CPSC

A new simulation study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign suggests winter canola could be profitable and environmentally beneficial if added to a conventional corn-soy rotation in the U.S. Midwest. 

Heart-healthy oats are finding their way into a wider variety of products and recipes as consumer demand grows. Although oats are grown on far fewer acres than other U.S. crops, farmers are able to keep up with the demand through genetic gains in yield and other important agronomic traits.

Bin Peng, assistant professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, recently received a Conservation Research Award from the Soil and Water Conservation Society, recognizing his excellence in soil, water, and nutrient conservation research.

A couple of miles south of the main quad at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a remarkable agricultural experiment is taking shape. The so-called Alma Mater Plots are unique in their setup — with 64 one-acre plots, each individually tile-drained, it’s the largest experiment of its kind anywhere. And, to maximize the value of the experiment to Illinois and Midwest agriculture, scientists are teaming up with farmers in deciding what, exactly, to study.

A new analysis from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the Illinois Soybean Association finds that Illinois corn and soybean farmers could lose up to $609 million per year — representing a 3.6% revenue loss — if the state banned the weedkiller glyphosate.

Agronomy Days 2026 at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign continues with events scheduled into October, teaching Illinois growers the latest breakthroughs in productivity, profitability, and sustainability.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Morrow Plots — the oldest continuously running agricultural experiment in North America — celebrate their 150th anniversary this year. It’s a milestone for the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, symbolizing its commitment to the land-grant mission, effort to feed a global population, and goal of nourishing its own campus community. 

"As an education major, I never thought I would know so much about corn,” says College of Education sophomore Hannah Haas.

Haas is part of a unique project partnership between the College of Education and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. With funding from a USDA grant, this collaboration brings together future educators and agricultural researchers to develop an engaging, standards-based curriculum for K–12 students using popcorn.

Growing up in disadvantaged communities can take a toll on children, with greater stress leading to mental health issues and delays in psychological development. But a decade’s worth of research suggests there’s an effective and nearly free remedy that may level the playing field with their advantaged counterparts: time in nature. 

With summer just around the corner, Agronomy Days will soon return to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The season-long series teaches Illinois growers the latest breakthroughs in productivity, profitability, and sustainability.