International Agronomy Day showcases ag innovations at the University of Illinois

Agricultural stakeholders from around the globe gathered at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for the bi-annual International Agronomy Day, where they learned about cutting-edge practices and innovations from the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES).

“The Farm Progress Show always brings many international visitors to the area who are curious about what the University of Illinois offers. We coordinate this event to provide some access to our renowned faculty and researchers and how they are addressing the challenges of agriculture today. Ultimately it builds our global reputation and community when these attendees go back to their respective countries and share what they saw and learned,”  said Adam Davis, head of the Department of Crop Sciences. 

This year’s program at the Crop Sciences Research and Education Center attracted more than 300 attendees from several countries including Japan, Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil. The presentations included: 

• Best Practices in Pest Management (Nicholas Seiter, Crop Sciences and Entomology)
• Best Agronomic Practices in Midwestern Row Crops (Giovani Presza Fontes, Crop Sciences) 
• Diseases of Concern for Soybeans, Corn, and Wheat (Boris Camiletti, Crop Sciences)
• Current Trends in Commodity Markets (Joana Colussi, Purdue University)  
• Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (The RIPE Project)
• Machinery Innovations and Technology in the Field (Cody Allen, Agricultural and Biological Engineering)
• Best practices in nutrient loss reduction in Midwestern agriculture (Luciana Alves de Oliveira) 

Participants were also offered tours of the U. of I. Energy Farm, the Institute for Genomic Biology, and the historic Morrow Plots.