Illinois Small Farms

As has become traditional, organic gardening experts from around the world will present five educational sessions to inspire herb gardening and use in the coming year. Dr. John Biernbaum, from Michigan State University, where he works with organics, herbs, greenhouses, and the student farm, will first talk about Soil Building Techniques. In the afternoon, he will relate his experiences with Year-Round Production in Unheated Greenhouses. Anne Patterson, from Living Earth Farm, in Farmington, Illinois, will explain how to bring about Real Health Care Reform – From Your Garden! Eat healthy to be healthy. Niall and Kristie Campbell, the owners of Firefly Grill in Effingham, Illinois, will co-present From Garden to Table: Savoring the Fruits of Your Labors, a discussion and cooking demonstration featuring recipes which incorporate fresh herbs and organic produce. Jim Schmidt, a home horticulture specialist from the Department of Crop Sciences here at UIUC, will speak about Pest-Free Posies, which will detail some relatively trouble-free flowers for the organic garden.                         

Cost of registration, including lunch, is $59 per person. This includes seating in the lectures, coffee, tea, and rolls during morning registration, an organic theme lunch buffet (including vegetarian options), and access to the retail area. A vegan plate is available, but only if requested on the registration form. Reservations must be received by November 13, 2009, to guarantee lunch. Those interested in attending should mail checks, payable to the University of Illinois, to: Organic Gardening Day 2009, Attn: Tracey Malkovich, AW-101, Turner Hall, 1102 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, Illinois 61801-4730 to reserve registration and lunch. For more information, call (217) 333-3420 or e-mail malkovic@illinois.edu and mention Organic Gardening Day 2009. 

University of Illinois Extension announces a Train-the-Trainer workshop to introduce a new program to Illinois, "Living on the Land" (LOL). It focuses on helping owners manage small acreage. It was developed by University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, and has been adapted for use in Illinois. It was piloted as a 14-week course with 3 hours per week in Kankakee County in 2009.

NCR-SARE has provided a grant to support this Train-the-Trainer workshop. The purpose of this workshop is to train a team of instructors from each region who will then offer LOL in 2010. The Train-the-Trainer workshop will include brief presentations by different instructors who will give overviews of the modules in the program.  Hands-on activities that can be used in LOL classes will be demonstrated. In addition to these topics, this training session will discuss adult learning styles and ways to help participants learn. A tour to a farmstead is planned for the second day of the training to learn about doing a whole farm assessment.

Living on the Land Session Topics include:

• Goals for My Land                
• Getting Dirty: Soil Management
• Water Quality and Protecting Your Water                
• Septic Systems
• My Place on a Stream
• Understanding Ponds
• Managing Pastures & Grazing
• Weed Control & Pesticide Safety
• So You Want to Have Animals
• Wildlife Management
• So You Want to Make Some Money
• Whole Farm Assessment

It is the goal of this Train-the-Trainer session to have one LOL team (4 people minimum) established in each of Extension’s regions. We encourage networking with NRCS, SWCD, Farm Bureau, local Health Departments, or other agencies/organizations to seek partners in offering this program in your region.  Instructors with expertise in the various topics are needed. Instructors can teach more than one topic.  Participants may sign up as individuals or as teams of instructors. Please forward this email to individuals you would like to form a team with for your region.

To implement this program statewide, interested educators will benefit from a 2-day workshop to be offered in Urbana on November 18 and 19, 2009, starting at 10:00 am on the first day. The fee is $125.00 per participant. Each participant is responsible for their travel expenses. Participants will receive two volumes of instructor training manuals, lunches and access to the curriculum and resources on the LOL Extension Intranet website. Upon completion, each participant who implements a regional LOL program will receive $100.00.

Registration Information:

• Deadline: November 2, 2009
• There is a limit of 30 participants. Preference will be given to teams formed within a region.
• Please register utilizing one of the attached options:
  • Extension staff can use the attached transfer of funds form.
  • Non-Extension staff can use the attached invoice form and send a check.

If you need alternative payment method or for more information about the LOL program please contact James Theuri at 815/933-8337, jtheu50@illinois.edu or Ellen Phillips at 708/352-0109, ephillps@illinois.edu.

Does your farm/market have a sign on the digital superhighway? Can people find your farm/market when they search an online map or use a GPS device? As the digital age marches forward, wireless electronic devices combining cell phone, computer, internet, and GPS technology into one handheld unit are enabling people to access huge amounts of information while on the go. Using these devices, over 50 million consumers are deciding where to visit, stay, shop, eat, and have fun.

All this information is in the palm of their hands!

Would you like to:

• Learn how to place your market on a variety of digital maps and maximize presence?
• Understand the emerging consumer use of location-based services in everyday   activities?
• Confirm that the available information about your Market is correct?
• Establish your farm/market as a roadside destination in the digital world?

Online Registration is available at: http://www.agr.state.il.us/marketing/reservations

Registration is available at no fee-- but is limited to first 50 registrations – so register early.

Deadline to register is Friday, November 6, 2009.

Once you register, you will be sent an email confirming your registration and a few days before the webinar information for connecting to the University of Illinois Extension website will be emailed.

Presented by Adeel Ahmed, Extension Educator, Community Economics, University of Minnesota Extension. Supported by the Illinois Department of Agriculture

Event Flyer

Can you farm or ranch while protecting the environment, making a profit, and benefiting your community? For the innovative producer, the answer is a resounding "Yes!" Make plans now to attend the National Small Farm Trade Show & Conference­­—the largest annual small farm trade show in the United States—to learn how.

"38 Farmers Forum talks will address topics including bioenergy, developing markets, native plants, high tunnels, berries, forestry, heritage turkeys, Angora goats, Christmas trees, poultry, bees, herbs, ginger, reducing pesticides, mushrooms, and much more. Six short courses will provide in-depth information on topics ranging from agroforestry to mob grazing.

Show times are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Preregistration is $8 for 1 day, $12 for 2 days, or $15 for all 3 days, allowing attendance of the trade show, seminars, demonstrations, exhibits, shows, meetings, and Farmer's Forum. Three-hour short courses are an additional $35 each ($25 in advance). To register, call Small Farm Today at 800-633-2535, write National Small Farm Show, 3903 W Ridge Trail Rd, Clark MO 65243, or see http://www.smallfarmtoday.com for more information.

University of Illinois Extension, Kankakee County is teaming with Cornell University and Kankakee Community College to offer the Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and Good Handling Practices (GHPs) workshop from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm. Food safety requires good agricultural practices which begin on the farm. For fresh fruit and vegetable producers, this is particularly important because most of the fresh produce they grow is eaten raw. Recent produce-associated foodborne illness outbreaks have heightened public awareness of produce food safety and increased the demand by fresh produce buyers to have third party auditors verify farm food safety practices. In all produce operations, it is critical to be aware of and implement food safety practices so that microbial risks can be minimized. Produce operations would benefit from having a written farm food safety plan and a worker training program in place.

Cost per participant, including lunch, is $30 and $25 for an additional farm/family member (sharing the curriculum). Pre-registration is required by October 20, 2009. You may register online for this program. With this registration opportunity, you may use a credit card and immediately pay and confirm your registration. Online, you may also choose to pay by check which will tentatively register you until your check is received in our office. Additionally, you may call the office to register by credit card or pay in person at University of Illinois Extension, Kankakee County, 1650 Commerce Drive, Bourbonnais, IL 60914. The registration form is on our website: http://kankakee.extension.uiuc.edu For more information, please call 815-933-8337.

A two-hour workshop featuring Peter Sylwan (Science Writer and Adjunct Professor Emeritus at the University of Lund; Member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Agriculture and Forestry (KSLA)) and Torbjörn Fagerström (Professor, Senior Advisor, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU);

Member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Agriculture and Forestry (KSLA)) will be held at the University of Illinois Extension –Springfield Center, Illinois State Fairgrounds Building #30, 1101 E. Sangamon Avenue, Springfield.  The workshop will be available for viewing via live video conference in the Heritage Room in the ACES Library, 1101 S. Goodwin, Urbana. The event is co-sponsored by the University of Illinois European Union Center, University of Illinois Environmental Change Institute, and University of Illinois Extension with funding from the European Commission “Getting to Know Europe” Grant. Lunch is included, but need to pre-register.  For more information and to register please contact George Czapar at 217-782-6515 or gfc@illinois.edu.  Preregistration is required for the video conference. RSVP to Crystal Bartanen at bartanen@illinois.edu by October 12. Boxed lunches will be provided for those who register.

Workshop Flyer

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn will host an evening public forum as part of the Illinois River Coordinating Council meeting on Oct. 20.  Earlier that day, a conservation-focused tour of the Illinois River watershed south of Peoria includes visits to Emiquon wetland complex, the largest wetland restoration in the country, a tour of Dickson Mounds Museum where exhibits detail the 12,000-year history of human habitation of this area, a stop at the region’s newest wind farm that provides green energy, and a visit to a U.S. Geological Survey streamgage site where streamflow data is collected and transmitted.  This all-day tour, which is open to the public on a first-come basis, costs $40 and includes lunch. 

Bob Kustra, who as Illinois lieutenant governor chaired the first Illinois River Coordinating Council in 1997, will provide the historic perspective, looking back on 12 years of implementing the integrated management plan for the river.  Also on Oct. 21, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood is scheduled as the luncheon speaker, highlighting his current role as well as his active participation as a congressman in Illinois river issues.

A morning panel of legal experts will focus on water law and court interpretation.  Marc Miller, director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will moderate several afternoon panels on ecosystem services.

Concurrent sessions will offer perspectives on advancements in agricultural technology, the economic and societal benefits of healthy ecosystems, and success across Illinois in local community actions such as stormwater management and shoreline protection.  Habitat restoration, community development and sediment monitoring are among topics on Oct. 22.

The conference offers opportunities for attendees to network with a variety of resource professionals, scientists and river enthusiasts.  Exhibits as well as an interactive showcase of digital technologies will introduce attendees to resources available online or through various agencies.

Registration materials are available online now at www.conferences.uiuc.edu/ilriver or by calling the University of Illinois Office of Conferences and Institutes toll free at 877-455-2687.

Illinois State University will host a Livestock Manure Management Field Day. The morning workshop will consist of mini-seminars (20-30 minutes) providing information regarding optimizing the fertilizer value of manure, new manure resources on the internet, an update of NRCS/EQIP regulations and discussions of innovative economical technologies for control of liquid manure odor, manure processing, and low and no odor methods for land applying processed liquid manure. Following a free lunch participants will have an opportunity to inspect two manure solid-liquid separation systems, the Enercon Engineering Smart Earth system for controlling pit odor, the AGREM, LLC system for underground irrigation of processed liquid manure and the ISU Compost Facility for composting livestock manure and separated biosolids.

Advanced registration is not required. There is no charge to attend the field day and lunch will be provided. If you want to learn more about economical alternatives to traditional manure handling you should attend this field day. For more information telephone the ISU Department of Agriculture (309) 438-5654 or (309) 438-3881.

The Illinois Stewardship Alliance (ISA) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is holding public meetings to inform producers about the new Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). The public informational meeting will be held from 10 a.m.-noon, w/coffee and muffins provided.

The 2008 Farm Bill authorized the Conservation Stewardship Program for and agricultural and forestry producers.  The Conservation Stewardship Program is now available statewide through continuous enrollment with announced cut-off application dates for ranking periods.

This program was announced August 10 by USDA officials. This is the first nationwide sign-up for this program. Farm and ranch operators will have until September 30 to apply for this first program enrollment at local NRCS offices.

NRCS administers CSP, a voluntary conservation program designed to encourage agricultural and forestry producers to adopt additional conservation practices and improve, maintain and manage existing ones.  Eligible lands include cropland, grassland, prairie, improved pastureland, rangeland, non-industrial private forestland - a new land use for the program - and agricultural land. Producers interested in applying for CSP may learn more about the program by viewing online information at www.nrcs.usda.gov/new_csp or by visiting their local NRCS county office staff.

Illinois Stewardship Alliance is a statewide membership that promotes ecologically sustainable, economically viable, socially just local food systems through policy development, advocacy and education.

