- Joe Janzen, University of Illinois
- Curt Kimmel, AgMarket.net
- WILLAg News Update
- Mark Russo, EverStream.ai

- Mike Zuzolo, GlobalCommResearch.com
- No Supreme Court Tariff Ruling
- Caterpillar, NVDIA, AI, & the Physical World
- Alfalfa Weevil Insecticide Resistance Survey
- Eric Snodgrass, NutrienAgSolutions.com

- Matt Bennett, AgMarket.net
- Use Bridge Payment to Service Debt
- Mike Tannura, Tstorm.net

- Greg Johnson, TGM TotalGrainMarketing.com
- Venezuelan Crude & Midwest Refineries
- Drew Lerner, WorldWeather.cc

- Naomi Blohm, TotalFarmMarketing.com
- WILLAg News Update
- Don Day, DayWeather.com

- Curt Kimmel, AgMarket.net
- Ed Usset, University of Minnesota
- Mark Russo, EverStream.ai

- Rod Johnson, Associate Dean of Research - University of Illinois  
- Matthew Vann, Director of Extension - University of Illinois  
- Rodney Weinzierl, Executive Director - Illinois Corn Growers Assocaition

From the Land Grant University in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois this is a special edition of the Closing Market Report. Presentations from the 2025 Farm Assets Conference; Research, Outreach, and Working Together. I'm University of Illinois Extension's Todd Gleason.

The future of Illinois agriculture is in the hands of some very capable leaders. At a recent symposium, key figures from the University of Illinois College of ACES and the Illinois Corn Growers Association sat down to discuss the evolving landscape of agricultural research, extension services, and industry collaboration.

From navigating shifts in federal funding priorities to pioneering AI applications in farming, these leaders are bridging the gap between campus innovation and "muddy boots" field application.

Join us as we hear from:  
 - Matthew Van, the new Director of Extension at the University of Illinois   
 - Rodney Weinzierl, long-time leader at the Illinois Corn Growers Association   
 - Rod Johnson, Associate Dean of Research at the College of ACES 

29:50 running time

- Nick Seiter, Extension Field Crops Entomologist - University of Illinois  
- Stephanie Porter, Outreach Agronomist - Illinois Soybean Association

From the Land Grant University in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois this is a special edition of the Closing Market Report. Presentations from the 2025 Farm Assets Conference; Crop Sciences for the 2026 Growing Season. I'm University of Illinois Extension's Todd Gleason.

Coming up next, we dive into the outlook for the 2026 growing season with a focus on crop sciences. Join Stephanie Porter from the Illinois Soybean Association and University of Illinois entomologist Nick Seiter as they discuss the latest research on pest management, weed resistance, and innovative on-farm trials aimed at helping farmers navigate the challenges of the coming year.

32:43

- John Jones, Soil Scientist - University of Illinois  
- Gary Schnitkey, Agricultural Economist - University of Illinois  
- Laura Gentry, Water Quality Specialist - Illinois Corn Growers Association

From the Land Grant University in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois this is a special edition of the Closing Market Report. Presentations from the 2025 Farm Assets Conference; Why You Should Use the N-Rate Calculator. I'm University of Illinois Extension's Todd Gleason.

During the December conference we were joined by a panel of experts: John Jones, a soil fertility specialist from the University of Illinois; Gary Schnitkey, an agricultural economist also from the U of I; and Laura Gentry, of the Illinois Corn Growers Association’s.

In an era of fluctuating input costs, these three believe corn production is about maximizing profits rather than yields. Today you'll listen to them break down how the N-Rate Calculator and the Precision Conservation Management program are helping farmers protect both the local watershed and their bottom line by finding the 'sweet spot' for nitrogen applications. We'll begin with soil scientist John Jones.

54:38 running time

- Jonathan Coppess, University of Illinois  
- Brad Stotler, Illinois Corn Growers Association  
- KJ Johnson, IL Fertilizer and Chemical Association  

From the Land Grant University in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois this is a special edition of the Closing Market Report. Presentations from the 2025 Farm Assets Conference; Ag Policy Objectives and Prospects. I'm University of Illinois Extension's Todd Gleason.

Up next a critical discussion on the evolving landscape of agricultural policy and markets. This panel features KJ Johnson of the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association, Brad Stotler from the Illinois Corn Growers Association, and Jonathan Coppess of the University of Illinois.

Together, we'll dive into the pressing issues facing farmers today, including:
 - Market Shifts: The transition from ethanol toward new domestic marketplaces for corn.  
 - Political Climate: The impact of record-breaking congressional retirements and shifting partisan dynamics in Washington and Springfield.  
 - Trade and Tariffs: The rising concern over fertilizer and chemical costs driven by international trade tensions.  
 - The Farm Bill: A deep look at the controversial decoupling of food assistance programs from traditional farm subsidies.

30:11 running time