University of Illinois Extension

Illinois Small Farms

Archived News

NCR-SARE YOUTH and YOUTH EDUCATOR GRANTS AVAILABLE

The North Central Region - Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR-SARE) , 2009 Youth & Youth Educator Call for Proposals is now available. You can find the Call for Proposals on the NCR-SARE website at: http://www.sare.org/ncrsare/cfp.htm

NCR-SARE Youth & Youth Educator Grants are intended to provide opportunities for youth in the North Central Region of the U.S. to learn more about Sustainable Agriculture. The North Central Region includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

This call is for youth, ages 8 – 18, and youth educators in the NCR-SARE North Central Region.

Applications are due at the NCR-SARE Office in Lincoln, NE by 4:30 pm (CDT), Tuesday, September 15, 2009. There is $34,000 available for this program. Projects must be finished and final reports submitted by December 31, 2010.

There are two options:

1. YOUTH GRANTS

Grants for on-farm research, demonstration, or education projects by youth ages 8-18. Research and demonstration projects are for hands-on efforts to explore sustainable agriculture issues and practices.
Education projects can involve teaching others about sustainable agriculture or attending a sustainable agriculture conference, workshop, or camp. $400 maximum.

2. YOUTH EDUCATOR GRANTS

Grants for educators to provide programming on sustainable agriculture for youth. $2,000 maximum.

Please help us get the word out to FFA, 4-H, and other organizations you know of that work with youth and agriculture. Thank you for your help.

For more information, contact Joan Benjamin, Associate Regional Coordinator, 402-472-0809, or Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, SARE Coordinator, 217-968-5583,

Going organic
By Codell Rodriguez, The Southern
Thursday, July 23, 2009 11:09 PM CDT

CARBONDALE - When students hit the salad bar at Southern Illinois University Carbondale residence dining halls in the fall, the veggies they nosh on may have grown just a few miles away.

A new student organic garden project is growing an organic vegetable garden near the Vermicomposting Center on Pleasant Hill Road. The garden includes tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers for the summer with vegetables such as squash, lettuce and broccoli planned for the fall. Students with SIU Local Organic Garden Initiative of Carbondale (LOGIC) are working with Food Service Chef William Connors to implement the goods into the dining halls.

Leah May, a senior in geography and environmental resources from Peoria, said the garden idea sprouted from the geography department's annual poster contest. The students behind the project won $500 from the contest and used the money to get the garden started.

"It's kind of a test pilot program for the next few years to see what the area is capable of," May said.

Jon Dyer, a senior in geography and environmental resources from Edwardsville, said the area is capable of some of the best locally grown food.

"Illinois has some of the greatest agricultural land in the country but we import about 80 percent of our food," Dyer said.

Everything involved in the project is local, including the compost, which is taken from waste at the dining halls and processed at the Vermicomposting Center. May and Dyer said that not only will students have healthier vegetables to eat, but getting them locally means less importing, creating a healthier alternative for the university as well.

"Just growing a small portion of the food local and organic are few small steps SIU can take to become more sustainable," May said.


618-351-5804

USDA Seeks Input to Improve Conservation Practice Standards
Comments Should Be Submitted by Aug. 11
Contact: Terry Bish (202) 720-5974

WASHINGTON, JULY 22, 2009—The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking public comment on its conservation practice standards to help improve the Nation’s delivery of conservation programs. The public comment period is open until Aug. 11.

"A public review of conservation standards, which is written into the 2008 Farm Bill, is critical to ensuring that conservation programs are available, adequate, and working for the Nation’s producers and landowners," said Dave White, NRCS Chief.

The 2008 Farm Bill maintains a strong commitment to locally led, voluntary conservation programs and the successful delivery and participation in these programs hinges on robust local input and involvement in the rule making process. Through the public comment process, stakeholders, including agricultural producers and private landowners and the general public, are able to include their input and priorities in the delivery of conservation programs.

NRCS conservation practices are diverse and very flexible and as such can be applied on many land uses. The public review of conservation delivery standards will ensure that conservation programs of the 2008 Farm Bill are relevant to local agricultural, forestry and natural resource needs including specialty crops like organics, native and managed pollinators, bioenergy crop production and forestry.

This broad public review will also help ensure conservation programs are less bureaucratic and more easily understandable by producers and potential applicants, delivered with sufficient technical assistance to complete conservation plans and implemented in an efficient, timely, and effective manner

All comments will be reviewed and considered for incorporation into final rules directing delivery of conservation programs. Public comments can be submitted online, by mail, via e-mail, in person, or by fax through Aug. 11. Contact information is listed in the notice. The notice can be found at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-13870.pdf

For more information about NRCS and conservation programs that may be available, go to: www.nrcs.usda.gov or visit the nearest USDA Service Center.

USDA - NRCS is an equal opportunity employer and provider. 

NRCS ~ Helping People Help the Land

Nominate the 2010 MOSES Farmer of the Year

Midwest Organic & Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) is seeking nominations for our 2010 'Organic Farmer of the Year' award.  Please take advantage of this opportunity to properly acknowledge the outstanding efforts of an organic farmer!  As in years past, the award will be presented at the 21st Organic Farming Conference to be held next February 25-27, 2010 in La Crosse, WI.

Attached is a nomination form and press release for your convenience.  Or you can visit our website http://mosesorganic.org/foy.html  to learn more and download a nomination form directly.   To avoid duplication of nominees, previous award winners are:

The deadline for submitting your nomination is September 15, 2009.

Consumer Guide to Whole Animal Buying Available

Consumers interested in buying local beef or pork will want to take a look at a new publication created by the Iowa State University's Small Meat Processors' Working Group.

Funded in part by a SARE grant, "Beef and Pork Whole Animal Buying Guide" explains buying pork and beef as whole animals (or portions thereof) from local producers.

