The 25th annual Corn Growers Seminar has been set for Friday, January 2. As always, the seminar will be held at the Ruritan Building in Geff, according to Gregg Barnard, Wayne County Corn Growers President. The seminar is free and is open to the public.

Registration starts at 8:30 a.m., with coffee and rolls. The program starts at 9:00 a.m. with Dr. Bryan Young, Southern Illinois University professor in the Department of Plant, Soil & Ag Systems, discussing weed problems and herbicide resistance. Young has conducted research on weed control in southern Illinois and will share his results and observations.

Senator John O. Jones and Representative David Reis have been invited to provide legislative updates on happenings in Springfield affecting agriculture.

Illinois Corn Grower President Rob Elliott will report on efforts the state organization is making to help farmers. In addition, Ron Gray will give a brief report of Illinois Corn Marketing Board activity.

Jean Payne, president of the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association will explain the many factors affecting fertilizer prices. Demand in China and India, as well as energy costs, help determine product prices.

The 2009 weather outlook will be given by Jim Rasor, Chief Meteorologist for WSIL TV 3. Rasor will share his thoughts on the coming year and his take on climate changes and how those changes may affect farming.

A free ham dinner will be served at noon by the Ruritans. Following lunch, Darrel Good, University of Illinois economist, will conclude the program with a grain and livestock outlook.

Barnard notes that the program has been condensed and will adjourn at 1:30 p.m. Application has been made for Certified Crop Advisor credits.