Farmers take field tours of test plots. 
Brazilian visitor enjoys soy cookie!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Thursday was the 54th Annual Agronomy Day at the University of Illinois. Farmers, industry leaders, government officials and community members gathered at South Farms to find out about the latest production research underway at the U of I. Visitors had a chance to find out more about the latest breakthroughs in agriculture and technology regarding soybeans, corn, small grains, biotech, weed control, plant pathology, entomology, engineering and economics.
It was a beautiful summer day and the turnout was excellent. We partnered with the Illinois Soybean Association and shared information with visitors about soy production research. Our display highlighted our diverse work in production and nutrition research and international development programs.
The soy cookies and NSRL pens went fast at the NSRL display inside the exhibitor tent. Aside from offering goodies, I enjoyed visiting with people who did not know how check-off funding works. I shared information about how checkoff dollars fund so much more than "candles and crayons", as one frustrated farmer put it to me.
I heard many updates on how the growing season is progressing. Many farmers have struggled with inconsistent rain through the summer. While disease pressure in soybeans is generally low, reports of Sudden Death Syndrom (SDS) are coming out of northwestern Illinois. After visiting with growers at Agronomy Day, it sounds like corn throughout the state is drying down quickly. I've heard reports of corn going into the elevator at 14% moisture. There are reports of soybeans turning rapidly as well. Near my farm in southeastern Champaign County, some growers may be cutting beans in the next two weeks. What a different harvest season compared to last year - - thank goodness!
Take care,
Linda Lee
No comments:
Post a Comment