Producers may also consider using the publication to help clients make smart decisions and keep coming back. It explains marketing terms, information on storage and handling, meat inspection, meat cut out weight, and includes color photos of common retail beef and pork cuts by primal. This guide brings all the necessary pieces together in one easy-to-use resource. Free PDF available online. Hardcopies available in color ($6.50) and B&W ($1).

To download a free pdf or order a print copy, visit https://www.extension.iastate.edu/store
/ItemDetail.aspx?ProductID=13056

New Ag Network - New Electronic Mail List

The New Ag Network has started a new electronic mail list. The purpose of the mail list is to provide a means for easy communication among farmers, educators, researchers, and others involved in organic and sustainable farming in the Great Lakes Region. Once you join the list, you may send and receive messages, and view the message archive.

To join the mail list, fill out the online form at:https://lists.purdue.edu/mailman/listinfo/new-ag-network

Or, join the list by sending an email. Send a message containing the single word 'subscribe' (without quotes) to:

new-ag-network-request at lists.purdue.edu

Once you sign-up, you will receive an email from new-ag-network-request at lists.purdue.edu asking you to confirm your sign-up by replying to the email. You will know you have successfully confirmed and joined the list when you receive a welcome message.

Hope to hear from you on the list!

If you just want to receive announcements about new articles on the New Ag Network, but don’t wish to participate in more general discussion, just sign up for the announcement only listserv at
http://www.new-ag.msu.edu/email.htm. If you received announcements last year, you are already on this announcement list.

USDA PROVIDES CONSERVATION FUNDS & OPPORTUNITIES FOR ORGANIC PRODUCERS
$50 Million in Funding Available Nationwide

Champaign, IL, May 6, 2009 – Speaking yesterday to the USDA National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced that $50 million will support a new national initiative for farmers transitioning to organic agriculture or those who currently are certified organic to receive special assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). This effort strives to meet conservation goals under new provisions in the 2008 Farm Bill. Here in Illinois, nearly $1.2 million will be available for eligible producers. Applications will be accepted between May 11 and May 29.

The initiative will be administered by USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), which administers EQIP and will set aside a separate pool of money to help organic farmers and those in transition to organic production. While EQIP has always been available for organic producers to treat resource concerns on their land, provisions of the new Farm Bill permit specific funds to be set aside to assist organic producers in natural resource protection strategies on the farm.

Applications for EQIP are taken continuously throughout the year; however, to be considered for this special sign-up and use fiscal year 2009 funds, producers must submit a signed application to their local NRCS office by May 29, 2009.

Bill Gradle, NRCS State Conservationist in Illinois, says Organic EQIP applicants must agree to implement certain “core” conservation practices in order to qualify. Core practices are: Conservation Crop Rotation; Cover Crops; Nutrient Management; Pest Management; Prescribed Grazing; and Forage Harvest Management. Illinois NRCS will consider using any appropriate practice that meets a resource concern on a particular operation. Most conservation practices available under "General" EQIP options are also available under the new Organic EQIP.

"Because organic operations often require increased costs and expenses, EQIP payments for organic core practices will be enhanced a bit," Gradle explains. NRCS hopes these funds and incentives motivate producers to embrace and adopt conservation solutions on organic farms. EQIP payments may not exceed $20,000 per year or $80,000 in any six year period.

Some participants are eligible to receive a higher payment rate; those are limited resource farmers, beginning farmers, and socially disadvantaged groups. For more information, go to www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/SLB_Farmer/ or visit your local NRCS office. For more information about NRCS options, visit http://www.il.nrcs.usda.gov

USDA TO CONDUCT FIRST WIDE-SCALE SURVEY OF ORGANIC AGRICULTURE
How It is Changing the Face of U.S. Agriculture

WASHINGTON, April 23, 2009 – This spring, USDA will conduct the first-ever, wide-scale survey of organic farming in the United States, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said today, to find out how the growth of organic farming is changing the face of U.S. agriculture.

"The Organic Production Survey is a direct response to the growing interest in organics among consumers, farmers, and businesses," said Vilsack.  "This is an opportunity for organic producers to share their voices and help ensure the continued growth and sustainability of organic farming in the United States."

2007 Census of Agriculture counted more than 20,000 U.S. farms engaged in organic production.

The survey will look at many aspects of organic farming during the 2008 calendar year – from production and marketing practices, to income and expenses. It will focus not only on operations that are currently engaged in organic production, but also on those making the transition to organic agriculture.

The results will help shape future decisions regarding farm policy, funding allocations, availability of goods and services, community development and other key issues. In addition, the information can help producers make informed decisions about the future of their own farming operations.

USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will mail the survey in early May to all known organic producers in the United States, who are asked to respond by June 17. NASS will publish results in winter 2009.

Participants can mail back their forms or complete the survey online at www.agcensus.usda.gov. Survey participants are guaranteed by law (Title 7, U.S. Code) that their individual information will be kept confidential. NASS uses the information only for statistical purposes and publishes data only in tabulated totals.

For more information about the Organic Production Survey, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov or call (800) 727-9540.

NCR-SARE Announces 2010 Call for Research and Education Preproposals

The North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program  (NCR-SARE) Research and Education Grant Program 2010 Call for Preproposals is now available online at http://sare.org/ncrsare/resedu.htm.

NCR-SARE’s Research and Education program supports innovators with competitive Research and Education grants. Individual grants range from $10,000 to $175,000. NCR-SARE expects to fund about 9-13 projects in the twelve-state North Central Region.

Potential applicants can contact or 612-626-3113.

The deadline for preproposals is 4:30pm CDT, Wednesday, June 10, 2009.

