Farm Forward: Extension series addresses needs of row crop producers

FREEPORT, Ill. — Join University of Illinois Extension crop sciences educator Kathryn Seebruck for the series “Farm Forward: Turning Last Season’s Challenges Into Next Season’s Triumphs.”

This monthly series aims to address the needs of row crop producers and will be rotated between Jo Daviess and Stephenson counties.

“No two growing seasons are the same; however, lessons learned from previous seasons can be applied in those that follow,” Seebruck said.

“This series aims to facilitate discussion of last season’s challenges, uncertainties and successes and how those insights can be applied in the upcoming growing season.”

The series will kick off with “Pest Control Following a Drought” at 10 a.m. Jan. 18 at the Stephenson County Extension office located in the Community Services Building at Highland Community College, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport.

This series is being offered free of charge, but preregistration is requested by the day before each program.

To register or for more information, contact the U of I Extension Office at 815-235-4125 or visit go.illinois.edu/jsw.

The 2023 growing season was relatively dry, resulting in low disease pressure and high weed pressure.

In this session, educators will discuss how last season’s conditions will affect this year’s pest pressures, as well as pest management practices to take into consideration.

Additional sessions include “What 2023 Taught us About Fertility” on Feb. 15 at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office and “Planting for a Strong Start” on March 14 at the Stephenson County Extension office.