Linda Zellmer, Government Information and Data Services Librarian at Western Illinois University, has used data from the 2007 Census of Agriculture and a geographic information system to develop a set of maps showing where the foods consumed at the traditional Thanksgiving dinner, such as turkey, cranberries, squash, and green beans, are grown. A comprehensive poster including all of the maps shows where all of the Thanksgiving foods are grown in the United States. The maps and posters based on data from the 1997, 2002 and 2007 Census of Agriculture are available on her web site at:
http://faculty.wiu.edu/LR-Zellmer/thanksgiving.html.

The comprehensive poster titled "Where does Thanksgiving Dinner Grow?" is available at:
http://faculty.wiu.edu/LR-Zellmer/thanksgiving/2007/Turkey07Poster.pdf.

For more information about her research, or about government and legal information, please contact Linda Zellmer at LR-Zellmer@wiu.edu or 309-298-2723.

Roadside Advertising in a Digital Age

Tuesday, November 17, from 1-2:30 pm

This webinar teaches how to 'think about' placing business content on 'online location based services' such as digital maps (ie. Google Maps). This includes an introduction into digital mapping, changes in advertising, explanation of location based services, global positioning system, mobile internet, and enhancing the presence of your organization on digital maps, pictures & video.

The webinar is free but limited to the first 50 who register.

Register online at: http://www.agr.state.il.us/marketing/reservations/

On December 11 the Fruit and Vegetable Growers Symposium offered by University of Illinois Extension and Iowa State University Extension will be held at the Scott County Extension Office in Bettendorf, IA. This annual event is geared towards commercial growers. General sessions for both fruit and vegetable growers will be "Direct Marketing Ideas to Improve Produce Sales" and "Cropping Profits – High Tunnel Production Considerations", followed with breakout sessions specific to each grower group.

This year the vegetable focus is on tomato production. Topics will be "Fitting Heirlooms into your Tomato Enterprise", "Tomato Production – Varieties and Quality" and "Insect Management Updates with a Focus on Tomatoes and Peppers". The fruit focus will cover "Realities of the Potential for Grape Production in the Upper Midwest, "Potential for Aronia as a New Crop" and "Insect Management Updates with a Focus on Insects and Insecticides". Specialists and experts from both campuses will present these timely topics and be on hand to answer questions.

Register before December 4. A sliding registration fee is offered for a farm or business that registers more than one person. If you have questions or would like further information please contact Martha Smith, University of Illinois Extension, #309-836-2363. Or visit the Johnson County Extension website at www.extension.iastate.edu/johnson Walk-in registrations will be accepted.

Registration begins at 12:00 p.m. with the program beginning at 1:00. Come early to visit with product vendors who will have displays and informational brochures. The Symposium ends at 5:00.

The Illinois Specialty Crops, Agritourism, and Organic Conference will be held January 6-8, 2010, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield, IL. Three pre-conference workshops (concurrent) will be offered during the daytime on Wednesday, January 6, which will include "Grow Your Market: Creating a Memorable Experience for Customers," "Getting Started in Local Food Production and Marketing," and "Expanding Seasons and Markets with High Tunnels."

Click here for more information about the conference: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/adamsbrown/news/news15808.html

Check out this news release on a recent Leopold Center study:

http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/news/newsreleases/2009/092909_seiowa.html

Click here to find out more

Father Dominic hosted a popular TV show for 3 years on PBS, called "Breaking Bread with Father Dominic". People are still enjoying these re-runs today. Father is author of 5 books, as well as a popular speaker and busy teacher at St. Bede. "We scheduled Father Dominic 18 months prior to his Quincy visit, due to his packed schedule", states Deborah Lee U of I Extension, Horticulture Coordinator. "We are excited about the event and it is filling quickly."

Bread is more than just a hobby for Father Dominic. Through his stories and recipes, participants will appreciate how the actual making of bread can also: explore the role bread plays in many cultures prevalent in America, learn how bread connects us as a society, and realize how bread brings families and friends together.

The event includes a bread-making demonstration and tasting; plus a question/answer session and book signing. Cost $10. Click here to register online

The event is co-sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners and the Muddy River Herb Guild, with support from Quincy Steamboat, Ellington Presbyterian Church and the QU Franciscan Friars.