For more information contact, Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, Illinois State Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator, , 217-968-5512

NCR-SARE Announces 2009 Call for Professional Development Program Preproposals

The 2009 North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program’s (NCR-SARE) Professional Development Call for Preproposals is now available online at
http://sare.org/ncrsare/PDP/pdp.htm

The PDP provides funds for professional development projects that provide sustainable agriculture training to agricultural professionals and educators in the Cooperative Extension Service (CES), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), other governmental agencies, and educators in the profit and non-profit sector serving the food and fiber system. Projects can be two to three years in duration, and funding level is capped at $75,000 for each project, but projects requesting less than full amount are encouraged. Approximately $400,000 will be available for funding projects.

The deadline for preproposals is 4:30 pm CDT on Monday, May 22, 2009.

Any questions regarding the North Central SARE PDP program should be addressed to Paula Ford (, (785-532-5328), Linda Kleinschmit (, 402-254-3310) or Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, Illinois State Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator (, 217-968-5512)

Illinois Department of Agriculture to Plant Community Garden

Garden will be open to the public and located on Illinois State Fairgrounds

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - If you are looking for a spot to try out your green thumb, the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) has just the place. IDOA is announcing the inaugural year of the Illinois State Fairgrounds Community Garden. The garden was created to give residents a space to grow fresh produce, herbs, or other flowers and plants, in a friendly and safe environment.

"Many people have indicated to us that they would like to have a garden, but they just don't have the space," Agriculture Director Tom Jennings said. "We decided this would be a great opportunity for the Illinois Department of Agriculture to not only offer up a great location for garden plots, but also to help create a sense of community where growers can learn from each other."

Individuals, organizations and other groups will be able to lease one or two plots, depending upon availability. The garden plots are 12' x 12' and cost $10.00 each, with the money collected going straight back into the garden.

"This garden will offer opportunities for ongoing education, such as mentoring programs between growers and local schools," Jennings added.  "We also plan to offer hands-on training, through the U of I Extension Office, for everyone from novice to experienced gardeners."

Gardeners will have the opportunity to help out the community by participating in the Plant a Row for the Hungry program. By participating, growers will be able to donate some of the food from their garden to local food pantries.

"I think this is a year that a lot of people are going to need additional assistance," Master Gardener and Plant a Row for the Hungry Committee Co-Chair Barb Rogers said.  "We would be delighted to have individual growers make an effort to plant a little extra that could be donated to a local food bank."

Those interested in becoming part of the Community Garden are urged to attend a public meeting being held at the Illinois Department of Agriculture Thursday, March 19, at 7pm. Potential gardeners will be given all the information they need at this meeting, and organizers will be present to answer questions. Information will be available on the website after the March 19 meeting at http://www.agr.state.il.us or by calling
(217) 782-0777.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture building is located at the corner of Sangamon Ave. and 8th Street on the Illinois State Fairgrounds inside Gate 11. 

New Organic Agriculture Web Site Features Land-Grant University Research

ASILOMAR, California --A new Web site about U.S. organic agriculture production provides research, news and learning modules from land-grant universities nationwide. eOrganic will launch at regional organic farming and production conferences in January and February. It is one of many Web communities within eXtension (pronounced E-extension), http://www.eXtension.org, a national initiative of the U.S. Cooperative Extension System.

"This new resource is for anyone who wants to learn more about organic agriculture, one of the fastest growing segments of U.S. agriculture," Oregon State University vegetable specialist Alex Stone said. "eOrganic is designed for farmers, ranchers, agricultural professionals, certifiers, researchers and educators seeking science- and experience-based information. Our goal is to be a reliable resource that is responsive to the changing information and technology needs of the organic industry and community. The site is focused on general organic agriculture, dairy production and vegetable production. We expect to continually expand the information available."

Organic farming systems use ecological practices that enhance and promote optimum health of soil, plants, animals and people, encourage biodiversity, rely primarily on natural inputs and largely exclude the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. The new eOrganic site features:

Frequently Asked Questions: Organic agriculture experts from throughout the nation provide simple, clear answers on topics such as crop production, pest management, nutrient use, soil amendments and organic certification.

News and Upcoming Events: Organic agriculture continues to gain prominence in the news. eXtension eOrganic brings together news from land-grant universities. National, statewide and local organic events are listed.

Ask an Expert: Experts nationwide respond to individual organic agriculture questions within 24 hours of submission.

Video Clips: More than 100 video clips explain organic agriculture practices.

Articles and Lessons: Learn about organic agriculture, successful varieties, production system practices, government rules and regulations from more than 150 articles.

Extension organic agriculture specialists from across the nation compiled the content that goes through a review before it's released. Experts from Clemson University, Ohio State University, Oregon State University, Penn State University, University of Florida, University of Illinois, University of Minnesota and University of Vermont worked on the new site. Staff from USDA's Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service also contributed.

"All across America, farmers and ranchers are seeking practices that enhance the long-term ecological, social and economic sustainability of agriculture. The Web content in the Organic Agriculture Resource Area offers a wealth of innovative strategies from the nation's most successful organic researchers and practitioners that can improve the bottom line. We believe this work will inspire others to make positive changes to improve the health of our natural resources, each other, and our planet," said Danielle Treadwell, Organic and Sustainable Vegetable Specialist, University of Florida.

The eOrganic site joins other eXtension sites at http://www.eXtension.org including information on the financial crisis; animal manure management; beef cattle; corn and soybean production; cotton production; dairy cattle; disasters; diversity across higher education; entrepreneurs and their communities; family caregiving; geospatial technology; horses; horticulture; imported fire ants; parenting; personal finance; science, engineering and technology for youth; and wildlife damage management.

eXtension is an educational partnership of more than 70 land grant universities helping Americans improve their lives with access to timely, objective, research-based information and educational opportunities. eXtension's interactive Web site,http://www.eXtension.org, is customized with links to local Cooperative Extension Web sites. Land-grant universities were founded on the ideals that higher education should be accessible to all, that universities should teach liberal and practical subjects and share knowledge with people throughout their states.

