WIU Ag Mech Farm Expo Begins Feb. 8

Feb 07, 2025

The Western Illinois University Ag Mech Farm Expo is back for its 53rd year, running Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 8-9 at Western Hall, presented by the WIU School of Agriculture - Agricultural Mechanization Club.

One of the largest student-run events in the country, The WIU Ag Mech Farm Expo will include displays of farm tractors, machinery, agricultural sales and service, emerging ag technology, livestock and crop supplies, conservation and agriculture structures. There will also be a variety of craft vendors upstairs in Western Hall, as well as free children's activities, including a bouncy house, face painting and glitter tattoos.

The show runs from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9.

Exhibitors can register for the event until 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6 at this link.

Rows A1-F1, west of the west gate, in Q Lot will be closed for the Ag Mech Farm Expo, through Sunday, Feb. 9. All other areas of Q Lot will be open for normal use.

Source : wiu.edu

Video: Supplemental Nitrogen on Soybeans: Can Early Nitrogen Increase Yield?

Can supplemental nitrogen help soybeans reach higher yield potential? Technical Agronomist Tim Sickman walks through an ongoing trial at the Nutrien Innovation Farm in Owensboro, Kentucky, exploring whether a modest amount of nitrogen applied at planting can support higher-yielding soybean environments.

The trial compares 30 pounds of supplemental nitrogen across both 15- and 30-inch rows, along with treatments that include sulfur and micronutrients. Similar trials conducted in 2024 and 2025 delivered a six- to seven-bushel yield response, prompting the team to expand the research this season.

Early observations show that treated soybeans are slightly taller and averaging about two additional nodes on the main stem. These added nodes could create more opportunities for blooms and pods, but the true results will come at harvest when the team evaluates pod development, seed fill and final yield.

In This Video:

Why high-yield soybeans may need supplemental nitrogen

Results from the 2024 and 2025 trials

Nitrogen treatments in 15- and 30-inch rows

Fertilizer placement and application methods

Differences in plant height and node counts

Potential effects on pod development and yield