USDA NRCS is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

The Illinois Stewardship Alliance (ISA) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is holding public meetings to inform producers about the new Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). The public informational meeting will be held from 10 a.m.-1:00 p.m, w/ lunch provided.

The 2008 Farm Bill authorized the Conservation Stewardship Program for and agricultural and forestry producers.  The Conservation Stewardship Program is now available statewide through continuous enrollment with announced cut-off application dates for ranking periods.

This program was announced August 10 by USDA officials. This is the first nationwide sign-up for this program. Farm and ranch operators will have until September 30 to apply for this first program enrollment at local NRCS offices.

NRCS administers CSP, a voluntary conservation program designed to encourage agricultural and forestry producers to adopt additional conservation practices and improve, maintain and manage existing ones.  Eligible lands include cropland, grassland, prairie, improved pastureland, rangeland, non-industrial private forestland - a new land use for the program - and agricultural land. Producers interested in applying for CSP may learn more about the program by viewing online information at www.nrcs.usda.gov/new_csp or by visiting their local NRCS county office staff.

Illinois Stewardship Alliance is a statewide membership that promotes ecologically sustainable, economically viable, socially just local food systems through policy development, advocacy and education.

USDA NRCS is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

The Illinois Pumpkin Day will be held from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Registration is free and lunch is provided.

Complete the registration form Link the attached flyer here and return it by September 6. For more information, contact Dr. M. Babadoost, 217-333-1523; babadoos@illinois.edu

The Illinois Stewardship Alliance (ISA) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is holding meetings to inform producers about the new Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). The public informational meeting will be held from 10 a.m.-1:00 p.m, w/ lunch provided.

The 2008 Farm Bill authorized the Conservation Stewardship Program for and agricultural and forestry producers.  The Conservation Stewardship Program is now available statewide through continuous enrollment with announced cut-off application dates for ranking periods.

This program was announced August 10 by USDA officials. This is the first nationwide sign-up for this program. Farm and ranch operators will have until September 30 to apply for this first program enrollment at local NRCS offices.

NRCS administers CSP, a voluntary conservation program designed to encourage agricultural and forestry producers to adopt additional conservation practices and improve, maintain and manage existing ones.  Eligible lands include cropland, grassland, prairie, improved pastureland, rangeland, non-industrial private forestland - a new land use for the program - and agricultural land. Producers interested in applying for CSP may learn more about the program by viewing online information at www.nrcs.usda.gov/new_csp or by visiting their local NRCS county office staff.

Illinois Stewardship Alliance is a statewide membership that promotes ecologically sustainable, economically viable, socially just local food systems through policy development, advocacy and education.

USDA NRCS is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Food. Some love it, everyone needs it. Have you ever thought about where your food comes from? Do you know the farmer who grew it? Or how it was raised? These are all topics that will be addressed at the upcoming Tri-State Local Food Conference at the Fairfield Arts and Convention Center, September 4 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. This conference is designed for farmers, consumers, educators and others interested in producing a sustainable local food system and growing food, growing lives and growing the economy. The Conference will also feature nine breakout sessions related to local food geared toward farmers and professionals working in the food system. Break-out sessions will focus on farm to school programs, producer innovation and food system development. Session will be presented by speakers from Iowa, Illinois and Missouri. The lunch consisting of local food will be served and displays highlighting marketing tools, food system work and other food related topics will be available. Tri-State Local Food Conference advanced registration is $45 with discounts available for students and Buy Fresh Buy Local members. Contact Detra Dettmann, 641-472-6177 or visit http://travelfairfieldiowa.com/food-conference for more information and to register.

The fourth workshop sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension, Calhoun/Jersey Unit, designed to provide community members with the skills and information they need to be sustainable and, to an extent, self-reliant, particularly in these challenging economic times

Join us in this hands-on workshop exploring ways you can reduce your energy bills by conducting a home energy audit and doing some simple things to make your home more energy efficient. Using the century-old farmhouse at the McCully Heritage Project as an example, Extension Educators, Jay Solomon and Ted Funk, will discuss “green” energy options for the average consumer.

Refreshments will be provided as part of the registration fee and will include locally grown treats.

Registration for each session is $15 ($25 for couples or if you bring a friend). Register for 3 or more sessions for $10 each session. Registration deadline is one week before each session – late registrations will be charged a $5 fee. The program will be held from 6:00 to 8:30 pm.

Do you know what plants are in your pastures? Are you getting the most forage from your pasture? How many horses should be on a pasture? If any or all of these are issues for you, then this "Pasture Walk" workshop will help.  University of Illinois Extension Educator, Ellen Phillips, will share practical information to use in your pasture operation, enabling pastures to work for you.

$15 per adult and $5 per child (under age 18); preregistration and payment is required 7 days prior to workshop date. Cost is $25 at door.

To register or for more information, contact University of Illinois Extension-Winnebago County at 815-986-4357 or visit http://winnebago.extension.uiuc.edu

Make a link to the online registration page
https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=3158

The Organic Agriculture Research program at Western Illinois University will be hosting its annual field day at the WIU/Allison Organic Farm and the neighboring Kane Farm in south-western Warren County, IL. The theme this year is Cover Crop Innovation.  All attendees will receive a CD with profiles of over 40 organic and conventional grain farmers in the Midwest region that are cover crop innovators. Certified organic and conventional cover crop seed will be available for pick up at the field day at discounted prices for farmers that place orders in advance. Contact Andy Clayton (217) 322 2639 for more information about ordering seed.

The field day will start with a free lunch featuring local farm products. After lunch, a cover crop seed industry rep, an aerial applicator and a cover crop researcher will give short presentations and a farmer panel (including organic and conventional farmers) will answer questions about their experiences with cover crops.  The field day will conclude with a walking tour of the research and production fields (including lots of cover crops) at the Allison Farm.

The field day is free and open to the public but advance registration is required for the lunch. To register, please contact Andy Clayton, AW-Clayton@wiu.edu, (309) 298-1172, (217) 322-2639 or the WIU Ag Office, (309) 298-1080. The WIU Organic Agriculture Research program website can be accessed via the following link: www.wiu.edu/ag/organicfarm

Farmland in Illinois has been changed to other uses at a rapid rate over the past decade. Much of Illinois’ most productive farmland borders developing areas and has converted at a rate 30% faster than other farmland. Is this a problem or concern for the state or in your community? How do we plan for transitions in land use and still maintain a viable food supply? Can agriculture be sustainable and homeowners be happy? What are tools that can be used to help landowners and planners? Nationally-recognized speakers from Illinois and across the country will address these and other issues during the conference. The program will be held from 9:00 am – 3:30 pm.

Register on-line

Plan to attend this free webinar (noon to 1:00 Central) and learn from National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) specialists Linda Coffey and Margo Hale as they discuss the following: multiple benefits of sheep and goats, selecting breeding stock ,general production concerns, evaluating animal health, marketing meat, milk, and wool products, including organic and your questions about sheep and goat production. Register at www.attra.ncat.org/webinars2009/sheepandgoat

The third workshop sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension, Calhoun/Jersey Unit, designed to provide community members with the skills and information they need to be sustainable and, to an extent, self-reliant, particularly in these challenging economic times.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by your bumper crop of tomatoes? Are you wondering what to do with all those zucchini or bell peppers? Don’t let the harvest go to waste, learn to preserve it for year round enjoyment. This evening workshop taught by Carol Schlitt, Extension Educator, Nutrition and Wellness, covers the basics of food preservation, from canning to freezing

Refreshments will be provided as part of the registration fee and will include locally grown treats.

Registration for each session is $15 ($25 for couples or if you bring a friend). Register for 3 or more sessions for $10 each session. Registration deadline is one week before each session – late registrations will be charged a $5 fee. The program will be held from 6:00 to 8:30 pm.

Come see the demonstration plots of Bioenergy crops, oilseeds, and other general  alternative crops.

Research updates will be given on Milkweed, Cuphea, and Biomass crop production, along with displays on winter annual oilseed production and a talk on the recent research from the USDA on field pennycress.  The day is set up as a guided tour through the plots with plenty of time for pictures and individual questions.  The tour will be held from 2-4.  No registration required and free to the public. If you have any questions or would like to bring a large group, please contact Dr. Win Phippen (309) 298-1251  for more details.

Join your colleagues in Dearborn for 24 symposia, more than 150 oral and poster presentations, tours, workshops, and special events. This year the overarching theme of the conference is Delivering Conservation, Today and Tomorrow. We will explore the challenges facing the delivery of conservation planning, policy, and practices today and the issues that must be resolved in order to deliver sustainable soil and water conservation tomorrow and into the future.

This will be an exciting opportunity to visit an interesting farm with a diverse array of animals – Belgian horses and draft mules used in their farming, Scottish cattle, Bourbon Red turkeys, and green-legged chickens that lay blue eggs!   The Daniels also raise bean sprouts, greens and other produce.  http://www.bearcreekfarmandranch.com

The Daniels will be serving chicken & noodles or chicken & gnocchi and a salad made with fresh chicken, eggs, and greens from their farm.  Lunch will be served at 1:15, followed by the farm tour.

Cost for the tour is $10 for Slow Food Members, $12 for non-members.  If you are interested in attending, please contact Deanna by June 25 at 629-8949 or Deanna_Glosser@comcast.net to register.  Advance payment is not required but it is critical that if you sign-up that you attend so we can have the right quantity of food.  We can arrange to car pool if you are interested.

The Organic Tree Fruit Growers Association announces an exceptional event for all tree fruit growers. This event will provide a breadth and depth of information on organic apple production and on-farm research never before offered in Michigan or surrounding states. The event, sponsored by The Organic Tree Fruit Growers Association and hosted by Jim and Karen Koan of Almar Orchards, begins at 9:00 am. The program will focus on the Orchard’s high-density planting system and orchard equipment.  Mr. Koan will show his three-year soil preparation program as well as orchard spacing, details of choosing disease-resistant varieties, and insect pest and disease control.  The Koan’s will provide a tour of their facilities to include their apple pressing operation, packing line, and discuss how to access newer, local markets that have increased their business. Al-Mar Orchards is the largest certified organic orchard in the Midwest and Mr. Koan is considered to be among the region’s most innovative growers.  Optional tours will cover the organic hops research, organic green house vegetable and compost production, and organic swine production.

Advance registration is required by June 16 along with a $20 registration fee.  An on-farm lunch will be provided that features Al-Mar Orchards products and other local, organic foods.  The registration form is available at http://www.mosesorganic.org/treefruit/events.htm, or by contacting Deirdre at deirdreb@mindspring.com or 608-967-2362. A late fee will apply.

The second workshop sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension, Calhoun/Jersey Unit that is designed to provide community members with the skills and information they need to be sustainable and, to an extent, self-reliant, particularly in these challenging economic times

This course introduces us to honeybees, the benefits and challenges of raising bees and their place on a small farm or in a backyard garden. Bees are active pollinators, a source of honey and other useful products. John Schlafer will lead this beginner course on beekeeping that gives you the basics for learning more and taking up beekeeping in your own backyard.

Refreshments will be provided as part of the registration fee and will include locally grown treats.

Registration for each session is $15 ($25 for couples or if you bring a friend). Register for 3 or more sessions for $10 each session. Registration deadline is one week before each session – late registrations will be charged a $5 fee. The program will be held from 6:00 to 8:30 pm

The first of several organic field days sponsored by the University of Illinois is entitled, "Beginning Organic Farmers: De-mystifying Certification and the Choice Not to Certify." The tour will visit two farms in Southern Illinois - one which is certified organic and the other which farms organically but has chosen not to certify. The tour will be held from 12:30-4:00 pm.  Click here for registration.

Tour stops include:

Farmer Browns Produce, Pomona, IL

Farmers, Josh Brown and Devin Brown (interestingly, no relation) are a fine demonstration of the early stages of a small, diversified organic operation and direct marketing alternatives in Southern Illinois.

Clear Creek Farm, Cobden, IL

Clear Creek Farm is an intensive CSA operation nestled in the heart of the Illinois Ozarks, between Bald Knob and Iron Mountain on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.