Contact: Terry Meisenbach, 760-328-8260,

USDA Announces Amended Farm Bill Provisions and New Sign Up Deadline

Owners and operators of farms with 10 or fewer base acres now have the opportunity to receive payments for the 2008 Direct and Counter-cyclical Payment Program. On Oct. 13, 2008, President George W. Bush signed a bill that made amendments to the 2008 Farm Bill. These amendments apply to farms with crop acreage bases of 10 acres or less. These changes and clarifications allow some producers more flexibility in farming practices and create new sign-up opportunities with new deadlines for some farms. The amendments also apply to the new Supplemental Revenue Assistance (SURE) Program.

Learn more.

NCR-SARE Announces Calls for Proposals

NCR-SARE announces the 2009 Calls for Proposals for both the Youth & Youth Educator Sustainable Agriculture Grants and the Graduate Student Grant Program.

Youth Grants are new part of the Farmer Rancher Grant Program. The purpose of the Youth Grant Program is to provide opportunities for youth in the North Central Region to learn more about Sustainable Agriculture.

YOUTH GRANTS: These grants are awarded to youth ages 8-21 for on-farm research, demonstration, or education projects. Research and demonstration projects are for hands-on efforts to explore sustainable agriculture issues and practices. Education projects can involve teaching others about sustainable agriculture or attending a sustainable agriculture conference, workshop, or camp. $400 maximum. Deadline: January 30, 2009.

YOUTH EDUCATOR GRANTS: These grants are awarded to educators to provide programming on sustainable agriculture for youth. $2,000 maximum. Deadline: January 30, 2009.

NCR-SARE instituted the Graduate Student Grant Program for officially registered graduate students (Masters and Ph.D.) enrolled at accredited colleges or universities.

GRADUATE STUDENT GRANTS: These grants are for graduate student projects lasting up to three years. Projects must benefit agriculture in the North Central Region. $10,000 maximum. Deadline: January 28, 2009.

The calls for both the Youth Grant and the Graduate Student Grant will be available on the NCR-SARE website in December 2008 at http://sare.org/ncrsare/

For more information about the Youth Grant Program contact NCR-SARE Associate Regional Coordinator, Joan Benjamin at 402-472-0809, 1-800-529-1342 or .  For more information about the Graduate Student Grant Program contact NCR-SARE Graduate Student Program Coordinator, Bill Wilcke at 612-625-8205 or . For additional information, contact Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, Illinois SARE Coordinator, , 217-968-5512.  For information about Illinois Graduate Student Grant Program recipients - http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/smallfarm/sare/

NCR-SARE Awards $100,000 Diversity Grant

For Barbara Norman, sustainable agriculture is more than an interest; it's a lifestyle.

Norman is a third generation farmer on her blueberry farm in Van Buren County, MI, and has been awarded the North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program's (NCR-SARE) first ever Diversity Grant for $100,000.

The Diversity Research and Education Grant Program is a new NCR-SARE grant program. Its purpose is to fund people and/or projects that can help NCR-SARE reach and work with underserved audiences to improve agricultural sustainability in the region. Chaired by Robin Salverson, the NCR-SARE Diversity Committee was formed to respond to NCR-SARE's goal to reach and work with underserved audiences.

Norman has selected three specific areas to concentrate efforts for this project: Detroit, MI, Kankakee, IL, and the historical farms of Nicodemus, KS. Norman and Michigan Integrated Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS) outreach coordinators targeted these three underserved communities based on demographic data and the potential to build on key relationships with service providers in those underserved communities.

Moving forward with the project, MIFFS outreach staff will meet with potential leaders and early adopters in the targeted communities, develop partnerships with service providers who are interested in working with the underserved communities, and establish this SARE sponsored project as a means to develop relationships among SARE, the leaders/early adopters, the underserved farmers, and the service providers.

To read more about NCR-SARE Diversity Initiative, go to http://sare.org/ncrsare/diversity.htm

Illinois Department of Agriculture has Funds Available to Reimburse Certified Organic Producers and Handlers for Certification Costs

To be eligible for reimbursement, an organic production or handling operation must be located within Illinois, comply with the USDA National Organic Program regulations for organic production or handling and have received certification or continuation of certification by a USDA-accredited certifying agent between October 1, 2008 and September 30, 2009.

Under Illinois' current agreement with the USDA, producers and handlers can make application for reimbursement to the Illinois Department of Agriculture by submitting the following documents:

  1. Illinois Organic Certification Cost-Share Program application
  2. W-9 form (Rev. 10/07)
  3. Copy of the certificate or continuation of certification document from the USDA-accredited certifying agency
  4. Copy of your paid, itemized invoice from your certifier

Based on the receipt of the completed application packet by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, reimbursements will be on a first-come, first-served basis until the limited program funds are exhausted.

For more information, contact Delayne Reeves at 217/524-9129 or .

SARE Professional Development Call for Preproposals

The 2009 North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program’s (NCR-SARE) Professional Development Call for Preproposals is now available online at http://sare.org/ncrsare/PDP/pdp.htm The PDP provides funds for professional development projects that provide sustainable agriculture training to agricultural professionals and educators in the Cooperative Extension Service (CES), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), other governmental agencies, and educators in the profit and non-profit sector serving the food and fiber system. Projects can be two to three years in duration, and funding level is capped at $75,000 for each project, but projects requesting less than full amount are encouraged. Approximately $400,000 will be available for funding projects.

The deadline for preproposals is 4:30 pm CDT on Monday, May 22, 2009.

