Illinois Small Farms

Increased attention is being focused on developing resource-efficient and environmentally-friendly biofuels that can be made from feedstocks that do not compete with food or feed sources.  An important class of biofuel that could fulfill these requirements is biodiesel manufactured from recycled vegetable oil, animal fats, algae, or oilseeds other than soybeans. 

Each of these alternatives will be addressed in presentations and demonstrations at the  Bioenergy Conference. Full conference program and registration information are available at http://bioenergyconference.truman.edu Registration deadlines are fast approaching, so those interested are encouraged to visit the website to register or apply for a conference fee waiver and travel scholarship.

The conference will address production and handling of dedicated biomass feedstocks, algae oil production and utilization, alternative oilseed production, farm-level oilseed processing and biodiesel production, methane digesters, and recent developments in energy policy.  Conference registration is $50 and includes a resource notebook, DVD, lunch, and refreshments. Additionally, a waiver of the registration fee plus a travel scholarship of $200 will be awarded to each of 40 applicants from the target groups of high school and college agriculture faculty and extension personnel who plan to use this information in educational or outreach activities. Funding for the conference is provided by a Professional Development Program grant from USDA’s North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (NCR-SARE).

Scholarship application deadline is October 30, 2009 and the regular registration deadline is November 6, 2009.  For more information contact Michael Seipel at mseipel@truman.edu or 660-785-4316 or visit the website at http://bioenergyconference.truman.edu

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."

On Thursday and Friday, January 7-8, the conference will kick off with an opening session entitled "From Market Gardening to Commercial Readiness:Keys to Effective Production and Marketing Across a Range of Market Arenas" by Tim Woods, University of Kentucky. The remainder of the conference will include the traditional concurrent breakout sessions on fruits, vegetables, herbs, irrigation, agritourism/marketing, and business management.  New to the conference this year will be two organic tracks.  Thursday evening will feature a banquet followed by the announcement of the annual cider contest winners and comments from Doc Patterson, Fire Service Chaplain for the Lake County Honor Guard.

To receive registration materials or to obtain exhibitor information, please contact Diane Handley at 309/557-2107 or handley@ilfb.org.  A detailed conference agenda can be viewed at www.specialtygrowers.org.  The Crowne Plaza Hotel is reserving a block of rooms for $83 per night plus tax.  Please call the hotel directly at 217/529-7777 to make your reservations and ask for the Illinois Specialty Crops, Agritourism, and Organic Conference rate.

John Hendrickson, the school's coordinator, notes that demand for local food is increasing. While this creates opportunities for aspiring fresh market vegetable growers, it does not ensure a profitable or enduring business.

"That's where the School for Beginning Market Growers comes in," he says.  "Our intensive workshop provides a holistic and detailed look at what it takes to start and operate a fresh market vegetable business. We want people to not only learn how to grow food, but also how to make smart decisions about marketing, pricing, capitalization and labor."

Now in its twelfth year, the school emphasizes organic production methods and direct marketing. Participants will learn about fertility management, greenhouse use, season extension, pest management, equipment needs, planning and budgeting. They will have opportunities to network and learn from others who wish to grow and sell fresh produce. Many students appreciate the show-and-tell table which features small tools and gadgets.

The school features three experienced organic growers who serve as instructors: Michael Racette of Spring Hill Community Farm, Tricia Bross of Luna Circle Farm and Jenny Bonde of Shooting Star Farm. Their marketing strategies include farmers' markets, Community Supported Agriculture and restaurant sales. These growers will be joined by additional speakers who will cover topics such as insects and economics.

The School for Beginning Market Growers is sponsored by the UW- Madison Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems. The fee is $275.  Enrollment is limited, so early sign-ups are advised. For more information, contact John Hendrickson at (608) 265-3704 or jhendric@wisc.edu, or visit the CIAS web site: www.cias.wisc.edu

Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group’s (Southern SAWG) 19th annual conference is an absolute must-attend event for those serious about sustainable and organic farming and creating more vibrant community food systems! It is so popular because of all the presenters with exceptional expertise covering the most critical topics and all of the great networking opportunities.

Pre-conference events begin on Wednesday and include one-and-a-half day intensive short courses as well as several half-day field trips and mini courses. 

The general conference, held on Friday and Saturday, offers eight tracks of highly essential conference sessions.

Topics to be covered in intensive courses, field trips and conference sessions include: organic and sustainable production of crops such as vegetables, flowers, seeds, honey bees, poultry, hogs and beef; direct marketing strategies such as farmers’ markets and CSAs; successful farm stories; community food systems; and new farm programs for sustainable farmers. In addition, there will be networking sessions, trade show, silent auction, video show, Taste of Tennessee dinner and more.

The conference schedule is online at www.ssawg.org or email ssawg_conf@bellsouth.net to request a brochure.