Located on 48 acres, the land was purchased in 1976 by the Sternberg family. The majority of the forest is old growth with the oldest trees dating back to 1850. There are 1300 different types of trees on the property with the primary species being oak (Quercetum) and approximately 150 other genera of woody plants that are available for study, as well as herb and perennial landscapes, a native prairie garden, several provenance tests, and a conifer plantation.

The tour, given by Guy and Edie Sternberg, will focus on land stewardship, importance of biodiversity, species conservation, and erosion control. The tour will be held from 2:00 – 4:00 pm.

Please note that there are no public restrooms on the property.

There is no charge for the tour although reservations are required. To register or for more information, e-mail lindsay@ilstewards.org or call (217) 498-9707.

This new training is a foundational course in permaculture design with a practical bent. It is for renters, apartment dwellers, home-owners and lot-owners alike. For the suburban or city resident who wants to transform their immediate environment into natural beauty, productivity and functionality, this was designed for you.

The 11th North American Agroforestry Conference, hosted by the University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry and the Association for Temperate Agroforestry. The intent of the conference is to further stimulate development and adoption of sustainable rural land management practices centered on the integration of trees into the landscape. The conference will provide a forum for individuals associated with or practicing agroforestry to share their experiences and discuss production, environmental and social attributes of different agroforestry practices. Upland and riparian forest buffers, windbreaks and shelterbelts, silvopasture, alley cropping and forest farming practices will be the main foci discussed during the conference. There will be concurrent sessions, a poster session, field trips and time for discussion that focus on the successes, opportunities and constraints of agroforestry.

Learn how implements can contribute to satisfying, sustainable small-scale farming and help you achieve your goals. Information about the function and use of tractors and various implements will be demonstrated, including a bale mulcher, crop cart, tractor tiller, converted horse drawn cultivators, and a potato planter. Safe handling and use of the implements to prevent accidents will also be covered. Marty and Kris Travis will share how you can set up a small farm inexpensively using some older style equipment, but also be innovative with some of the newer stuff. The workshop will be held from from 10:00 - 2:00 pm. There is a fee of $30 per workshop for registrants who have not been enrolled in CIFB. To register, contact Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, University of Illinois Extension and Co-Facilitator CIFB, 217-968-5512, cvnghgrn@illinois.edu.

The first workshop sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension, Calhoun/Jersey Unit, designed to provide community members with the skills and information they need to be sustainable and, to an extent, self-reliant, particularly in these challenging economic times.

Chickens can be wonderful additions for the home gardener – providing eggs and perhaps meat for family meals. Learn how to keep a backyard flock safe, sound and healthy. Debbie Daniels of Bear Creek Farm and Ranch (www.bearcreekfarmandranch.com) will cover the basics of raising chicks, shelter, feed, and other issues involved with raising chickens. Municipal ordinances will also be covered. This program is offered with the help of the Illinois Stewardship Alliance

Refreshments will be provided as part of the registration fee and will include locally grown treats.

Registration for each session is $15 ($25 for couples or if you bring a friend). Register for 3 or more sessions for $10 each session. Registration deadline is one week before each session – late registrations will be charged a $5 fee. The program will be held from 6:00 to 8:30 pm

This hands-on workshop will be held at Prairie Fruits Farm. Leslie Cooperband and Wes Jarrell (co-owners and both soil scientists) and Roger Windhorn (Resource Soil Scientist, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service) will demonstrate how to collect soil samples for soil testing, and how to measure simple soil quality indicators such as soil structure (tilth), water  infiltration and soil penetration resistance. The workshop will also include information on how to review soil test results and how to interpret findings. They will also discuss how to use county soils maps developed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, particularly when considering land for purchase or lease.  The workshop will be held from from 1:30- 4:00 pm. There is a fee of $30 per workshop for registrants who have not been enrolled in CIFB. To register, contact Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, University of Illinois Extension and Co-Facilitator CIFB, 217-968-5512, cvnghgrn@illinois.edu.

Interested farmers and agriculture professionals can find out how to write successful grant proposals and learn more about the North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR SARE) Farmer Rancher Grant Program at a two-hour workshop that will be held on Wednesday, May 13, presented by the University of Illinois Extension-Winnebago and Stephenson Counties. The workshop will be held in the Community Meeting Room (downstairs) from 6 to 8 p.m.

The workshop will include information to help farmers compete for grants from the North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR SARE) Farmer Rancher Grant Program. Producers interested in research, demonstrations or educating others about profitable, environmentally sound, socially responsible agricultural, are encouraged to attend the workshop.

Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, Extension Specialist, Small Farm and Sustainable Agriculture, University of Illinois Extension and State Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator will discuss Successful Grant Writing and take participants through the NCR SARE Farmer/Rancher Grant Program Call for Proposals. Farmer Rancher Grant recipients will share their experiences as NCR SARE Farmer Rancher Grant Program recipients.

The cost of this workshop is $15; please register online at http://www.extension.uiuc.edu/winnebago or call the University of Illinois Extension-Winnebago County at 815-986-4357. Pre-registration by May 10 would be appreciated.

The University of Illinois Extension-Stephenson County will host a business planning and risk management workshop for small farms and market gardeners. This workshop is designed to help with the basics of business planning, bookkeeping and risk management. You’ll hear how to avoid risks when selling directly to consumers and what type of insurance is best for your enterprise. You’ll also learn about bookkeeping tips that will help you track the progress of your enterprise.

Business Planning for Your Small Farm or Market Garden will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2009, at the Freeport Public Library. The program will start at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at 11:30 a.m. This program will be led by Deb Brown from Ag and Small Business Service of Lena, IL. To register call the University of Illinois Extension-Stephenson County at 815-235-4125 or on-line at http://www.extension.uiuc.edu/stephenson. Registration is $10.

Planning Your Vegetable Production is a workshop that will focus attention to various aspects of preparing yourself for vegetable production.  Topics cover include growing seasons and growth characteristics, row spacing and production estimates, successive planting, intercropping, and rotating.  The workshop will be held by Bill Shoemaker, University of Illinois Extension Specialist in Vegetable Crops and Kari Houle, University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator from Knox County.  There is a $10 fee to attend this workshop.

The workshop will be held via MeetingPlace from 9:00 am - noon at several University of Illinois Extension offices across the state.  For more information contact 309-342-5108 or send an email to lhankes@illinois.edu or khoule@illinois.edu. 

Topics to be covered included: Rules and Regulations; Resources for Market Managers and Vendors; Market Issues for the Manager and Vendor; Farmers Market Association Presentation and Roundtable with Question and Answer Period. The workshop will be held from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Registration is $15 per person if you pre-register (two working days prior to the workshop you plan to attend) and $20 per person at the door (lunch is included). Online Registration is available at: http://www.agr.state.il.us/marketing/reservations/ For more information contact Delayne Reeves at 217-524-9129 or delayne.reeves@illinois.gov

Topics to be covered included: Rules and Regulations; Resources for Market Managers and Vendors; Market Issues for the Manager and Vendor; Farmers Market Association Presentation and Roundtable with Question and Answer Period. The workshop will be held from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Registration is $15 per person if you pre-register (two working days prior to the workshop you plan to attend) and $20 per person at the door (lunch is included). Online Registration is available at: http://www.agr.state.il.us/marketing/reservations/ For more information contact Delayne Reeves at 217-524-9129 or delayne.reeves@illinois.gov

The 2009 Sheep Shearing School will be held on Friday and Saturday, April 3 and 4 at the Livestock Pavilion on the Western Illinois University Campus. The school begins at 10 am on Friday, April 3 and will last until 5:00 pm.

Students will learn to properly maintain equipment, as well as to shear. Youth and adults may enroll in shearing school. Students should be over 15 years of age and have enough size and strength to handle mature sheep. They should also have a sincere interest in sheep production and have a chance to shear sheep after the school. This year, individuals who have completed the course before may also enroll again. This will provide an excellent opportunity to improve their skills.

The school will be limited to 20 students. We will accept enrollments in the order in which they are received at this office. The enrollment fee for the shearing school is $50. No enrollments will be accepted without the enrollment fee. Make checks payable to University of Illinois. 

For additional information and application forms, contact Richard Cobb before March 31, 2009. The address is Dick Cobb, Extension Sheep Specialist, 1207 West Gregory, Urbana, Illinois 61801 -  arcobb@uiuc.edu -  217-333-7351.

This workshop will provide information about basic organic weed and pest control for growing of vegetables and small fruits. Topics discussed are designed to be valuable to beginners as well as experienced producers. Presenters: Bill Lindenmier, Unit Educator, Crop Systems, U of I Extension-Ogle County and Andy Hazzard, Local Foods Systems Coordinator, U of I Extension-Winnebago County. Cost is $10.00 per person, which includes refreshments, materials and handouts. To register: Call 815-986-4357 or online at: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/winnebago

Topics to be covered included: Rules and Regulations; Resources for Market Managers and Vendors; Market Issues for the Manager and Vendor; Farmers Market Association Presentation and Roundtable with Question and Answer Period. The workshop will be held from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Registration is $15 per person if you pre-register (two working days prior to the workshop you plan to attend) and $20 per person at the door (lunch is included). Online Registration is available at: http://www.agr.state.il.us/marketing/reservations/ For more information contact Delayne Reeves at 217-524-9129 or delayne.reeves@illinois.gov

The 2009 Extension Risk Management Education Conference Planning Committee extends a warm invitation to all private and public sector educators, crop insurance agents, lenders and other agricultural  professionals.  Come share the results of your educational efforts, and learn  about ongoing and emerging successful risk management education programming  with your colleagues from around the country!

A Pre-Conference Seminar will be held on Monday afternoon, March 30.  Due to the recent volatility in commodity markets and the many changes in agricultural marketing, this year's seminar topic will be "The New Paradigms of Marketing".  

Dr. Loretta Ortiz-Ribbing (Extension Specialist-Crop Systems University of Illinois Extension, Macomb Center) will lead this day-long workshop on insect, weed and disease identification that includes hands-on identification of live samples and color photos. Discussion of troubleshooting problems in organic and sustainable production systems, scouting techniques, sample collecting and record keeping will also be presented. The workshop will be held from 9:00-4:00 pm. There is a fee of $30 per workshop for registrants who have not been enrolled in CIFB. To register, contact Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, University of Illinois Extension and Co-Facilitator CIFB, 217-968-5512, cvnghgrn@illinois.edu.

Do you need a website? Learn how the internet can be a critical part of your marketing plan. This session will feature Simon Huntley, Lead Developer, Small Farm Central and Andrew and Jennifer Miller, Rush Creek Farms. The workshop will be held from 6:30-9:00 pm. There is a fee of $30 per workshop for registrants who have not been enrolled in CIFB. To register, contact Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, University of Illinois Extension and Co-Facilitator CIFB, 217-968-5512, cvnghgrn@illinois.edu.

David McLaughlin, Assistant Professor of Horticulture and Coordinator of Horticulture Program, Richland Community

College will present a workshop from 1:00-4:00 pm. Learn how to successfully start vegetables and flowers from seed, plugs, bare root or plant propagation. This workshop will include hands-on planting, transplanting and plant propagation, as well as practical plant practices and equipment the beginning farmer can utilize. Topics will include: Vegetable and Flower Production (variety selection, production equipment, production volume and scheduling, containers, soil mixes, seeding, plug and bare root and transplanting); Plant Propagation (plant selection and taking cuttings) and Sales. Participants will receive transplants to include in their farming operation. There is a fee of $30 per workshop for registrants who have not been enrolled in CIFB. To register, contact Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, University of Illinois Extension and Co-Facilitator CIFB, 217-968-5512, cvnghgrn@illinois.edu.

The workshop will feature a presentation on Wholesale Success: A Farmer's Guide to Selling, Postharvest Handling and Packing Produce; farmer-to-farmer sharing about wholesaling experiences; and, a roundtable and networking with wholesale buyers.

Learn about:

• Food safety standards
• Postharvest handling
• Sorting, packing and shipping
• Starting and building relationships with buyers

Learn from producers currently selling into wholesale markets. Meet buyers from Sysco Central Illinois, Chartwells-Thompson Hospitality (Chicago Public Schools), and Chipotle Mexican Grill.