Any questions regarding the North Central SARE PDP program should be addressed to Paula Ford (pford@ksu.edu, 785-532-5328), Linda Kleinschmit (LindaKL@ksu.edu, 402-254-3310) or Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, Illinois State Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator (cvnghgrn@illinois.edu, 217-968-5512)

National Small Farm Conference – Call for Presentations

URBANA – The 5th National Small Farm Conference will be held September 15 to 17 in Springfield. The deadline for submitting abstracts for presentations and posters is Friday, March 13. The conference is hosted by University of Illinois Extension.

Online submissions are encouraged. Visit http://www.conferences.uiuc.edu/
conferences/conferenceviewer2/view.cfm?conf=20033

If online submission is not possible, contact  Rosannah Taylor (202-720-9354; rosannah_taylor@nass.usda.gov ).

Proposals that address one or more of the topic areas below will be considered. Special consideration will be given to new insights, techniques, or approaches in addressing each of these general topics.

“The small farms conference takes place only every three to four years,” said Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, University of Illinois Small Farm and Sustainable Agriculture Extension Specialist. “Its goal is to strengthen collaboration and partnership among groups and provide an opportunity to share new ideas in research, extension and outreach.”

NCR-SARE Announces 2008 Farmer Rancher Grant Call for Proposals

The 2008 North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (NCR-SARE) Farmer Rancher Grant Call for Proposals is now available online at http://www.sare.org/NCRSARE/prod.htm.

Farmers and ranchers in the North Central Region can submit proposals for grants to support sustainable agriculture project ideas initiated by farmers and ranchers. Projects should emphasize research or education/demonstration. Grants can range from $6,000 for individual farmers and up to $18,000 for groups of 3 or more farmers.

NCR-SARE expects to fund about 50 projects in the twelve-state North Central Region with this call.

With this call, the Farmer Rancher Grant Program will now accept project proposals by email. NCR-SARE is now asking applicants to complete a brief budget narrative in their project proposal. Also, beginning farmers and/or youth may apply.

The deadline for proposals is Monday, December 1, 2008 at 4:30 p.m.

The NCR has funded more than 650 farmer rancher grants worth more than $4,300,000 since the inception of this program.

Potential applicants with questions can contact Joan Benjamin, NCR-SARE Farmer Rancher Grant Program Coordinator, at or 402-472-0809 or Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, Illinois SARE Coordinator, , 217-968-5512.

Beginning Farmer and Rancher Competitive Grants Program

The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Competitive Grants program has developed several opportunities for stakeholders to provide input on program development and implementation.

These opportunities are listed on the CSREES website at: http://www.csrees.usda.gov/
nea/ag_systems/in_focus/smallfarm_if_bfrcgp.html

Note that we are accepting input for the 2009 funding cycle until November 14, 2008.

Please take this opportunity to provide input and also share this announcement with as many people as possible to help us develop a program that will be of value to beginning farmers and ranchers.

Rodale Institute

At the core of the Rodale Institute is the idea that healthy soil=healthy food=healthy people. This rather simple idea is the foundation for all our research on nutrition, global warming and famine prevention.

By supporting the Rodale Institute, you join us in advancing the understanding of these critical issues, underwriting our research and boosting our impact. The Institute's research program helped launch today's organic movement and continues to direct cutting-edge trials documenting the ability of organic farming to reverse global warming. Our international program is providing locally-adapted solutions to the issues of nutrition, hunger, poverty and community degradation across the world. Our education and outreach programs welcome farmers, gardeners and concerned citizens alike to learn hands-on techniques for making our world more sustainable. Our operations crew keeps the farm running, the grounds maintained and our display gardens growing and available to the public. And our dynamic website offers free, online learning, mentoring and networking. Help us create organic solutions for the world we live in today and the world we want to see tomorrow. 

For more information please visit:
http://www.hero-farmers.org/index.html

For the Crop Conversion Calculator please visit:
http://www.tritrainingcenter.org/code/farmselect/

For the Organic Transition Course Page please visit:
http://www.tritrainingcenter.org/course/

ATPI Announces Outstanding Agritourism Business of the Year
Learn Great Foods of Mount Carroll, IL

Learn Great Foods, an agri-culinary tour and retreat experience based in Mount Carroll, IL, has been named the Outstanding Agritourism Business of the Year.  The award was presented to Ann Dougherty, President of Learn Great Foods, during the Agriculture Day luncheon and award ceremony at the Illinois State Fair on August 12, 2008.  Numerous farm families and farm-related businesses were recognized for their excellence in the agricultural fields.  

Learn Great Foods offers day tours and weekend retreats that teach about the natural link that exists between sustainable farming, great cooking, and the environment.  Privately guided tours of local farms, cooking classes, food chemistry workshops, and dining are all a part of the experience.  Tour locations include Northwest Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Northern Michigan and are offered during the months of April – November.  To get more information, view a schedule, or register for a tour please visit www.learngreatfoods.com or call 231-758-3407.

2008 FARM BILL SIDE-BY-SIDE

The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, which governs Federal farm programs for 2008-12, was enacted into law in July 2008. ERS' side-by-side comparison of this new Farm Act with previous legislation is now available at www.ers.usda.gov/FarmBill/2008  Summarized but substantive, this comparison is a time-saving reference on farm bill provisions.

Twenty-first Century Systems Agriculture

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation have awarded a grant to the National Academies’ Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources for a 2-year study to identify the scientific foundations of sustainable farming systems and management practices, and the social, economic and political factors that influence their use and wide scale adoption by farmers in the US and abroad. The study will build on the findings of the Academies’ 1989 report, Alternative Agriculture that highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of what were at that time unconventional or “alternative” farming practices, such as conservation tillage, integrated pest management, and crop rotations. Many of these practices were relatively new at the time, but have since been widely adopted by producers in conventional agriculture in the United States, and have even had significant beneficial impact on small scale farming systems in the developing world. The new study will examine cutting-edge technologies and practices that have emerged over the past two decades, and will define key concepts and features of sustainable systems agriculture that will contribute to the Gates Foundation’s goals of improving the productivity and livelihoods of small scale farmers in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

The study is being conducted by a committee of 15 members appointed by the National Academies, including experts in food and fiber production; agribusiness; agricultural economics and social science; agro-ecology; federal farm, trade, international development, environmental, and regulatory policy; farm finance and marketing systems; public health-related aspects of agriculture; pest-protection, crop and animal science, agronomy and water-quality science, and systems-agriculture research.

