The end of daylight savings time coupled with an unusually late harvest means that we all need to be extra cautious on the roads.

In a normal year, most of the farm crops have been harvested by this time. But with the wet conditions this year, there are still crops in the fields. That means a lot of farm work is going to be done in the dark.

So, it's more important than ever for motorists to be alert for slow-moving farm equipment. Watch for those flashing amber lights and slow down. Also, stay a safe distance back from the equipment so the farmer can see you.

Newer farm equipment has rapidly flashing lights to indicate a turn. But older equipment usually does not have turn signals, so watch for the farmer's hand signals.

Be patient and share the road so that everyone gets to their destination safely!

Organic Gardening Day

This popular conference is set for November 21 at the Hawthorne Hotel and Suites in Champaign. Registration and the retail area open at 8 a.m., and the program concludes at 4:30 p.m.

Organic gardening experts will present five informative sessions.

John Biernbaum, from Michigan State University, will present two sessions: Year-Round Production in Unheated Greenhouses and Soil Building Techniques.

Anne Patterson, from Living Earth Farm in Farmington, will explain how to eat healthy to be healthy and how to bring about Real Health Care Reform – From Your Garden!

Niall and Kristie Campbell, owners of Firefly Grill in Effingham, will demonstrate recipes that incorporate fresh herbs and organic produce.

Jim Schmidt, horticulture specialist from the University of Illinois, will speak about Pest-Free Posies, which will detail some relatively trouble-free flowers for the organic garden.

The conference also features a retail area and an organic-themed buffet lunch. Registration, which includes lunch, morning refreshments, access to the retail area and all sessions, is $59 per person. Reservations MUST be received by November 13 to guarantee lunch.

For more details and to register, contact Tracey Malkovich by phone, 217-333-3420, or email, malkovic@illinois.edu. This conference fills quickly, so register early!