Registration begins at noon and workshop will run from 12:30 – 4:00 pm.  Registration is $50 and covers the workshop and your copy of the 174 page manual, Wholesale Success. (Manual retails for $80.00.)  Presented by Sysco, Illinois Stewardship Alliance, and FamilyFarmed.org  For more information, contact 708-763-9920.  To register http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/54117

The Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2009, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, at Sinsinawa Mound Conference Center in Sinsinawa, WI (located in southern Wisconsin, between Dubuque, Iowa and Galena, Illinois).  The Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference, which occurs every year on the second Saturday in March, is designed for woodland owners and forest professionals from Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. The sessions provide participants with the knowledge and skills to manage woodlands using good stewardship principles.

This year, they have added a series of sessions for youth in grades 4 – 6 to include a variety of topics, including Woodland Mammals, Geocaching (using GPS units to find hidden treasure), Raptors, Woodland Communities, and a number of hands-on activities, art projects, and presentations.

Speakers will gave talks on topics including tree identification, identification and control of invasive plants, chainsaw safety and maintenance, wildlife habitats, special forest products, woodland management and stewardship planning, pest management, estate planning, famous and historic trees from the Tri-State area, and wood-based biofuels, among others. Some sessions will be geared towards beginners, while others will provide new information for veteran foresters. Numerous companies and organizations will be represented as Exhibitors at the conference.

Conference details and online registration procedures can be found at the following website http://basineducation.uwex.edu/gpsp/ For more information, contact Peggy Compton, UW-Extension Basin Educator at ph. 608-342-1633, peggy.compton@ces.uwex.edu.

Have you ever dreamed of starting your own farm-based business - perhaps a pumpkin patch, apple orchard, or even raising honey bees? If so, how do you know if this type of Entrepreneurial Farming is for YOU??? Come find out...the possibilities are endless! The workshop will begin at 1:00 p.m. (registration starts at 12:30 pm) and will conclude around 5:00 p.m. Refreshments and reference materials will be provided.

Registration fee is $15 if pre-registered on or before Friday, March 6, $20 if registered after March 6. For more information or to pre-register, call (217) 357-2150 or register online at www.extension.uiuc.edu/hancock. Co-sponsors of the workshop include University of Illinois Extension, Hancock County Farm Bureau, Illinois Institute of Rural Affairs, Carthage Industrial Development Corporation and The Land Connection. Persons needing a reasonable accommodation to participate in the class should make their request known at the time of registration.

The Illinois Forage Institute educational program will provide sessions on managing pastures and hayland, as well as commercial exhibits focusing on the forage industry. Cost for the program is $15 per person and pre-registration is requested by February 24 2009.  The program begins at 9:00 am and concludes at 4:00 pm. Cost will be $20 per person after February 24 and also accepted at the door on March 5.  Registration covers a noon meal and forage presentation handout material.  Program registration can be made by contacting University of Illinois Extension, Whiteside County Unit Office, 100 E. Knox Street, Morrison, IL 61270; phone 815-772-4075.  The program agenda can be accessed at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/rockfordcenter/ag.html. The program is sponsored by the Illinois Forage and Grassland Council.

Illinois Forage Institute Brochure

Food Rules is a two hour workshop about the rules governing the processing, transportation, and selling of your farm products. It is a collaborative effort between the University of Illinois Extension and The Land Connection.  At the workshop, you will have the opportunity to hear from a panel of State and County Health Department personnel, legal experts, and experienced farmers, and to ask the experts specific questions about your own farm products or planned products -- questions such as: Is it OK to sell home-baked goods made with my farm produce?  Can I give customers samples of my fresh apples? Is it OK to make my own jams and jellies in a church kitchen?  

Register now for a Food Rules workshop near you at http://www.thelandconnection.org/farmers/foodrules.cfm or by contacting The Land Connection office at info@thelandconnection.org or 847-570-0701.

Food Rules Flyer

Food Rules is made possible by a grant from the USDA Risk Management Education Program.

An extraordinary, farmer-centered event, the Organic Farming Conference is the largest organic farming conference in the U.S. In 2008, more than 2,300 people attended, with participants traveling from 37 states and 1 foreign country. Sponsored by the Wisconsin-based Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES), the conference is celebrated as the foremost educational and networking event in the organic farming community.

The conference is highly regarded due to its practical workshops designed to help beginning, transitional, and experienced organic farmers.

Planning Your Vegetable Production is a workshop that will focus attention to various aspects of preparing yourself for vegetable production.  Topics cover include growing seasons and growth characteristics, row spacing and production estimates, successive planting, intercropping, and rotating.  The workshop will be held by Bill Shoemaker, University of Illinois Extension Specialist in Vegetable Crops and Kari Houle, University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator from Knox County.  There is a $10 fee to attend this workshop.

Online registration can be found at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/knox/index.html or you may send your registration information and payment to University of Illinois Extension Knox County, 180 S. Soangetaha Rd. Ste 108, Galesburg, IL  61401. 

Learn about carbon trading, the latest research in soil and water management, and practical information on managing these resources! To present these topics at multiple locations, many presentations will be made through the use of Power Point and teleconferencing.

Workshops will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; cost is $45.00 per person, which includes materials and lunch.  To register, call U of I Extension-Winnebago County at 815-986-4357 or visit www.extension.uiuc.edu/winnebago ; deadline is February 11.

The Conference brings together small fruit and vegetable growers, researchers, extension workers, and commercial suppliers from across the state and around the country. The keynote presents the concept of Polyculture - raising multiple crops in the same space to mimic the diversity of the natural ecosystem. There is a trade show that includes vendors for a wide range of products and services and the Blueberry Council of Missouri annual meeting. Sponsored by Missouri State University Dept of Agriculture, University of Missouri Extension, Lincoln University and Missouri Dept of Agriculture.

Students can attend at no charge - http://www.mtngrv.missouristate.edu/
assets/commercial/studentfliersfc09.pdf

This program is targeted to those individuals interested in increasing the value of production with enterprises that don't require a substantial land resource. Breakout session topics for this year include: hoophouses/high tunnels; organic gardening; sheep and goat health; woodland management; small fruit production; native plants (golden seal, ginseng, etc.); and forage and pasture management. The general session topic is: Resources available for small farmers. The program will be held from 9:00 am-1:00 pm. Cost will be $30 per person, which includes lunch. Register online at www.extension.uiuc.edu/adams or call 217-223-8380.

Event Flyer

Food Rules is a two hour workshop about the rules governing the processing, transportation, and selling of your farm products. It is a collaborative effort between the University of Illinois Extension and The Land Connection.  At the workshop, you will have the opportunity to hear from a panel of State and County Health Department personnel, legal experts, and experienced farmers, and to ask the experts specific questions about your own farm products or planned products -- questions such as: Is it OK to sell home-baked goods made with my farm produce?  Can I give customers samples of my fresh apples? Is it OK to make my own jams and jellies in a church kitchen?  

Register now for a Food Rules workshop near you at http://www.thelandconnection.org/farmers/foodrules.cfm or by contacting The Land Connection office at info@thelandconnection.org or 847-570-0701.

Food Rules Flyer

Food Rules is made possible by a grant from the USDA Risk Management Education Program.

2009 marks the fourth annual meeting for the Midwest Cover Crops Council. The two day meeting offers a wealth of information exchange and networking opportunities. Day One features a timely update on cover crop research, extension and policy efforts across the Midwest and Great Lakes basin. Designed in a conference style format, a wide variety of speakers will share their findings and discuss cover crop accomplishments. New with this meeting, a poster session offers the chance to discuss research and extension findings in greater detail. Day Two is a hands-on meeting with time for each of the working groups (extension education, strategic communication, policy, and research) to meet and develop further work plans and refine strategic messages for use in the coming year. Registration is $25.

The Sixth Annual Composting Symposium: Vermiculture and Beyond will feature keynote speaker, Dan Holcombe, Oregon Soil Corporation and an opportunity to build your own bin.  Conference is open to the public - educators, farmers and gardeners.  The cost for early registration (by January 23) is $40 for the Symposium and Build Your Own Bin ($25 for Symposium Only).  The workshop will be held from 12:30-6:30 pm.  For more information contact the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, 217-498-9707, www.ilstewards.org

Food Rules is a two hour workshop about the rules governing the processing, transportation, and selling of your farm products. It is a collaborative effort between the University of Illinois Extension and The Land Connection.  At the workshop, you will have the opportunity to hear from a panel of State and County Health Department personnel, legal experts, and experienced farmers, and to ask the experts specific questions about your own farm products or planned products -- questions such as: Is it OK to sell home-baked goods made with my farm produce?  Can I give customers samples of my fresh apples? Is it OK to make my own jams and jellies in a church kitchen?  

Register now for a Food Rules workshop near you at http://www.thelandconnection.org/farmers/foodrules.cfm or by contacting The Land Connection office at info@thelandconnection.org or 847-570-0701.

Food Rules Flyer

Food Rules is made possible by a grant from the USDA Risk Management Education Program.

The Illinois Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society has scheduled their 2009 Annual Meeting and Conference for Wednesday, January 28 at the University of Illinois Extension, Christian County Office, 1120 North Webster St., Taylorville, IL. For directions and a map, see http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/christian/findus.html

With the events of the recent past, energy is becoming more critical than ever. The theme for this year's annual meeting is "Biomass – A Climate-Friendly and Farmer-Friendly Energy Source". The Keynote Speaker is Dr. Mark Jenner, a Biomass Economist, who will be speaking on "Biomass Rules".  Other speakers include Matt Robert, University of Illinois Research Engineer - "Methane Biodigesters";  Doug Block, Stephenson County Dairy Farmer – "Operating a Biodigester"; and Gary Letterly, U of I Natural Resources Educator – "Potential Opportunities for Growing and Using Biomass".

From 1:15 to 3:00 pm there will be a tour of the University of Illinois Christian County Office biomass heat furnace and the methane recovery/greenhouse utilization at Buckley Growers Greenhouse.

The 2009 SWCS Annual Meeting and Awards Program will be conducted during the Noon Luncheon. The Registration Fee of $35 ($50 non-members) will include lunch. Advance reservations are required to make meal and meeting arrangements. Please make reservations by Wednesday, January 21, 2009. No refunds after January 21. To reserve your place, make check payable to "SWCS" and send to: Macon County SWCD, 4004 College Park Rd., Decatur, IL  62521, or call ph. 217-877-5670, Ext. 3. Please make check payable to "Illinois SWCS".

Slow Food Springfield, the University of Illinois Extension, and the Illinois State Museum are presenting the Food Film Festival on January 24, 2009 at the Illinois State Museum located at Spring and Edwards Streets in Springfield. We will be presenting films about our most important life sustaining resource – food. The purpose of the film festival is to both educate the public on issues regarding our current food systems including modern food production, distribution and consumption, and their effects on our health, the environment, and human rights, and to learn about food in different cultures. There is no charge to attend these films. For more information, 217-782-7386.

"Annie's Project – Education for Farm Women" is being offered in Winnebago County and is designed to help farm women develop their management and decision making skills in the dynamic, complex world of agriculture. Using several agriculture industry and University of Illinois Extension educators as speakers, Annie's Project will cover topics that include goal setting, business planning, family communications, keeping track of financial records, interpreting financial information, understanding insurance options (liability, health, life, long-term care, crop, etc.) leases, retirement and estate planning, risk management, commodity marketing basics, soils, livestock and crop basics, and much more.

Dates of the series are January 22, 26, 29, and February 2, 5 and 9 (Thursdays and Mondays) with each session running from 6 to 9 p.m.; course fee is $50 which covers the cost of a program binder, computer software, handout materials and refreshments. To register, call U of I Extension-Winnebago County at 815-986-4357 or visit www.extension.uiuc.edu/winnebago ; deadline is January 19. Program sponsors include University of Illinois Extension-Boone County and Winnebago County, Winnebago County Farm Bureau and Boone County Farm Bureau.

The 2009 Midwest Value Added Ag Conference will address real life issues such as farm business management, marketing your products and on-farm bio energy options. Please join the round table discussions, break out sessions and general session speaker presentations. The conference brings Farmers and Ag folks together from across the Midwest to listen, learn and discuss agricultural issues that we are dealing with today.

Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group's (Southern SAWG) 18th annual conference will be held January 21-24, 2009 at the Chattanooga Convention Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee and will headquarter at the adjacent Marriott Hotel.

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. Then on Friday and Saturday, the general conference will offer eight tracks of highly essential conference sessions, a trade show, silent auction, video show, Taste of Tennessee dinner and more.

The general conference offers sustainable production and direct marketing information for horticultural and livestock producers, enterprise management lessons, farm policy education, community food systems development training and the opportunity to have a nice, long chat with peers from across the South.

The conference schedule will be available in October at www.ssawg.org or call 678-494-0696 to request a brochure. See you in Chattanooga at the EVER-PRACTICAL Southern SAWG conference!

Formerly the Illinois Organic Production Conference, we've now expanded! The Midwest Organic Production and Marketing Conference and Trade Show -- practical, science- and farmer-based information and extensive networking opportunities for anyone interested in organic food and farming.

A multi-state Heart of America Grazing Conference will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, January 21 & 22 at the Holiday Inn in Columbus, Indiana.  Speakers will comprise a number of specialists from throughout the U.S. with several exhibits available from industry representatives.

The program will begin with registration from 2:00 to 6:15 pm on January 21 with an evening dinner and program starting at 6:30 pm.  Topic and speaker on Monday evening will be "What is Polyface Inc.? and features Joel Salatin, Owner of Polyface, Inc., Swoop, Virginia.

The January 22 program will have general sessions on "Understanding Forage Growth and Development of Grasses and Legumes" by Drs. Ray Smith and Garry Lacefield of Kentucky;

"Ultra High Stock Density Grazing" by Joel Salatin; "Getting Started in Management Intensive Grazing" by Robert Zupancic and Susannah Hinds, NRCS Grazingland Specialists; and "Keeping Going in Grazing" by Charlie Carter of Indiana. 

Breakout session in the afternoon will include "Marketing your Farm Raised Products"; Using Sheep and Goats in a Grazing Environment"; Grazing Stockers and Replacement Heifers in a Grazing Environment for Profit; and Alternative Forages in Our Grazing Operation."

Early registration fee is $35/day/person or $65 for both days.  Registration or a copy of the program flier can be obtained from: Indiana Forage Council, C/O Keith Johnson, 915 W. State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2054, Phone: 765-494-4800 or Email: johnsonk@purdue.edu.

Herbal experts from around the country will present five educational sessions designed to provide information and inspiration about herb gardening. "This year's speakers include Lucinda Hutson, a noted herbal author, speaker, and garden entertainer, Austin, Texas; Kathryn and Melvin Schiedermayer, Garden Spirit Natural Bath & Skincare, New Glarus, Wisconsin; Father Dominic Garramone, of St. Bede Abbey, Peru, Illinois; and Susan Hess, from Farm at Coventry, Pottstown, Pennsylvania.  In addition to the speakers, there will be a retail area selling a wide variety of herb, spice and gardening products as well as books and products from the presenters. Advance registration of $55, which includes an herb-themed lunch buffet, must be received by January 9. Contact Carla Chapman (217-333-7738; carlac@illinois.edu). On-site registration on January 17 begins at 8:00 a.m. only as space allows and does not include lunch. The first educational session begins promptly at 9:00 am.

Food Rules is a two hour workshop about the rules governing the processing, transportation, and selling of your farm products. It is a collaborative effort between the University of Illinois Extension and The Land Connection.  At the workshop, you will have the opportunity to hear from a panel of State and County Health Department personnel, legal experts, and experienced farmers, and to ask the experts specific questions about your own farm products or planned products -- questions such as: Is it OK to sell home-baked goods made with my farm produce?  Can I give customers samples of my fresh apples? Is it OK to make my own jams and jellies in a church kitchen?  

Register now for a Food Rules workshop near you at
http://www.thelandconnection.org/farmers/foodrules.cfm
or by contacting The Land Connection office at info@thelandconnection.org or 847-570-0701.

Food Rules Flyer  

Food Rules is made possible by a grant from the USDA Risk Management Education Program.

There has been a growing interest among farmers, consumers, and grocery chains to promote the growing and marketing of local foods. The Buy Local, Eat Fresh Seminar, with the consumer as its focus, will be held from 8:00 am - 3:15 pm. The program will include food demonstrations using fresh produce, Illinois wines and more.

The Illinois Specialty Crops and Agritourism Conference features programming for both the Illinois Specialty Growers Association and the Agricultural Tourism Partners of Illinois (ATPI). In addition to a specialty grower trade show, there are a variety of workshops and seminars covering a variety of topics from root rot to marketing.

Jim Gerrish, national known grazier and grazing specialist, will provide the keynote address at the Northwest Illinois Grazing Conference on how grazing competes with high commodity and energy prices. Dave Forgey, who grazes 250 dairy cows on 350 acres near Logansport, Indiana; and Dr. Alan Miller, University of Illinois Beef Cattle Specialist, who, along with family members, operates a 140 cow purebred Angus beef operation on 90 rotational grazed acres near Gridley, Illinois, are also on the program.  Conference topics to be covered include a virtual tour and discussion of each guest presenter's farming operations, dollars and sense of feed resources, how to manage legumes and residual grazing heights, and lessons learned in grazing.  The event also includes an exhibitor fair with numerous commercial and agency representatives sharing information about programs, products and services targeted to livestock graziers in Northwest Illinois and the greater Tri-State area. The conference will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with registration beginning at 9:00 a.m.

To register contact your local Extension office or Jo Daviess County Extension at 815-858-2273.  On-line registration can also be done via the Jo-Carroll Unit website at http://jdc.extension.uiuc.edu

Grazing Conference Flyer

The United States market for organic products reached $17 billion in 2007. The demand for organic grains and produce continues to exceed supply and growers everywhere are encouraged to consider the potential for organic production. Come hear from experts in the field! A trade show of organic products and services will be held during the conference with time for visiting. Our all-organic, four-course lunch will include delicious organic products from Iowa and the Midwest.

Join ISA at the second annual "Meet Your Local Producer" event, a local farm expo and holiday market. This event gives consumers, restaurant managers and chefs, retailers, and distributors an opportunity to meet local farmers, learn more about their products and locate new locally produced foods.

The expo will include an anticipated 40 farm set-ups with displays, samples and sales. While this event does have a farmers' market aspect, producers will also have the opportunity to educate consumers about the products they carry, their methods of production, and where their products are available.

"Meet Your Local Producer" will be held at the Illinois Building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, from 10am until 3pm. The event is open to the public for no charge. Vending spaces are available for $10 (fee waived for members of Buy Fresh Buy Local Central Illinois, Illinois Stewardship Alliance, Slow Food Springfield, or Land of Lincoln Agriculture Coalition). The registration deadline for vendors is November 7, 2008. If you are interested in vending at this event, you may access the vendor registration form online. Please note that if you have Microsoft Word, you may answer the questions on your computer prior to printing the document.

The Peoria Chapter of IDEA will host a workshop for farmers' market managers, community organizations, local governments, and others interested the planning, sponsoring, and management of farmers's markets in Peoria, Woodford, Tazewell, Marshall, Putnam, Stark, and Bureau counties. 

The "Growing Vibrant Farmers' Markets!" workshop will be on Monday, November 17, 2008 from 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm at the University of IL Extension in Peoria,
http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/peoria/findus.html 4810 North Sheridan Road. A  light meal will  be provided and three presentations will follow - Growing Trends & Importance of Locally Grown Foods; Farmer Panel on Sustainable Agriculture & Small-Scale Food Production; and The Nuts & Bolts of Successful Farmers' Market.  There will be time for questions and answers with all of the presenters.

There is no charge for workshop, however, registration is required by Wednesday, November 12.  To make your reservation or for more information please call Prairie Rivers RC&D 309-364-3979 or email  kim.stjohn@il.usda.gov .   Please see the attached flyer for more details.

Please feel free to past this information on to others who may be interested in starting or improving a farmers' market in their community. 

Workshop Information

Taking the Next Steps toward Using Season Extension Tools and Techniques to Increase Farm Profitability and Sustainability

Farmers and gardeners wishing to find ways to extend the growing season to increase the productivity and profitability of their crops are encouraged to take part in the upcoming edition of North Central Region Organic and Sustainable Ag Video Series.  Presentations by Extension specialists from West Virginia, Michigan and Virginia will focus on the production of tomatoes, winter vegetables, small fruit and flowers in high tunnel structures.This live interactive program on hoop house or high tunnel production systems will offer technical information, discussion and an opportunity for participants to learn and participate via Adobe Connect.  This event will be delivered on the Internet via Adobe Connect at the following link: https://gomeet.itap.purdue.edu/hightunnels/

This program can be viewed from any computer with a high speed internet connection or contact Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant for Illinois viewing sites at 217-968-5512 or cvnghgrn@illinois.edu. The program will also be archived for later viewing at: http://tristateorganic.info

This program is sponsored by North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research Education (NCSARE) and is offered as a cooperative effort of Michigan State University Extension, Purdue University Extension, and University of Illinois Extension.

Organic gardening experts from around the world will present five educational sessions to inspire herb gardening at this year's Organic Gardening Day, Saturday, November 8 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Center near Lincoln Ave. and I-74 in Urbana. In addition to the speakers, there will be a retail area selling a broad spectrum of gardening products. Advance registration of $59, which includes an organic lunch, must be received by October 31. Contact Carla Chapman (217-333-7738; carlac@illinois.edu). On-site registration on November 8 begins at 8:00 a.m. only as space allows and does not include lunch. The first educational session begins promptly at 9:00 am.

Learn about sustainable agriculture. Land stewardship. Diversified farm income. New market opportunities. The University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry, one of the world's leading centers contributing to the science underlying agroforestry, will present a workshop Friday, Nov. 7, at Straight Home on Rt. 100, north of Hardin, Ill.  (Hardin is just across the Missouri River from Elsberry MO). The free event, with lunch provided, will include an overview of the five practices of agroforestry, with more detailed presentations on silvopasture – the intentional combination of trees, forage and livestock managed as a single integrated practice; biomass for energy production and conservation; medicinal herbs and mushrooms; and nut production. Paul Easley, niche sawyer, will be the featured luncheon speaker, discussing how to successfully market specialty wood products. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., with the program running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each speaker will provide time for questions.

Registration for the workshop is necessary by Friday, Oct. 31. Contact Two Rivers RC&D at 217-285-4114 or the Calhoun County Soil and Water Conservation District at 618-576-2717 ext. 3. Space is limited so please reserve early.

Event Flyer

The largest annual small farm show in the United States! This year, will include 50+ talks, 150+ exhibitors, a poultry exhibition, and demos. The stock dog clinic will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2008. See the Schedule for a listing of all the short courses, seminars, farmers forum talks, and more going on at the show. To register, call 800-633-2535.

Ken Robertson, prairie expert with the Illinois Natural History Survey and author of the Tallgrass Prairie in Illinois website, will present a telenet and training session on October 21, 2008 from 1:30 to 3:00 pm and again at 6:30 to 8:00 pm.  Topics will include: ecology and history of the prairie, prairie establishment and management ideas and tips. Make plans now to visit your local University of Illinois Extension office on October 21, 2008. This telenet is part of the Natural Resources Management Team telenet series.  To register for the telenet please contact your local Extension office.

The Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) will convene a conference to address the factors driving change in mixed agricultural systems. The keynote speaker for the opening plenary session will be Dr. Frederick L. Kirschenmann, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture. Speaking at the closing session will be Jean Steiner, Director, USDA-ARS Grazinglands Research Lab.

University specialists for an in-depth look at Henry Brockman's fertility management strategies and practices. Henry will discuss his use of cover crops, compost, rotations, tillage, and purchased inputs. Henry's farm features beef cattle in rotation with 10 acres of vegetables. University faculty and staff will be on hand to discuss the results of a survey of organic growers and their fertility management and to help answer questions.

Field Day Flyer

How are land grant universities serving the public? How do the technologies and techniques developed by land grant universities contribute to the future of American agriculture?