In addition to fact-finding workshops and data analysis, the committee will use a set of case studies to examine farm operations that operate as integrated systems that pursue sustainable approaches to food and fiber production. Such farms attempt to maximize their efficiency while balancing social, environmental and economic values.

For more infomrmation, contact the National Acedemy of Sciences, Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources. http://www.dels.nas.edu/banr/.

Organic Crop Insurance Available

Organic growers can now insure their organically grown insurable crops.  Risk Management Agency (RMA) currently provides coverage for certified organic acreage, transitional acreage, and buffer zone acreage. 

To find a list of insurable crops, please visit: http://www.rma.usda.gov/policies/.

For more detailed information about organic crop insurance, please visit: http://www.rma.usda.gov/pubs/2006/organics.pdf. 

To locate a crop insurance agent, please visit:  http://www.rma.usda.gov/tools/agent.html.

Midwest Organic & Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) Farmer of the Year

MOSES is seeking nominations for our 2009 'Organic Farmer of the Year' award.

Don't miss this opportunity to properly acknowledge the outstanding efforts of an organic farmer! As in years past, the award will be presented at the Organic Farming Conference to be held next February 26-28, 2009 in La Crosse, WI.

Please visit our website to download a nomination form directly and view a press release with more information.

http://www.mosesorganic.org/foy/

The nomination deadline is September 15, 2008.

Sustainable Agriculture Educational Materials (SAEM) Library

The Sustainable Agriculture Education Association (SAEA) in conjunction with Mann Library at Cornell University is developing an online database of materials related to the teaching of Sustainable Agriculture called the Sustainable Agriculture Educational Materials (SAEM) Library. Most of the current materials; which include syllabi, lab manuals, and unpublished papers/presentations; were gathered during the Second National Conference on Facilitating Sustainable Agriculture Education, but we would now like to open the database to submissions from anyone teaching or researching Sustainable Agriculture. We plan for this to be a growing resource and will be accepting submissions indefinitely; however, to ensure the success of the resource we would like to have a significant collection to start.

If you would like to submit a document to the collection please send a copy of it to Heidi Pettitt electronically at and sign the attached release form and mail it to the address below. Materials will be collected on the SAEM website and will be added as they arrive. For additional information, contact Heidi Pettitt, ITS Mann Library, Cornell University, 607-255-7626.

NCR-SARE Announces Grant Recommendations

The North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (NCR-SARE) has made public the lists of projects most recently recommended for funding for each of its four main grant programs: Farmer Rancher, Research and Education, Professional Development, and Graduate Student.

Go to the NCR-SARE website to find links to lists of the projects recently recommended for funding. NCR-SARE administers these four grant programs, each with specific priorities, audiences, and timelines. The focus for all four NCR-SARE grant programs is on research and education.

Funding considerations are made based on how well the applicant articulates the nature of the research and education components of their sustainable agriculture grant proposals.

NCR-SARE funds 50 to 75 cutting-edge projects every year in the four grant programs. NCR-SARE’s Administrative Council (AC) members decide which projects will receive SARE funds. A collection of farm and non-farm citizens, the AC includes a diverse mix of agricultural stakeholders in the region. Council members hail from regional farms and ranches, the Cooperative Extension Service, universities, and nonprofit organizations.

In addition, regional representatives of the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and NCR agribusinesses, state agencies, and foundations sit at the table to distribute grant money.

The USDA's NCR-SARE program has awarded more than $30 million worth of competitive grants to farmers and ranchers, researchers, educators, public and private institutions, nonprofit groups, and others exploring sustainable agriculture in 12 states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Clean Energy Farming: Cutting Costs, Improving Efficiencies, Harnessing Renewables

Across the country, as energy prices climb, farmers are turning more and more to clean energy practices. From energy-saving light bulbs to solar panels to fuels grown and processed on the farm, farmers are making their operations more profitable, efficient and cleaner.

"Clean Energy Farming: Cutting Costs, Improving Efficiencies, Harnessing Renewables" features innovative SARE-funded research and examples of farmers who are improving energy efficiency while saving money, implementing farming practices that both save energy and protect natural resources, and producing and using renewable fuels.

The publication is available online.

The 2008 Indiana Farm Sustainability Tour Series

The Indiana Farm Sustainability Tour Series will host nine tours will this year. During each of the tours, participants will have the chance to interact with the farm and facility owners and operators and to learn about their experiences, management styles and how they make important decisions. The tours vary from month to month and focus on topics such as business structure, keeping the family involved, agritourism and niche marketing. The tours also include a specialist from Purdue who will discuss the topic of the day and be available to answer questions. Not only will participants have the chance to speak with specialists and farm owners, but they will also have the opportunity to learn about available resources and network with others who are interested in diversifying their farms or rural enterprises.

The Indiana Farm Sustainability tours will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the dates and locations listed below.

For more information and to register, visit the Indiana Farm Sustainability Tours website. Each tour is $15 per person, which includes lunch, refreshments and materials. Individuals have the option to register for all of the tours or to select one or two at a time. Registration is due seven days prior to a tour.

The 2008 Indiana Farm Sustainability Tours are sponsored by the Purdue Small Farms Team, the Purdue New Ventures Team, Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) and the North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE).

For questions and more information, please contact Jerry Nelson, New Ventures Extension educator and tour coordinator, at (812) 886-9582 or or Ballard at (317) 462-1113 or .

Mini-Grant Program to Help Farmers with Problem/Perennial Weeds!

