Illinois Extension is offering several agricultural, environmental and horticulture programs online and in person around the state in upcoming months. For questions contact extension@illinois.edu.

Livestock

Jan. 22-23: Driftless Region Beef Conference, Grand River Convention Center, Dubuque, Iowa

The 14th annual Driftless Region Beef Conference brings together Extension specialists from Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin for programs that address production needs and timely topics relevant to the challenges faced by cattle producers today. 

Feb. 3-26: Certified Livestock Manager Training, Multiple dates and locations, including online

The Livestock Management Facilities Act requires facilities designed for 300 or more animal units to have at least one employee certified in environmentally aware manure management techniques. Facilities with more than 1,000 animal units must have a certified livestock manager attend a workshop and pass the IDOA exam or complete the online training and pass the online test. 

2026 Training Schedule: Feb. 3, Effingham; Feb. 4, Breese; Feb. 5, Pittsfield; Feb. 6, Bloomington; Feb. 24, Freeport; Feb. 25, Sycamore; Feb. 26, Monmouth.

Feb. 19, 11 AM: Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale, Illinois Beef Expo, Springfield

The sale gives bull buyers the information needed to make positive herd progress. All bulls will have genomic-enhanced EPDs. 

Farm management and crops 

Jan. 12-Feb. 24: Illinois Extension Agronomy Summits, Multiple dates and locations statewide

Attendees will hear research updates from university experts to gain insightful tips for making informed decisions around farm management. 

• Jan. 12: Peoria (East Peoria). Register by Jan 6.

• Jan. 22: Southeastern (Fairfield)

• Jan. 28: Northwest Illinois (Freeport)

• Feb. 3: Southwestern (Waterloo)

• Feb. 5: Oglesby

• Feb. 10: Joliet. Register by Jan. 31.

• Feb. 17: Springfield

• Feb. 24: Clark County (Marshall)

March 1-April 30: Crop Management Conference, Online only

Dig deeper into what is impacting Illinois Crop production with the latest research updates to improve productivity and output from crop science experts at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and beyond. Crop producers, agriculture consultants, industry professionals and students are invited to attend. Full event details and registration are available at go.illinois.edu/CMC. Register by April 15. 

March 2: Focus on the Future: Sustaining Farm Legacy Meetings, Multiple dates, hybrid in-person and online options

Illinois Extension and Illinois Farm Bureau will provide resources, networking opportunities, and support through new, informative meetings designed specifically for Illinois farmland owners and agricultural stakeholders. Events: March 2, Champaign; June 30, Sycamore; and Aug. 25, Mt. Vernon. Cost is $20. Event details and registration are available at go.illinois.edu/FarmLegacy. 

 

 Pesticide safety

Illinois Pesticide Safety Education Program, Multiple dates and locations, including online

Need to obtain a pesticide applicator or operator license? Sign up for in-person training and testing, or complete it anytime online. Seating for the in-person clinics is limited. 

• Private Applicator In-Person Clinics: Jan. 6, Carterville; Jan. 20, Rock Island; Feb. 10, Springfield; Feb. 11, Quincy; Feb. 17, Collinsville; Feb. 25, Peoria; March 10, Rockford

• Commercial Applicator/Operator In-Person Clinics: Jan. 7-8, Mount Vernon; Jan. 12-13, Springfield; Jan. 27-28, Tinley Park; Feb. 18-19, Collinsville; Feb. 23-24, Peoria; March 3, Mount Vernon; March 11-12, Rockford; March 31-April 1, Skokie; April 7-8, Crystal Lake

Specialty Crops 

Jan. 28-30: From Food to Flowers: Everything Local Conference, Bank of Springfield Center, Springfield

This combined Illinois Food, Farmers Market, and Specialty Crop Conference will bring together more people than ever from across the state’s local food, specialty crop and farmers market supply chains. 

Feb. 10, 6 p.m.: Forming an LLC, Online

Discover the key questions to ask before selecting the LLC entity option. The session includes a quick recap of why an LLC is a good risk management tool, how to form one, best practices to implement after it’s formed, and regular obligations to keep the LLC in top legal shape. This program is part of the Legal Training for Illinois Small Farms Series with Farm Commons. 

Feb. 11, 8:30 a.m.: Southern Illinois Fruit and Vegetable School, Doubletree Meeting and Event Center, Mt. Vernon

Get practical research-based information to make specialty crops flourish and profit at the 2026 Fruit and Vegetable School in Mt. Vernon. The program will feature three separate tracks to address vegetables, tree fruits, small fruits and cut flower production. Vendors will also be on-site to discuss production needs. 

Feb. 12, 8:30 a.m.: Southwestern Illinois Commercial Tree Fruit School, Barefoot Restaurant, Hardin

The program features a wide range of topics to help individuals meet the challenges of commercial fruit production in southwestern Illinois. 

Feb. 16, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.: Stateline Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference, NIU Rockford, Rockford

Intended for Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin fruit and vegetable growers, this day-long program provides vital updates from Illinois Extension specialists and educators to address challenges and opportunities that beginning and established commercial growers may encounter in the upcoming growing season. Cost $40. 

Horticulture 

Jan. 13-Feb. 17, 9 to 11 a.m.: Community Tree Care Series Webinars, Online

Understanding and providing proper and routine maintenance is important to ensure a tree’s best life and a healthier urban forest. This training provides information and resources to those seeking insights for keeping trees healthy and minimizing risks. CEUs are available 

• Jan. 13: Trees for Pollinators and Evergreen ID 

• Jan. 20: Forest Health Updates and Fungal Mutualists 

• Jan. 27: Construction and Urban Soils 

• Feb. 3: Chainsaw Safety and Pruning Young Trees

• Feb. 10: Changing Climate and Historic Pests

• Feb. 17: After Planting and Tree Responses

Find full details and registration at go.illinois.edu/TreeCareSeries.