aug. 19 at 4202 S. First St., Champaign

For more information about topics at each tour and to register, visit the U of I crop sciences website. If you are unable to attend, recordings of the tours will be available online.

About the Author(s)

Sierra Day

Field editor, Farm Progress

A 10th-generation agriculturist, Sierra Day grew up alongside the Angus cattle, corn and soybeans on her family’s operation in Cerro Gordo, Ill. Although she spent an equal amount in farm machinery as she did in the cattle barn as a child, Day developed a bigger passion for the cattle side of the things.

An active member of organizations such as 4-H, FFA and the National Junior Angus Association, she was able to show Angus cattle on the local, state and national levels while participating in contests and leadership opportunities that were presented through these programs.

As Day got older, she began to understand the importance of transitioning from a member to a mentor for other youth in the industry. Thus, her professional and career focus is centered around educating agriculture producers and youth to aid in prospering the agriculture industry.

In 2018, she received her associate degree from Lake Land College, where her time was spent as an active member in clubs such as Ag Transfer club and PAS. A December 2020 graduate of Kansas State University in Animal Sciences & Industry and Agricultural Communications & Journalism, Day was active in Block & Bridle and Agriculture Communicators of Tomorrow, while also serving as a communications student worker in the animal science department.

Day currently resides back home where she owns and operates Day Cattle Farm with her younger brother, Chayton. The duo strives to raise functional cattle that are show ring quality and a solid foundation for building anyone’s herd.

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