Fred Kirschenmann, former director of the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University, will discuss the conflicted and future role of land grant universities, including these polarizing conceptions of land grant universities and how we can move beyond them. His presentation will be at 4:00 p.m. October 13 in room 314 of the University of Illinois's Illini Union.

Kirschenmann has completed a five-year term on the United States Department of Agriculture's National Organic Standards Board, and has chaired the administrative council for the USDA's North Central Region's Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program. He recently completed work for the North Dakota Commission on the Future of Agriculture, and was a charter member of the Northern Plains Sustainable Agriculture Society in 1979.

For more information, contact John Marlin (217-714-9301; jmarlin@illinois.edu).

Kirschenmann's visit is sponsored by the University of Illinois's Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture Program (ASAP).  Founded in 1998, ASAP promotes sustainability research and education to help farmers, students and society understand the benefits of sustainable and organic approaches.

The Illinois Water Resources Center (IWRC) and the Conference Planning Committee invite you to the 10th anniversary Illinois Water Conference, scheduled for October 8-9 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Champaign. Started in 1998, this biennial conference brings together agency personnel, scientists, educators, and community members for a two day discussion of the latest scientific advancements on topics of importance to water resources across the state.

For the 10th anniversary, former IWRC director, Richard (Rip) Sparks, will give the keynote address on Illinois water’s past, present and future. Now the Research Director for the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center, Rip has been actively involved in the Illinois water community for over 30 years.

Plenary and technical sessions will shed light on the implications of the Water Resources Development Act, climate change, monitoring, nutrients and many other topics. Scholarships are available to cover the conference registration fee for students from Illinois colleges and universities. Students will also present posters and papers during the conference sessions.

For registration details, agenda and more information about Illinois Water 2008, please visit the conference website http://www.iisgcp.org/ilwater/index.htm or contact Jennifer Fackler at phone 217-333-8806 or e-mail jfackler@uiuc.edu.

Free public lecture, Rethinking the Economics of Energy, Climate, and Food by Dr. John Ikerd, Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Economics, University of Missouri-Columbia and author of Sustainable Capitalism and the Return to Common Sense.  The challenges of  "peak oil," climate change, and food scarcity are all symptoms of the same basic root cause, an unsustainable economy. The industrial era of economic development was fueled by cheap fossil energy. We are not necessarily running out of energy, but we are running out of "cheap energy," and all of the remaining sources of fossil energy represent serious risks to the environment -- global climate change in particular. In addition, replacing fossil energy with biological energy, as from ethanol and biodiesel, threatens the earth's ability to produce sufficient food for a growing human population. We humans are biological beings; we rely on biological energy for our survival. To meet the triple challenges of peak oil, climate change, and food scarcity, we must replace the old industrial economic paradigm of extraction and exploitation with the new sustainable economic paradigm of renewal and regeneration. We must rethink the purpose and meaning of nature, society, and economy.

Presented at the University of Illinois-Springfield (UIS) Public Affairs Center Conference Room C/D on September 29 at 7:00 p.m.  Sponsored by the UIS Speaker's Series, Students Allied for a Greener Earth (SAGE), UIS Department of Environmental Studies, University of Illinois Extension and Slow Food Springfield.  For more information (217) 206-7895.

An invitation to participate with city and state leaders to share strategies and discuss policies to protect our natural resources. This international conference on river management and ecosystem services - or the economic and societal benefits provided by healthy ecosystems.

A free screening of the documentary The Future of Food will be held on Monday, September 15 at 7 p.m. at the Normal Theater in Normal.  The event is sponsored by Illinois State University’s Campus Dining Services and Green Team to raise awareness about the social and environmental benefits of local foods. The film examines the pervasiveness of genetically engineered foods and the market and political forces exerted by multinational corporations.  A panel discussion by community members involved in creating a viable local foods system in Central Illinois will follow the film.  For more information on the film visit www.thefutureoffood.com  The event is supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program.

Learn how co-grazing can work for you. Registration at 9:00 am with program from 9:30 – 3:00. Advance registration is due one week prior to the program date. Registration fee: $30 per person; second person from farm $20; late registration $35/25 per person. Checks can be mailed to the Macomb Extension Center, 480 S. Deer Road, Macomb IL 61455 or the Logan County Extension Unit. On-line registration: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID
=1917.

Questions regarding registration and meeting location should be directed to the Logan County Unit, 217-732-8289.

Is your forest everything you would like it to be?  As a landowner you can benefit from the various sessions that will be offered at a Forestry Field Day, September 11th at Spring View Acres near Detroit, Illinois. Topics and presentations scheduled for this field day can help answer questions and improve your forest land. Pre-registration is encouraged.

Potential sessions include:  Streambank Stabilization, Transplanting Trees, Pruning and Management of Fruit Trees, Firewood & Uses of Wood, Timber Management & Sales, Wildlife Management, Buffer Strips, Tax Issues and Landowner Incentives and Timber Stand Improvement. In addition to the educational topics, R. D. Coonrod, nationally recognized chain saw carver, will create an original carving after lunch.   Jeff Hudgens will also be demonstrating lumber sawing equipment and an edging machine.

Registration for the Field Day is $15 if made by September 4th, $20 after September 4th or the day of the event.  The registration fee includes lunch and all handouts. Registration on September 11th will begin at 9:00 am with the program beginning at 10:00 am.  Sessions and tours will begin at 10:30 and conclude at 3:30 pm. For a detailed brochure and registration blank or for more information, please call the Two Rivers RC&D Office, 217-285-4114.

Sponsored by the Energy Education Council, featuring experts from the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC), Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Illinois electric utilities, Illinois Finance Authority (IFA), Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and others. 

Learn about opportunities to save energy and lower costs through this information-packed workshop!  Topics include the wide range of energy resources for businesses, public and non-profit organizations, including top efficiency recommendations and more. Learn about financial resources, new incentive programs and what’s on the horizon in renewable energy technology. 

Take this opportunity to improve your energy bottom line!

Workshops provide four professional development hours.

Save more by registering early! Registration flyer is attached with details or register online at www.EnergyEdCouncil.org

Summer school is up and running. But for livestock producers, this might be a summer class you WANT to attend. Grazing School could help you save your grass. Several Grazing School sessions will be held across Illinois this summer. The students are livestock producers and Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) applicants. The day-long sessions are designed for grazing enthusiasts and will cover topics that can help build the skills and ideas needed to create sustainable grazing systems here in Illinois.  Specialists and educators from the University of Illinois Extension and USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will provide information on a wide range of topics: forage species, forage fertility, weed control in pastures, system layout and design suggestions, grazing management, summer and winter annuals, stockpiling options, forage risks and animal disorders, meeting animal nutritional needs with forages, and economics of managed grazing.  The sessions begin at 8:30 am and end at 4:30 pm.

To register or receive a program flier, contact Champaign SWCD at 217-352-3536 ext. 3. An early registration fee of $20 ($25 at the door) covers cost of the meal, refreshments and handouts. For additional information, contact your local USDA-NRCS office, or call Roger Staff, NRCS Grazing Specialist at 618-664-0555 ext. 108 or Matt Bunger, NRCS Grazing Specialist at 309-452-0830 ext. 112. Or contact Cliff Schuette, ILGLCI Chairman, at 618-781-0920.

Summer school is up and running. But for livestock producers, this might be a summer class you WANT to attend. Grazing School could help you save your grass. Several Grazing School sessions will be held across Illinois this summer. The students are livestock producers and Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) applicants. The day-long sessions are designed for grazing enthusiasts and will cover topics that can help build the skills and ideas needed to create sustainable grazing systems here in Illinois.  Specialists and educators from the University of Illinois Extension and USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will provide information on a wide range of topics: forage species, forage fertility, weed control in pastures, system layout and design suggestions, grazing management, summer and winter annuals, stockpiling options, forage risks and animal disorders, meeting animal nutritional needs with forages, and economics of managed grazing.  The sessions begin at 8:30 am and end at 4:30 pm.

To register or receive a program flier, contact Kyle Embry at (815)858-3418 ext. 3. An early registration fee of $20 ($25 at the door) covers cost of the meal, refreshments and handouts. For additional information, contact your local USDA-NRCS office, or call Roger Staff, NRCS Grazing Specialist at 618-664-0555 ext. 108 or Matt Bunger, NRCS Grazing Specialist at 309-452-0830 ext. 112. Or contact Cliff Schuette, ILGLCI Chairman, at 618-781-0920.

Illinois and Indiana producers and agriculture professionals can find out how to write successful grant proposals and learn more about the North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR SARE) Farmer Rancher Grant Program at a video workshop that will be held on August 28 at the University of Illinois Extension, Sangamon County Office in Springfield.

The workshop will include information to help farmers compete for grants from the North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR SARE) Farmer Rancher Grant Program. Producers interested in research, demonstrations or educating others about profitable, environmentally sound, socially responsible agricultural are encouraged to attend. 

Dr. Joan Fulton, Agriculture Economics Professor and co-chair of Purdue’s New Ventures Team and co-director of Purdue’s Agricultural Innovation and Commercialization Center (AICC) will discuss Successful Grant Writing and Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, Extension Specialist, Small Farm and Sustainable Agriculture, University of Illinois Extension and State Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator will take participants through the NCR SARE Farmer/Rancher Grant Program Call for Proposals. Farmer Rancher Grant recipients, Kevin Cooley (Lafayette, Indiana) and Mike Rahe (Jacksonville, Illinois)  will share their experiences as NCR SARE Farmer Rancher Grant Program recipients.

In 2009, producer grants will be awarded in amounts up to $6,000. Group projects (three or more producers) can be funded up to the $18,000 maximum. Funds will become available to successful applicants in April 2009.

The workshop is co-sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension and Purdue Extension. The two-hour program will begin at 6:00 p.m. CST. To sign up contact: Deborah Cavanaugh Grant 217-968-5512, cvnghgrn@illinois.edu 

Summer school is up and running. But for livestock producers, this might be a summer class you WANT to attend. Grazing School could help you save your grass. Several Grazing School sessions will be held across Illinois this summer. The students are livestock producers and Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) applicants. The day-long sessions are designed for grazing enthusiasts and will cover topics that can help build the skills and ideas needed to create sustainable grazing systems here in Illinois.  Specialists and educators from the University of Illinois Extension and USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will provide information on a wide range of topics: forage species, forage fertility, weed control in pastures, system layout and design suggestions, grazing management, summer and winter annuals, stockpiling options, forage risks and animal disorders, meeting animal nutritional needs with forages, and economics of managed grazing.  The sessions begin at 8:30 am and end at 4:30 pm.

To register or receive a program flier, contact Dekalb SWCD at 815-756-3236 ext 3. An early registration fee of $20 ($25 at the door) covers cost of the meal, refreshments and handouts. For additional information, contact your local USDA-NRCS office, or call Roger Staff, NRCS Grazing Specialist at 618-664-0555 ext. 108 or Matt Bunger, NRCS Grazing Specialist at 309-452-0830 ext. 112. Or contact Cliff Schuette, ILGLCI Chairman, at 618-781-0920.

Summer school is up and running. But for livestock producers, this might be a summer class you WANT to attend. Grazing School could help you save your grass. Several Grazing School sessions will be held across Illinois this summer. The students are livestock producers and Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) applicants. The day-long sessions are designed for grazing enthusiasts and will cover topics that can help build the skills and ideas needed to create sustainable grazing systems here in Illinois.  Specialists and educators from the University of Illinois Extension and USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will provide information on a wide range of topics: forage species, forage fertility, weed control in pastures, system layout and design suggestions, grazing management, summer and winter annuals, stockpiling options, forage risks and animal disorders, meeting animal nutritional needs with forages, and economics of managed grazing.  The sessions begin at 8:30 am and end at 4:30 pm.

To register or receive a program flier, contact Marshall/Putnam SWCD at 309-364-3913 ext 3. An early registration fee of $20 ($25 at the door) covers cost of the meal, refreshments and handouts. For additional information, contact your local USDA-NRCS office, or call Roger Staff, NRCS Grazing Specialist at 618-664-0555 ext. 108 or Matt Bunger, NRCS Grazing Specialist at 309-452-0830 ext. 112. Or contact Cliff Schuette, ILGLCI Chairman, at 618-781-0920.

