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Oglesby Today
By the People, for the People
University of Illinois Extension Hosts Oglesby Agronomy Summit for Farmers
Annual event features research-based presentations on agronomy, mental health, and regulatory updates.
Apr. 4, 2026 at 8:20pm
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The Oglesby Agronomy Summit brings the latest farming research and practical tools to Illinois producers, helping them adapt to industry changes.Oglesby TodayThe University of Illinois Extension recently held its annual Oglesby Agronomy Summit, an event for Illinois farmers, ag professionals, and community members. The summit featured research-based presentations on topics like biostimulants, nitrogen and sulfur management, pesticide regulations, agricultural mental health resources, and dealing with extreme weather events.
Why it matters
The Oglesby Agronomy Summit provides valuable, research-backed information to help Illinois farmers make informed decisions and adapt to evolving agricultural challenges. By addressing both practical agronomic topics and broader industry issues like mental health and regulations, the summit aims to support the long-term sustainability and resilience of the state's farming community.
The details
The summit included presentations from several University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign experts. Connor Sible, Ph.D., a crop sciences researcher, reviewed the differences between biostimulants, biologicals, and biofertilizers, and provided tips on their effective use. Giovani Preza Fontes, Ph.D., an assistant professor of crop sciences, summarized past and current Illinois research on nitrogen and sulfur management. The regulatory landscape was covered by KJ Johnson, the governmental affairs director for the Illinois Soybean Association, who outlined upcoming changes to pesticide rules and applicator licensing. Cheyanne Dierickx, a visiting extension outreach associate, highlighted mental health resources for individuals and rural communities. Climatologist Trent Ford, Ph.D., also a visiting extension outreach associate, discussed strategies for dealing with extreme weather events like derechos, dust storms, drought, and flooding.
- The Oglesby Agronomy Summit was held recently in 2026.
The players
University of Illinois Extension
The outreach and engagement arm of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, providing research-based information and programs to support Illinois communities, including the state's agricultural sector.
Connor Sible, Ph.D.
A crop sciences researcher at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who presented on biostimulants, biologicals, and biofertilizers.
Giovani Preza Fontes, Ph.D.
An assistant professor of crop sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who provided an update on nitrogen and sulfur management research.
KJ Johnson
The governmental affairs director for the Illinois Soybean Association, who led a presentation on upcoming pesticide regulatory changes.
Cheyanne Dierickx
A visiting extension outreach associate at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who highlighted mental health resources for farmers and rural communities.
Trent Ford, Ph.D.
A visiting extension outreach associate and climatologist at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who discussed strategies for dealing with extreme weather events.
What they’re saying
“The Oglesby Agronomy Summit is about bringing research and real-world application together. Our goal is to help farmers make informed decisions by sharing the latest science, regulatory updates, and practical tools they can use on their farms today and into the future.”
— Emily Hansen, University of Illinois Extension commercial agriculture educator
The takeaway
The Oglesby Agronomy Summit demonstrates the University of Illinois Extension's commitment to supporting Illinois farmers by providing them with the latest research-backed information and resources to navigate the evolving challenges facing the agricultural industry, from agronomic best practices to mental health support and regulatory changes.
