EVENTS

ISA Director and Utilization Committee Chair David Wessel kicks off the 2021 Soybean Summit. Dr. Shawn Conley presents the first keynote of the event, "Soybean Biology: A Path to Increased Yields."

Dr. Nathan Kleczewski covers problematic and new soybean seedling diseases impacting soybean production across the United States. Diseases covered will include Sudden Death Syndrome, Pythium, Phytophthora and Red Crown Rot.

Andrew Margenot of the University of Illinois and grower Jeff O’Connor of OC Farms will discuss ways to adjust soybean nutrient management to increase profitability and reduce off-farm N and P losses. Particular emphasis will be given to timing and source of P inputs for soybean.

2020 brought many new programs to keep up with: The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loan, Economic Injury Disaster Advance, and the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP 1 and CFAP 2) to name a few. This session with Kristine Tidgren, professor at Iowa State University, reviews the impact of these programs on the agriculture industry as well as what might be coming in 2021 and beyond.

Molly Stalker, Cargill Specialty Grains Leader, presents the February 17 keynote. The consumer continues to drive growth in demand for specialized crops. Understanding what the consumer wants can help position growers to be a part of long supply chains and diversify crop revenue.

Bean leaf beetle was an emerging problem in northern Illinois in 2020, and Dectes stem borer has been gaining attention for several years in southern Illinois. This talk will focus on management strategies for these two insect pests, as well as new research on the residual activity provided by foliar insecticides in Illinois soybeans.

Cover crop adoption in the Midwest has significantly increased within the last decade. However, critical questions remain that relate to the impacts of cover crop management on nitrogen availability, cash crop production and water quality. Dr. Armstrong’s presentation will share results on how next generation cover crop management influenced both corn and soybean nitrogen uptake and production, while advancing water quality.

Rarely do farmers ever “retire.” However, for many, a time comes where they step back from daily operations. Whether that time is in five or 25 years it’s important to have a plan in place to ensure steady income after you’re no longer actively farming. This session explores different retirement income options for life after farming.

Farm writers have to be ready for everchanging news each minute of the day. Successful Farming’s Laurie Bedord and FarmFutures’ Mike Wilson will chat about what they are seeing in agtech, what farmers need to truly think about, and what may be coming down the pipeline that is catching their attention. Mike and Laurie also will share stories from the field and from tech centers along with discussing the practical applications for farmers and agronomists.

It is human nature to hope for a solution that completely solves a difficult challenge. But “silver bullets” are few and far between. This talk will focus on steps we can take today to minimize the negative impact of weeds on soybean production systems while protecting grower profitability.

Through an Illinois Corn Marketing Board and Illinois Soybean Association checkoff program collaboration, PCM is expanding to more areas in the state. This gives farmers and agronomists an opportunity to work with this program and implement conservation practices. Join PCM Specialist Clay Bess as he shares lessons from the field and how the program helps farmers at a practical level. He also will provide tips on how to expand conservation practices on your farm that work for the environment, customers and a farmer’s bottom line.

Current agriculture and global issues have brought new challenges to farm and family management. Whether you are in the middle of an operational transition, financial hard times or struggling with work/life balance, the ability to manage stress is important for farm and family health. This panel discussion brings perspectives from experienced farm operators across Illinois to tackle tough topics in farm and family management.