The latest perspectives on critical crop production issues will be discussed at four regional University of Illinois Crop Management Conferences across the state during January and February.

The conferences are designed to address a wide array of "hot" topics pertinent to geographic areas of the state, including pest management, natural resources, and economics. Growers and agriculture dealers will find these conferences a forum for in-depth discussion and interaction.

The Northern Illinois Crop Management Conference is set for February 4-5 at Kishwaukee College Convention Center, Malta. Other Conference locations and dates are: the West-Central Illinois Conference will be January 27-28 in Jacksonville; the Southern Illinois Conference is January 28-29 at Whittington; and the East-Central Illinois Conference will be February 3-4 in Champaign.

The format for each conference will include general sessions and concurrent breakout sessions. Presenters will include University of Illinois Extension specialists. Certified crop advisers can earn up to 13 hours of continuing education unit credit.

The registration fee is $130.00 per person due one week prior to each conference. Late registration or registration at the door will be $150.00 per person. The fee includes lunch, refreshments, and handout material for both days. There is no one-day registration and no discount for multiple people from the same operation or business.

To obtain a brochure contact your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office. Individuals can also register on-line at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/edwardsvillecenter/

For specific information about the Northern Conference contact Greg Clark, Whiteside Extension Unit, 815-772-4075, gmclark@illinois.edu; for the West-Central Conference contact Robert Bellm, Edwardsville Extension Center, 618-692-9434, rcbellm@illinois.edu; for the Southern Conference contact Dennis Epplin, Mt. Vernon Extension Center, 618-242-9310, depplin@illinois.edu; and for the East-Central Conference contact Dennis Bowman, Champaign Extension Center, 217-333-4901, ndbowman@illinois.edu