Smarter Farming in Action: Agrivoltaics and Allies at the Energy Farm

Thursday, August 14, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Energy Farm – 4110 S. Race St., Urbana, IL
Admission: FREE | RSVP here

Explore the Future of Sustainable Agriculture

Join us for a hands-on field day highlighting innovative research at Illinois’ first agrivoltaic site. From crop trials under solar panels to energy-efficient biomass systems, you’ll experience how smart land use is reshaping the future of farming.

Hosted by the SCAPES project at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, this event brings together researchers, farmers, students, and clean energy advocates for a morning of field tours and conversation.

Event Schedule

8:00 AM – Registration & Coffee
8:30 AM – Welcome – Adam Davis
8:40 AM – Field Day Overview – Carl Bernacchi
8:50–11:00 AM – Rotating Research Tours (see below)
11:00 AM – Refreshments & Q&A
11:30 AM – Optional Tour of Solar Farm 2.0 (transportation provided)

What You’ll See

Attendees will split into two groups for rotating, concurrent tours of six research stops. One group will begin with agrivoltaics, and the other with bioenergy crops — each group will rotate through all sites.

🚐 Shuttle service (Turtle Top vans) will be provided to reach the bioenergy plots.

🔆 Agrivoltaics Tour

• Agronomic Crops – DK Lee
• Horticultural Crops – Bruce Branham
• Grazing Systems – Greg Landes

🌱 Energy Crops Tour

• Nitrogen Use Efficiency – Anthony Digrado & Lisa Ainsworth
• Miscanthus Productivity – Michael Masters
• Biomass Sorghum – Sam Walker
• Yield Technologies – Justin McGrath & Carl Bernacchi

Who Should Attend?

This event is ideal for:

• Farmers and landowners
• Researchers and students
• Clean energy professionals
• Policy leaders and sustainability advocates
  Anyone interested in climate-smart agriculture and renewable energy is welcome.

Location

Energy Farm
4110 S. Race St.
Urbana, IL 61802

Parking is available on site.

Ready to Join Us?

Click below to RSVP:
👉 Register for the Event