As row crop farmers prepare for the 2026 growing season, staying informed about production practices and market predictions is key to making successful farm management decisions. On February 5 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., University of Tennessee Extension will host the annual West Tennessee Grain and Soybean Producers Conference at the Dyer County Fairgrounds. This free event is open to the public, with registration beginning at 7:45 a.m.
Starting at 9 a.m., expert-led presentations will cover agronomic topics such as herbicide effectiveness, insect control, disease management and weather forecasts. Attendees will also learn about the impact of international trade and tariffs on the industry, as well as potential trends in global markets.
Jake McNeal, UT Extension corn and soybean specialist, says the goal of this meeting is to share expertise from academia and the private sector for the benefit of producers in Tennessee and beyond. “Both 2024 and 2025 threw us a curveball regarding weather, specifically less-than-adequate rainfall. High input costs and volatility in the commodities market have further jeopardized profitability. We want to ensure producers obtain information that will benefit their operations as they move into 2026.”
Throughout the day, attendees can network with fellow producers, in addition to researchers, Extension specialists, county Extension agents and more. Beginning at 8 a.m., the conference’s trade show, one of the largest in West Tennessee, will feature industry professionals from across the region sharing the latest technological and agricultural developments. A complimentary lunch will also be served at 12:10 p.m.