Have you ever dreamed of starting your own farm business? Farm Dreams is a four-hour, interactive workshop designed to help you decide if entrepreneurial farming is for you. Participants will be introduced to farmers doing various types of farm businesses and to farmer training opportunities. Participants will also do self-assessment exercises to determine what resources (land, capital, knowledge, markets) you currently have, and what resources you need. Finally, participants will identify the next steps in pursuing your farming goals and will leave Farm Dreams with a clear idea about what is possible and what the risks are, so that you are better prepared to decide whether a farming business is the right fit for you at this time.

The workshop will be held on August 19 from 4:30-8:00 pm at the University of Illinois Extension, Peoria County Unit Office in Peoria. The workshop includes a light supper and costs $30. Registration and payment can be done by mail or online at http://central.illinoisfarmbeginnings.org/farm_dreams/Classes.aspx

For more information, or to register, you may also call 847-570-0701 or email. info@thelandconnection.org.

Central Illinois Farm Dreams is a collaborative effort between The Land Connection and the University of Illinois Extension. The workshop is co-sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension, Peoria County Unit and Fulton County Unit and Peoria IDEA.

This statewide event is a showcase for the construction and exhibition of conservation and land improvement practices and equipment. The host for this year’s Conservation Expo is Progress City USA in Decatur, Illinois.

Throughout the 3-day event, tours will be conducted to showcase the following conservation structures and practices: Wetland Restoration and Enhancement, Rock Chute Construction, Pervious Paver Installation, Wetland Garden, Bio-Swale Construction, and Turf Reinforcement Matting Installation. Static Septic Systems will also be on display. Tour guides will be at each of the sites throughout the show to discuss installation techniques, cost of construction, and benefits to the landowner and the watershed.

The hours of the Conservation Expo are Tuesday thru Thursday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. There is no admission charge, and everyone is welcome to attend, including landowners, farmers, agri-businesses, conservationists, planners and the general public.Food and drink concessions will be available at the show site.

The Illinois Conservation Expo is sponsored by the Illinois Land Improvement Contractors Association (ILICA), in cooperation with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Macon County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), University of Illinois Extension and more than a dozen conservation-related organizations and agencies. For more information, go to the ILICA website www.illica.net/ or contact Janet Burtle-Doubet, Ex. Director of ILICA, ph. 309-446-3700, e-mail janet@illica.net.

Have you ever dreamed of starting your own farm business? Farm Dreams is a four-hour, interactive workshop designed to help you decide if entrepreneurial farming is for you. Participants will be introduced to farmers doing various types of farm businesses and to farmer training opportunities. Participants will also do self-assessment exercises to determine what resources (land, capital, knowledge, markets) you currently have, and what resources you need. Finally, participants will identify the next steps in pursuing your farming goals and will leave Farm Dreams with a clear idea about what is possible and what the risks are, so that you are better prepared to decide whether a farming business is the right fit for you at this time.

The workshop will be held on August 18 from 4:30-8:00 pm at the University of Illinois Extension, Woodford County Unit Office in Eureka. The workshop includes a light supper and costs $30. Registration and payment can be done by mail or online at http://central.illinoisfarmbeginnings.org/farm_dreams/Classes.aspx

For more information, or to register, you may also call 847-570-0701 or email. info@thelandconnection.org.

Central Illinois Farm Dreams is a collaborative effort between The Land Connection and the University of Illinois Extension. The workshop is co-sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension, Woodford County Unit.

In one day, visit two very different organic farms hosted by University of Illinois and the Midwest Organic Farmers Co-op. The tour will take place on Thursday, August 14 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:15 p.m. The day will begin at Ron and Angie Ackerman's farm near Chenoa. Ron and Angie Ackerman grow a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs on the same small central Illinois farm where Ron grew up. The next stop will be lunch at Ben Meister’s farm in Fairbury. Although Meister had been farming a number of years, about eight years ago he started researching organic farming. A $15 per person registration fee will be charged. For registration and directions to the farm locations, visit http://asap.sustainability.uiuc.edu/ and click on Events or contact Dan Anderson (217-333-1588; aslan@uiuc.edu) or Duane Baker (618-783-4601; mofc-duane@verizon.net).

The Peoria Chapter of the Initiative for the Development for Entrepreneurs in Agriculture (IDEA) will host a day-long tour in Bureau County, leaving promptly at 7:45 am, from University of Illinois Extension office in the Glen Plaza located at 4810 N. Sheridan Road (corner of Glen & Sheridan) in Peoria. A second pick-up will be available at 9:00 am in Bradford at the city park on Illinois Route 40 on the east-end of the business district. This year’s Four Farm Tour will focus on primarily animal agriculture—alpacas, fiber, bison, beef, pastured poultry, and sheep, in addition, to information on orchards and alley cropping, soil analysis, organic fertilizers, and pasture development. The cost of the tour is $25.00 per person this includes transportation (via fully equipped charter bus) and a delicious lunch buffet of locally grown food at the Chestnut Street Inn in Sheffield.  Advanced registration is required. To register, please complete the form and send a $25 check by August 1, 2008 to Prairie Rivers RC&D, 509 Front Street, Suite 5, Henry, IL 61537. For more information call 309-364-3979.

2008 Four Farm Tour registration form

Have you ever dreamed of starting your own farm business? Farm Dreams is a four-hour, interactive workshop designed to help you decide if entrepreneurial farming is for you. Participants will be introduced to farmers doing various types of farm businesses and to farmer training opportunities. Participants will also do self-assessment exercises to determine what resources (land, capital, knowledge, markets) you currently have, and what resources you need. Finally, participants will identify the next steps in pursuing your farming goals and will leave Farm Dreams with a clear idea about what is possible and what the risks are, so that you are better prepared to decide whether a farming business is the right fit for you at this time.

The workshop will be held on August 7 from 4:30-8:00 pm at Shawnee Community College in Ullin. The workshop will include a light supper and costs $30. Registration and payment can be done by mail or online at http://central.illinoisfarmbeginnings.org/farm_dreams/Classes.aspx

For more information, or to register, you may also call 847-570-0701 or email. info@thelandconnection.org.

Central Illinois Farm Dreams is a collaborative effort between The Land Connection and the University of Illinois Extension. The workshop is co-sponsored by University of Illinois Extension, Alexander/ Johnson/ Massac/ Pulaski/ Union Unit, University of Illinois Extension, Carbondale Center, Shawnee Community College and the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Shawnee Community College.

The Multiple Species Grazing Conference, co-sponsored by University of Illinois Extension and USDA Risk Management Agency, will highlight the addition of meat goats to sheep, cattle or horse grazing operations in Illinois for a more sustainable pasture system with more profit potential per acre. The program will focus on the advantages and risks of mixing pastured livestock species. The program schedule will run from 9-3 with registration beginning at 9:00 AM. Topics for discussion and Speakers include:

• Understanding Livestock Species Grazing Behavior / Advantages and Disadvantages of Multiple Species Grazing – Dean Oswald, Animal Systems Educator, University of Illinois Extension
• Pasture Weeds, Brush and Poisonous Plants – Know’em, Avoid’em or Control’em – David Feltes, IPM Educator, University of Illinois Extension
• Health or Parasite Worries When Species Commingle – Jennifer Miller DVM
• Do Sheep & Goats Offer Profits to Cattle Grazers? – A. Richard Cobb, Extension Sheep and Meat Goat Specialist, University of Illinois
• What Forages are Suited for Multiple Species Grazing? – James Morrison, Crop Systems Educator, University of Illinois Extension
• Fencing Considerations that Work for “Hard to Control Species” – Stanley Solomon, Agricultural Engineer, University of Illinois Extension

Participants will have the opportunity to question and discuss ideas with program presenters during the morning and afternoon sessions. Lunch will be provided for program registrants.Questions regarding registration fee and meeting location should be directed to Williamson County Unit, 1306 N Atchison Ave, Ste A, Marion, IL 62959, Phone: 618-993-3304, FAX: 618-997-1542.

Jill Clapperton, nationally known speaker on the impact of notill and cover crops on Soil Quality and Soil Microbiology will be speaking at three no-till seminars to be held in Western Indiana at the end of July. The northern most session will be in northern Vermillion County at Cayuga on July 30th. For more information and to RSVP (by July 23rd), contact Tyler Martin at 765-492-3705 or tyler.martin@iaswcd.org.

Cost: (includes lunch) $12 / person -Non CCA; $40 /person-CCA Credits, pay at the door (checks payable to: Vermillion Co SWCD)

Download flyer

Livestock producers interested in an excellent grazing program will want to attend the Driftless Regional Grazing Conference (formerly Upper Midwest Grazing Conference) to be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 29 and 30 near Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. The educational program consists of general and breakout sessions and will be held on July 29. Farm grazing tours to either a dairy or beef operation will be held on July 30. For a copy of the program flier or for additional information contact Jim Morrison, Extension Educator for Crop Systems at the Rockford Extension Center (phone - 815-397-7714 or Email morrison@uiuc.edu).

The Multiple Species Grazing Conference, co-sponsored by University of Illinois Extension and USDA Risk Management Agency, will highlight the addition of meat goats to sheep, cattle or horse grazing operations in Illinois for a more sustainable pasture system with more profit potential per acre. The program will focus on the advantages and risks of mixing pastured livestock species. The program schedule will run from 9-3 with registration beginning at 9:00 AM. Topics for discussion and Speakers include:

• Understanding Livestock Species Grazing Behavior / Advantages and Disadvantages of Multiple Species Grazing – Dean Oswald, Animal Systems Educator, University of Illinois Extension
• Pasture Weeds, Brush and Poisonous Plants – Know’em, Avoid’em or Control’em – David Feltes, IPM Educator, University of Illinois Extension
• Health or Parasite Worries When Species Commingle – Jennifer Miller DVM
• Do Sheep & Goats Offer Profits to Cattle Grazers? – A. Richard Cobb, Extension Sheep and Meat Goat Specialist, University of Illinois
• What Forages are Suited for Multiple Species Grazing? – James Morrison, Crop Systems Educator, University of Illinois Extension
• Fencing Considerations that Work for “Hard to Control Species” – Stanley Solomon, Agricultural Engineer, University of Illinois Extension

Participants will have the opportunity to question and discuss ideas with program presenters during the morning and afternoon sessions. Lunch will be provided for program registrants.Questions regarding registration fee and meeting location should be directed to Logan County Unit, 980 N. Postville Dr., Lincoln, IL 62656, Ph: 217-732-8289, FAX: 217-735-5837.

The Multiple Species Grazing Conference, co-sponsored by University of Illinois Extension and USDA Risk Management Agency, will highlight the addition of meat goats to sheep, cattle or horse grazing operations in Illinois for a more sustainable pasture system with more profit potential per acre. The program will focus on the advantages and risks of mixing pastured livestock species. The program schedule will run from 9-3 with registration beginning at 9:00 AM. Topics for discussion and Speakers include:

• Understanding Livestock Species Grazing Behavior / Advantages and Disadvantages of Multiple Species Grazing – Dean Oswald, Animal Systems Educator, University of Illinois Extension
• Pasture Weeds, Brush and Poisonous Plants – Know’em, Avoid’em or Control’em – David Feltes, IPM Educator, University of Illinois Extension
• Health or Parasite Worries When Species Commingle – Jennifer Miller DVM
• Do Sheep & Goats Offer Profits to Cattle Grazers? – A. Richard Cobb, Extension Sheep and Meat Goat Specialist, University of Illinois
• What Forages are Suited for Multiple Species Grazing? – James Morrison, Crop Systems Educator, University of Illinois Extension
• Fencing Considerations that Work for “Hard to Control Species” – Stanley Solomon, Agricultural Engineer, University of Illinois Extension

Participants will have the opportunity to question and discuss ideas with program presenters during the morning and afternoon sessions. Lunch will be provided for program registrants.Questions regarding registration fee and meeting location should be directed to Rock Island County Unit, 4550 Kennedy Dr, Ste 3, East Moline, IL 61244, Phone: 309-796-0512, FAX: 309-796-0673

Midwest Permaculture will be holding their nine-day permaculture-farming course on July 17-25 featuring Mark Shepard and his 100-acre permaculture farm. The first 4 days are open to the budding farmer who wants to learn some of the permaculture-farming basics, but doesn’t feel the need for full-design certification. We will also be exploring the Varney’s 5-acre farm just 30 minutes down the road from Mark. All the details are fully described on the Midwest Permaculture website.

