Besides tours and tent displays highlighting the latest developments in agricultural research, this year's program will include a special presentation at noon featuring Hans Blaschek, Director of U of I's Center for Advanced BioEnergy Research (CABER). He will discuss the future of bioenergy and implications for Illinois agriculture.

This 51st consecutive Agronomy Day is a partnership among several academic units in the U of I's College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES).

"Agronomy Day provides the faculty with the chance to discuss their latest research findings with clientele from Illinois and neighboring states," said Pat Tranel, associate professor of molecular weed science in the Department of Crop Sciences and chairperson for Agronomy Day. "The major focuses of this year's program will be bioenergy in Illinois and the expanding career opportunities for students in the field of crop sciences."

The event features four tours on the latest developments in agricultural research, as well as numerous tent displays.

One tour will include stops on soybean aphids, the future of granular soil insecticides, SCN management, and management of continuous corn. A second tour will focus on foliar fungicides for corn and soybeans, refuges for rootworm management, root systems, and corn yields.

A third tour will focus on synergistic herbicide tank mixes, weed science issues, yield trends, and bioreactors to ameliorate nitrates. A final tour will feature presentations on several bioenergy issues. These include swine manure to crude oil, biodiesel manufacture and utilization, alternative energy for the farmstead, and miscancanthus and switchgrass trials.

Agronomy Day will begin at 7 a.m. Hour-long wagon tours around the research plots will repeat every half-hour as groups are available. The last tour will leave at 11:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided for a nominal fee.

The special presentation on the future of bioenergy in Illinois will be held at noon near the main registration tent.

For additional information about Agronomy Day 2007, please contact Sharon Conatser at (217)333-4256.