John Masiunas and Dan Anderson announce a mini-grant program (up to $500 per applicant) for farmers who want to try organic or sustainable methods to manage problem perennial weeds. Our goal is to develop integrated management approaches and increase your knowledge of and skill in managing perennial weeds. Perennial weeds persist several years and spread by seed and structures such as roots, tubers, and rhizomes. They are some of the most difficult challenges for many farmers. Examples of perennial weeds are Canada thistle, quackgrass, Johnsongrass, and yellow nutsedge. Approaches might include cover crops, suppressive crop rotations, scouting and early removal, tillage, biological control, mowing, and livestock grazing.

The application process is simple! Fill out the on-line form HERE.

If you prefer a paper application contact us at (217) 333-1588 (Dan Anderson) or

John Masiunas
260 ERML
1201 W. Gregory Dr.
Urbana, IL 61801

Everyone applying for mini-grants will be sent a packet of information on perennial weed identification, biology, and integrated management approaches for their control. We will choose a limited number of farmers to participate based on your current farming system, farm location, the problem weeds, and innovativeness of your approach (John Masiunas, ).

Livestock Grazing Education and Programming Survey to Plan Extension Programs

Author: Debra Levey Larson

URBANA - Taking a five- to ten- minute online survey will help University of Illinois Extension make informed decisions about livestock grazing education and programming, according to U of I Extension Assessment and Planning Director Pennie Crinion.

"U of I Extension staff has focused on providing livestock grazing education for producers through meetings, workshops, field demonstrations, websites and publications for the last few years," said Crinion. "We want to determine if the content of these educational efforts is meeting the needs of livestock producers and to identify additional educational needs."

Crinion said the survey only takes a short time to complete online and is appropriate for any livestock producers (beef, dairy, sheep, goats, poultry, horses, etc.) who have participated in Extension livestock grazing workshops or other activities.

The survey can be taken online at tinyurl.com/32sh9x.

Introducing the Illinois Small Farm Newsletter

Illinois Small Farm News is published by University of Illinois Extension’s Small Farm Program. This newsletter is designed to inform its readers (both the commercial small farmer as well as the small acreage landowner) about the latest small farm programs and about people and activities in the state of Illinois, as well as in the Midwest region and our nation. Edited and produced by Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant; designed by Kyla Kruse.

Winter 2008 Illinois Small Farm News ...

Illinois Sustainable Vegetable Farmer Named Finalist for National Sustainability Award

An Illinois farmer who values harmony with nature and community has won a national award, The Patrick Madden Award for Sustainable Agriculture in the north central region. Henry Brockman operates an intensive, multi-generational, highly-diverse and sustainable vegetable production in the Mackinaw River Valley of Woodford County, Illinois.

This $1,000 award for farmers and ranchers who raise food or fiber in ways that are profitable, good for families and communities, and beneficial to the environment is presented by the USDAs North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR-SARE) program.

Read more...

NCR-SARE Announces 2008 Graduate Student Grant Call for Proposals

Graduate students enrolled at colleges or universities in the North Central Region can submit proposals for up to $10,000 to fund sustainable ag projects that will be part of their educational programs. NCR-SARE expects to fund about 15 projects in the twelve-state North Central Region. Potential applications who can contact Bill Wilcke, Regional Coordinator for the NCRSARE Program at or 612-625-8205 or Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, Illinois SARE Coordinator at or 217-968-5512. The deadline for proposals is 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, January 23, 2008.

The New Faces of NCR-SARE

Dave Campbell of Maple Park, IL and Liz Stahl of Sherburn, MN, have been elected to serve as Administrative Council members for the North Central Regional Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program (NCR-SARE). Stahl will fill the Minnesota extension position on the Administrative Council, and Campbell will fill the Illinois farmer/rancher position.

Dave Campbell is no stranger to Midwestern farms. He has spent most of his life living on farms in Illinois and Wisconsin. In 1967, his father's farm switched over to organic production, and Campbell was charged with raising rabbits for meat production which were marketed to a local health food store.

He continued to work on his father's dairy farm while he attended Western Illinois Univeristy where he received his bachelor's degree in education. He worked with his father until he began his own operation, Lily Lake Organic Farm in northern Illinois. Currently, Campbell serves on the Advisory Board of the University of Illinois Sustainable Ag Board and is active with the New Ag Network.

Liz Stahl has been a University of Minnesota Regional Extension educator and crops specialist since 2004, but has been involved in agricultural education since 1988. She received both her bachelor's degree in Agronomy/Weed Science and her master's degree in Agricultural Education from the University of Minnesota. Stahl is a Certified Professional Agronomist with the American Society of Agronomy.

NCR-SARE's Administrative Council represents various agricultural sectors, states and organizations. It sets program priorities and makes granting decisions for the region.

Grant Funding Program Seeks Innovative Ideas for the Farm and Ranch

The North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR-SARE) Program is seeking innovative farmers or ranchers who want to implement a new, sustainable idea to improve their operation. NCR-SARE is currently accepting applications for their 2007 Farmer Rancher grant program.

NCR-SARE awards grants to farmers and ranchers for on-farm research, demonstrations, and education projects.  By providing funds ranging from $6,000 per individual grant to up to $18,000 for grants awarded to groups of three or more, NCR-SARE helps facilitate essential agricultural research and development.

NCR-SARE grants are awarded based on the applicants ability to describe how their project will be sustainable in terms of having long-term profitability, being good for the environment, producing healthy foods, being socially responsible and supporting their community.

Last year NCR-SARE funded 52 Farmer Rancher grants totaling $400,037.  This year farmers and ranchers throughout the North Central Region will once again have the opportunity to apply for roughly $400,000 in grant assistance.  The 12 states that comprise the North Central Region are Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.  The NCR-SARE program receives its funding through the United States Department of Agriculture. 

