Structure Fires – Cultivating Caution
Farm structures present unique and often underestimated fire risks — from faulty electrical systems in aging barns to spontaneous combustion in hay and grain storage. This session covers fire prevention strategies for farm buildings and outbuildings, what farmers should and should not do in the critical minutes after a structure fire breaks out, how rural response times affect outcomes, and practical steps you can take right now to help firefighters help you - including maintaining clear access lanes and keeping updated property maps on file with your local fire department.
Management Strategies with Low Returns and High Uncertainty
Following record incomes in 2022, row crop producers continue to be in an extended period of historically low average returns. Global conflicts and shifts in trade policy have led to increased uncertainty resulting in volatile markets for agricultural and energy commodities impacting the prices producers receive for outputs and pay for inputs. This webinar will discuss management strategies that should be considered during periods of low returns and high uncertainty, including some suggestions for resets to the production plans used by farmers.
Farmer Production Decision-Making: Lessons from Precision Conservation Management
What does 10+ years of Illinois field-level data reveal about the decisions that actually improve farm profitability? Join Gary Schnitkey and Laura Gentry of Precision Conservation Management as they share practical takeaways from PCM’s dataset highlighting how tillage, nitrogen management, and cover crops influence farmers' bottom line, not just yield. This session focuses on real-world decision-making farmers can apply as they plan future seasons in a tight margin environment.
Implications of Prospective Plantings and Grain Stocks Data for Corn and Soybean Market Outlook – farmdoc Webinar Series
The March 31st release of Prospective Plantings and Grain Stocks data by USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service is typically one of the most consequential data releases for corn and soybean markets. This post-report webinar will examine how the data release changes expected supply and demand conditions going into the 2026 crop season. Implications for old-crop and new-crop corn and soybean marketing decisions will also be discussed.
Fertilizer and Fuel Risks as a Result of the Iran Conflict – farmdoc Webinar Series
Gary Schnitkey and Nick Paulson will host guests to discuss how the ongoing conflict in Iran is disrupting fuel and fertilizer supply chains. Higher prices, increased volatility, and supply limitations will impact decisions and profitability prospects for the 2026 crop.
Finalizing 2026 Crop Insurance Decisions – farmdoc Webinar Series
Join the agricultural economists from the University of Illinois for their comprehensive, year-round webinar programming. Each session is crafted to provide the data and context needed to inform your operation's most critical decisions. Topics rotate seasonally to address current needs in commodity markets, risk management, and agricultural policy. Sign up now to secure your spot for the entire series.
2026 All Day Ag Outlook
Coffee and Beef House Cinnamon Rolls & a Beef House Lunch - Weather Outlook with Eric Snodgrass | Grain Market Fundamentals with Joe Janzen | The South American Competition with Joana Colussi | WILLAg Soybean Panel with Ellen Dearden, Greg Johnson, Chip Nellinger | WILLAg Corn Panel with Curt Kimmel, Matt Bennett, Brian Stark, Mike Zuzolo | Weeds with Aaron Hager | The Value of Farm Land with Bruce Sherrick | Where to Trim Crop Budgets with Nick Paulson | Crop Insurance Decisions with Gary Schnitkey
First Look at 2026 Crop Insurance Decisions – farmdoc Webinar Series
Join the agricultural economists from the University of Illinois for their comprehensive, year-round webinar programming. Each session is crafted to provide the data and context needed to inform your operation's most critical decisions. Topics rotate seasonally to address current needs in commodity markets, risk management, and agricultural policy. Sign up now to secure your spot for the entire series.
Supply Chain Sustainability: The Opportunity for Farmers
Join Precision Conservation Management (PCM) and PepsiCo for a behind-the-scenes conversation about supply chain sustainability goals and what it means for Illinois farmers. We’ll explore how PCM helps farmers leverage field data for profitability, and how PepsiCo is rewarding conservation practices like reduced tillage, cover crops, and nutrient efficiency. Learn how their partnership is designed with farmers in mind, making fair contracts and financial returns a top priority. This is your chance to hear directly from the people shaping supply chain sustainability efforts and learn how you can position your farm for success in the years to come!