Summer is back, which means the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will return with its Agronomy Days series, where Illinois growers can learn more about the latest productivity, profitability, and sustainability breakthroughs developed by experts. Hosted by the Department of Crop Sciences, the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, and Illinois Extension, Agronomy Days kicks off this month, followed by events scheduled through September.

“The Agronomy Days series carries forward our decades-long tradition of Agronomy Day, with an emphasis on reaching a wider audience,” said Adam Davis, crop science department head. “We’ve intentionally scheduled events across the growing season and in multiple locations to highlight what’s happening in the field and make it easier for growers and other attendees to fit these continuing education opportunities into their busy schedules.”

Agronomy Days 2025 starts with a Small Grains Field Fest from 3 to 6 p.m. on May 23 at Riggs Beer Company at 1901 South High Cross Rd. in Urbana. The happy hour event is for anyone curious about small grains, including wheat, barley, rye, triticale, oats, and kern. Small grain breeders and assistant professors Jessica Rutkoski and Juan Arbelaez will show off demonstration plots located on-site at the brewery. Nick Santantonio, small grains breeder from Virginia Tech, will talk about barley varieties adapted to Illinois, and Matt Riggs, owner of Riggs Beer Company, will speak about his experience producing small grains for brewing. No registration is necessary. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

More small grains education is set for June 6, with a Small Grains Field Day. The event will begin at 8:30 at the Agronomy Seed House at 2102 S. Wright St, Urbana. After learning about the latest breeding advances, the formal program will conclude at 12:30 p.m., and attendees are encouraged to stay for a free BBQ lunch until 3:30 p.m. Participants should register online by May 24 to receive a detailed agenda by email.

Additional events will feature field days, on-farm tailgates, and research tours through the summer. Some events will include light refreshments, while others will give attendees a behind-the-scenes peek at crop science and research in action. The College of ACES will continue to add new and exciting events throughout the season, so be sure to bookmark the Agronomy Days calendar, watch ACES’ social media, and check back often.

“We will continue to add and update events throughout the season, so folks should keep an eye on our calendar all summer long,” said Nick Seiter, assistant professor and faculty Extension specialist in crop sciences. “ We’re excited to welcome folks to learn and share with us during Agronomy Days 2025.”