Grant proposals are due in the NCR-SARE office by December 3, 2007.  Interested applicants may contact Joan Benjamin with NCR-SARE at 402.472.0809 or ncrsare@umn.edu.  Illinois farmers can contact Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant at 217-968-5512 or cvnghgrn@uiuc.edu.

The current Farmer Rancher Grant Call for Proposals application can be found on the NCR-SARE web site at http://ncr.sare.org/prod.htm. Previous project reports are made available through the national SARE web site at www.sare.org.

SARE's 20th Anniversary Conference Photo Competition

Theme: Groundbreaking Innovations, People and Partnerships in Sustainable Agriculture

In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, we are excited to announce SARE's first-ever national photo competition. Please help us spread the word by forwarding this message within your networks or posting the attached display ad in your newsletters.

We're looking for photos from all corners of the nation that depict groundbreaking innovations, people and partnerships advancing the frontier of sustainable agriculture in America.

The top four photos, one from each of SARE's regions in the United States, will receive grand prizes of free attendance and accommodations at SARE's 20th Anniversary conference, to be held March 25–27, 2008 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Click here for official rules.

Registration Open for Central Illinois Farm Beginnings

Registration is open for a training and support program for people interested in launching a farm business that is economically and environmentally sustainable. Central Illinois Farm Beginnings is a joint project of University of Illinois Extension and The Land Connection. Now in its third year in Illinois, Central Illinois Farm Beginnings links farmer trainees with successful entrepreneurial farmers via a comprehensive one-year program.

To apply online, visit www.farmbeginnings.uiuc.edu.

Read the press release

Call for Nominations for Illinois Farmer Rancher Position on NCR-SARE Administrative Council

We'd appreciate any help that you can give us in finding nominees for this position.

There is currently a vacancy on the NCR-SARE Administrative Council (AC) for a person who is an Illinois farmer or rancher. The person who is elected will be filling a vacancy and the term will end after the first NCR-SARE meeting in 2010. After the Illinois farmer rancher term is complete, the Illinois position will rotate to extension.

For more information about NCR-SARE AC responsibilities, elections, and election policy, see the NCR-SARE Leadership and Contacts or contact the NCR-SARE office in Minnesota ( or 612-626-3113). Basically, new AC members are elected by the current AC; the AC has a goal of having three or more nominees per position.

We would like to receive nominations as soon as possible, but no later than August 10, 2007 so that we can complete the election in time for the newly elected person to make plans to attend the November 13-14, 2007 NCR-SARE AC meeting in Des Moines.

For additional questions, please contact Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, SARE Coordinator, 217-968-5512 or .

The Land Connection Seeks Executive Director

The Land Connection (TLC) is seeking an Executive Director with strong development experience who is passionate about sustainable food and farm issues, and can work creatively with innovative programming. TLC was founded in 2001 and is now in a period of rapid growth, working on the ground in Illinois and the Midwest in the burgeoning field of local food system development. TLC programming focuses on organic farmland development and farmer training, educating people in urban and rural communities about local food systems, and making the important connections between producers and consumers. Our mission is to establish successful farmers on healthy farmland, helping to ensure an abundance of delicious, local, and organic foods.

Please send cover letter and resume to .

"How To Go Organic" Website Launched

The Organic Trade Association has launched HowToGoOrganic.com. This web site is for producers and processors transitioning to organic. The web site is designed as a clearinghouse of North American resources for farmers and businesses interested in becoming organic or in creating new organic enterprises. The web sites regional directories showcase transition resources unique to specific regions and states. Resource listings in the North American directory can be searched by topic and subtopic, by type of resource, or by state. The site also features profiles of farmers and businesses that have successfully become certified organic or that are working through the process.

Call for Nominations for Illinois Farmer Rancher Position on NCR-SARE Administrative Council

We'd appreciate any help that you can give us in finding nominees for this position.

There is currently a vacancy on the NCR-SARE Administrative Council (AC) for a person who is an Illinois farmer or rancher. The person who is elected will be filling a vacancy and the term will end after the first NCR-SARE meeting in 2010. After the Illinois farmer rancher term is complete, the Illinois position will rotate to extension.

For more information about NCR-SARE AC responsibilities, elections, and election policy, see the NCR-SARE Leadership and Contacts or contact the NCR-SARE office in Minnesota (ncrsare@umn.edu or 612-626-3113). Basically, new AC members are elected by the current AC; the AC has a goal of having three or more nominees per position.

We would like to receive nominations as soon as possible, but no later than August 10, 2007 so that we can complete the election in time for the newly elected person to make plans to attend the November 13-14, 2007 NCR-SARE AC meeting in Des Moines.

For additional questions, please contact Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, SARE Coordinator, 217-968-5512 or cvnghgrn@uiuc.edu.

NCR-SARE Call for Research & Education Preproposals

The North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) call for Research & Education preproposals is posted on the NCR-SARE website. Potential applicants can contact the NCR-SARE office in Minnesota (phone: 612-626-3113 or email: ) to get a copy of the call. You can also contact Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, SARE Coordinator, , 217-968-5512 for more information and assistance.

Note if you are interested in submitting a preproposal on the topic of bioenergy, that NCR-SARE has a position paper on the website (PDF) that should help potential applicants see the kinds of things that SARE is interested in funding.

Preproposals are due in the Minnesota NCR-SARE office by 4:30 pm, June 19, 2007.

Professional Development Grant Opportunities Are Now Available for Sustainable Ag Educators

The North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Professional Development Program (PDP) is requesting pre-proposals for professional development projects that provide training to agricultural professionals and educators in the Cooperative Extension Service (CES), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), other governmental agencies, and educators in the profit and non-profit sector serving the food and fiber system. The North Central Region includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

For more information, please read the NCR-SARE PDP Pre-Proposal press release.