What the Dixon Springs Ag Center Field Day Is
The Dixon Springs Ag Center Field Day is an evening event in southern Illinois that pairs a farm-to-table meal with educational sessions for community members and agriculture stakeholders. It is held at the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center, a University of Illinois research center that has operated since 1934, and is run by University of Illinois Extension.
The most recent edition was on July 14, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Attendees choose among sessions on forestry, pollinators, livestock research, ticks and specialty crops.
The Sessions
No individual session times are published, so expect to move between stations during the evening.
| Session | Led by | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Forest Management | Kevin Rohling, Extension Forestry Specialist | A tour of the demonstration forest, with management approaches and their effects on the forest, moths and other wildlife |
| Invasive Species Identification and Management | Chris Evans, Extension Forestry Specialist | Invasive plants of concern to regional landowners, management practices and ongoing research |
| Pollinator Prairie Establishment | Erin Garrett, Extension Educator | A tour of the pollinator prairie, covering establishment, benefits of native plants and maintenance |
| Ongoing Animal Science Research Projects | Summer I-BELIEF interns and graduate students | Current projects on livestock production, animal health, nutrition, genetics and sustainability |
| Ticks of Illinois: Bite Prevention and Identification | Dr. Teresa Steckler, Extension Specialist | Tick species, tick-borne diseases, prevention and microscope viewing of ticks |
| High Tunnel Vegetable Production | Bronwyn Aly, Extension Educator | A tour of the high tunnels and vegetable management, with ongoing tomato and pepper variety trials |
| Biological Insect Control | Dr. Kacie Athey, Extension Specialist | Using natural predator insects against pests in specialty crops, including findings from five years of high tunnel research |
| Managing Heat Stress in Tomatoes | Dr. James Santiago, Extension Specialist | Heat stress effects on tomatoes and specialty crops, current research and ways to reduce the damage |
Who Can Attend
The field day is for community members and agriculture stakeholders alike: landowners, vegetable and specialty crop growers, livestock producers, and anyone curious about what the research center is testing. Registration is handled through the University of Illinois Extension registration site.
Key Dates and Deadlines
The 2026 field day was held on Tuesday, July 14, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Registration for the 2026 edition has closed. If the event returns on a similar summer schedule, watch the Extension registration page for the next sign-up.
Fees and What You Get
The cost was $5 per person. That covers a farm-to-table meal made with ingredients harvested at the Ag Center. Beyond the meal, attendees get access to eight expert-led sessions, tours of a demonstration forest, a pollinator prairie and high tunnels, and a look at tomato and pepper variety trials.
Where to Go
The field day takes place at the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center in Pope County, in southern Illinois. Use the directions on the Center's own pages when planning your drive, and arrive by 5:00 p.m. to catch the full evening.
Questions
How much does it cost?
$5, which includes the farm-to-table meal.
Do I need to be a farmer to come?
No. The event is described as being for community members and agriculture stakeholders.
Will there be a tick session?
Yes. Dr. Teresa Steckler covers tick species, tick-borne diseases and prevention, and attendees can view ticks under a microscope.
What about accessibility?
Requests for a reasonable accommodation should be submitted early to the University of Illinois Extension contact named on the registration page.
Who do I call?
The registration page lists 217-333-5900 for questions.
Official Links
- Dixon Springs Ag Center Field Day 2026: University of Illinois Extension registration page with sessions, cost and contact
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
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Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.