Have you ever dreamed of starting your own farm business? Farm Dreams is a four-hour, interactive workshop designed to help you decide if entrepreneurial farming is for you. Participants will be introduced to farmers doing various types of farm businesses and to farmer training opportunities. Participants will also do self-assessment exercises to determine what resources (land, capital, knowledge, markets) you currently have, and what resources you need. Finally, participants will identify the next steps in pursuing your farming goals and will leave Farm Dreams with a clear idea about what is possible and what the risks are, so that you are better prepared to decide whether a farming business is the right fit for you at this time.

The workshop will be held on July 17 from 4:30- 8:00 pm at the University of Illinois Extension, Kankakee Unit Office in Bourbonnais. Each interactive workshop includes a light supper, and costs $30. Registration and payment can be done by mail or online. For more information, or to register, you may also call 847-570-0701 or email. info@thelandconnection.org.

Central Illinois Farm Dreams is a collaborative effort between The Land Connection and the University of Illinois Extension. The workshop is co-sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension, Kankakee County Unit and Ford/Iroquois Unit.

Have you ever dreamed of starting your own farm business? Farm Dreams is a four-hour, interactive workshop designed to help you decide if entrepreneurial farming is for you. Participants will be introduced to farmers doing various types of farm businesses and to farmer training opportunities. Participants will also do self-assessment exercises to determine what resources (land, capital, knowledge, markets) you currently have, and what resources you need. Finally, participants will identify the next steps in pursuing your farming goals and will leave Farm Dreams with a clear idea about what is possible and what the risks are, so that you are better prepared to decide whether a farming business is the right fit for you at this time.

The workshop will be held on July 15 from 4:30- 8:00 pm at the University of Illinois Extension, Sangamon/Menard Unit Office in Springfield. The workshop includes a light supper and costs $30. Registration and payment can be done by mail or online.

For more information, or to register, you may also call 847-570-0701 or email. info@thelandconnection.org.

Central Illinois Farm Dreams is a collaborative effort between The Land Connection and the University of Illinois Extension. The workshop is co-sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension, Sangamon/Menard Unit and Macon County Unit.

The 2008 Illinois Forage Expo is set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Smith Family Farms near Mount Vernon, Illinois. The operation, managed by Tom Smith, includes a beef custom grazing enterprise which utilizes warm- and cool-season perennial grasses. Also, summer annuals such as pearl millet are rotationally grazed.

The Forage Expo includes field demonstrations of forage harvesting equipment and commercial displays of forage-related products and equipment. Educational presentations will focus on matching forage species with animal nutritional requirements in a year-long grazing program; managing higher fertility costs in pastures and hayland; and controlling weeds and arthropods in forages with integrated pest management principles. The Expo also includes a Quality Hay Contest for producers to enter 2008 harvested bales. Entries are evaluated for bale density, visual assessment, crude protein, acid detergent fiber and relative feed value. There is no entry fee, and NIRS analysis will be provided free of charge. Bales weighing over 100 pounds will need an official scale weigh ticket.

Smith Family Farms can be reached by going about 7 miles west of Mount Vernon on Route 15, then turn south on Panzier Lane for 1½ miles. Watch for signs. Lunch will be available at the Expo.

More information about the Illinois Forage Expo is available at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/regions/ag. For information on exhibiting a commercial display, contact Stacy Helm, Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District, 618-244-0773, ext 3.

The Forage Expo is sponsored by the Illinois Forage and Grassland Council, University of Illinois Extension, Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA Risk Management Agency and Illinois Grassland Conservation Initiative.

A field day will be held at Hoch Orchard and Gardens http://www.hochorchard.com on Friday afternoon, June 27 and Saturday, June 28, from10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Friday afternoon will focus on the new value-added fruit processing business at Hoch Orchards, and on markets and pricing. Friday evening will feature a special on-farm dinner at Hoch Orchard featuring local and organic products. Saturday will focus on orchard production. One can register for one, two, or all three of these options. It should be a special event and rare opportunity to learn from the Hoch's, guest speakers, and all who participate. Registration is at information at http://www.mosesorganic.org/treefruit/events.htm. See the Spring 2008 issue of Just Picked http://www.mosesorganic.org/treefruit/news4-2.pdf for more information on Hoch Orchard or visit their website at http://www.hochorchard.com.

The second annual “Advancing Wind Power in Illinois 2008” conference, sponsored by the Illinois Wind Working Group (IL WWG), will be held at the Interstate Center, 2301 W. Market Street, Bloomington, IL. All aspects of wind energy including small wind, community wind, and large wind farms will be covered during the conference.

The conference will include several plenary presentations and break-out tracks focused on the different aspects of wind development. Sessions will cover “how to’s”, policy recommendations, case studies, economic development, county zoning and siting and more. The conference brings to Illinois nationally recognized experts and local policymakers to discuss the means to encourage the growth of wind energy. The full agenda and registration is available at www.wind.ilstu.edu. Register by June 6 to get the “Early bird” discount registration fee of $40. The optional preconference sessions and tour have additional fees. Blocks of rooms have been reserved at various nearby hotels. Please note that hotel space is limited and reservations should be made as soon as possible to ensure room availability.

The nation’s rapid transition to a bioeconomy has significant implications for agriculture, the food system, rural communities and the global economy. This conference focuses on risk, infrastructure and the evolution of the biofuels industry. It will explore market relationships, risk management strategies, infrastructure issues, distributional impacts and business structures.

The conference will also examine how biofuels produced from cellulosic feedstocks—a technology forecast to be commercially viable within the next decade—will impact businesses, market relationships and the economy overall.

The Tanner families have built one of best agri-tourism operations in the Midwest. The field day features field tours of the orchard, tours of agri-tourism facilities, and programs in the baking, gift and gourmet food areas. Jane Eckert, Eckert Agrimarketing Inc., a nationally recognized speaker will be present to discuss the gourmet food movement, effective advertising and other topics of interest to increase cash flows. A grower panel will discuss pricing alternatives, product vs admission. In addition there will be special events recognizing the 150th anniversary of the Society and activities for children. Come see the newly acquired attraction for the children’s play area. Your hosts are Richard and Marilyn, Craig and Kate Tanner, and Ben & Jennifer Beaver. Following is the tentative agenda. Sponsored by: The Illinois State Horticultural Society, the University of Illinois, Southern Illinois University, and the Illinois Specialty Growers Association. For additional information, contact Mohammad Babadoost (phone: 217-333-1523; e-mail: babadoos@uiuc.edu).

Community leadership requires a broad perspective . . . understanding alternatives and their implications . . . limitations and opportunities. This conference will address issues that are important to sustaining communities, and will provide participants with cutting-edge ideas along with practical, hands-on learning sessions. To learn more about developing effective leadership skills that will enable you to play an effective role in your organization, community or region, attend the tenth annual Illinois leadership conference, “Sustaining Our Communities,” June 11, 2008 in Champaign, beginning at 9 a.m.

This conference is designed for anyone in a leadership position, serving on a board of directors, working on community projects or with committees, and seeking to manage and lead more effectively. Topics include leveraging resources for non-profits, developing local food systems, wind energy, and two special workshops – The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People and The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. Cost of the conference is $75, and includes all materials, refreshment breaks, and lunch. Scholarships are available. Participation is limited, so register early. For more information www.communitydevelopment.uiuc.edu/, call Anne Silvis at 217-333-5126.

Do you grow vegetables? Are you interested in learning more about how to improve your crop pest scouting and trouble shooting skills? If so, the VegScout School is for you. The workshop is being offered by the Central Illinois Farm Beginnings (http://illinoisfarmbeginnings.org) and the University of Illinois Extension at the Springfield Extension Office located on the State Fairgrounds (http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/
sangamonmenard/findus.html). The workshop called VegScout School – Integrated Pest Management and Scouting Program will be held on Saturday, June 7th from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This intensive one-day workshop will introduce Integrated Pest Management, and alternative and organic pest control methods, provide hands-on vegetable pest (insect, weed, and disease) identification, and discuss scouting tools and techniques, pesticide safety, and worker protection standards. As part of the course participants will receive a set of references to assist them with vegetable crop pest diagnosis, as well as hands-on training in insect, weed, disease, and other problem identification.

Participation in the course involves a two-fold commitment from participants. The easiest commitment is the $35.00 registration fee. This covers the cost of the reference materials and lunch. The more difficult commitment is time. There is still time and room to register. The registration deadline for this workshop is May 31.

The benefits of the course are many. First, participants improve their ability to correctly identify pests. Second, participants receive a good set of references to assist them in identification and evaluation of pest problems. Third, participants become acquainted with the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), mainly the importance of proper identification, the use of economic thresholds to evaluate a situation, and of alternative/organic control techniques. Fourth, participants have an opportunity to learn new skills in a supervised setting, thus increasing their confidence of these skills. Fifth, growers can review their crop troubleshooting skills on basic cultural practices, and identification of problems that are not caused by pests, which may help avoid unneeded and costly treatments.

Course instructor, Dr. Loretta Ortiz-Ribbing, Crop Systems Extension Specialist for the University of Illinois Extension, offered this comment on the program, “Scouting programs and training to identify pests have been available for many years for agronomic crops. This program offers a similar opportunity for commercial and organic vegetable growers.” Please contact Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant at 217-968-5512 or cvnghgrn@uiuc.edu for more information and to register.

The Center for State Policy and Leadership and the Department of Environmental Studies are sponsors of the 2008 Earth Day Keynote Address on April 22 at 7:00 p.m. in Brookens Auditorium. The speaker will be Dr. Debra Rowe, Professor of Sustainable Energies and Behavioral Sciences at Oakland Community College in Michigan, and President, U.S. Partnership for Education for Sustainable Development. Her topic will be "Education and Action for a Sustainable Future." Co-sponsors include: ECCE Speaker Series, UIS Speakers' Award Committee, Julia J. Henderson Award Fund, Vice Chancellor for Student and Administrative Services, College of Public Affairs and Administration, and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The event is free and open to the public and will be webcast. For more information call 217-206-6576 or download the flyer.

Explore the world of honey bees and steps to becoming a beekeeper at "Introduction to Beekeeping." This program is sponsored by Lincoln Land Beekeepers Association and University of Illinois Extension Sangamon-Menard Unit. This three part series will cover all aspects of beginning beekeeping. Session dates are on Thursdays, Thursdays, March 13, March 27 and April 3 from 6 to 9 pm. Sessions will be held at the University of Illinois Extension on the Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL.

Presenters will include: Rich Ramsey, a beekeeper for 20 years and past president of Illinois State Beekeepers; and Dr. Stu Jacobson, Research Specialist, University of Illinois at Springfield, who has 30 years experience with honeybees.

Registration fee of $15 includes all three sessions, a textbook, handouts and participants name in a drawing for a beehive. Advanced registration is requested. For more information call Sangamon-Menard Extension Unit at (217) 782-4617, or Rich Ramsey at (217) 498-9374.

The workshop will be held from 9 am – Noon and is free to attend, but pre-registration is required (registration is from 8:30-9:00). Presenters include Warren Goetsch from the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Dr. Thomas Green, Urban Forestry Professor from Western Illinois University, and Kari Houle, University of Illinois Extension.

This year’s conference promises to be an excellent venue for women, in particular, who are involved with agriculture programming efforts. We encourage and invite your attendance and hope that you will take the opportunity to participate in the many informative sessions dealing with a wide array of risk management education topics and issues relevant to women producers in the 21st Century.

For the agenda, registration, and other conference information go to the conference web site http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/wia/Conferences/WIA2008. The hotel block will be held until February 27. The conference registration deadline is February 29.

There is limited travel assistance available from the Extension Risk Management Education centers. Check with your center for detail. You can find the center contact information at http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/RME.

The Center for Sustainable Community (CSC) will present the workshop ‘Vermiculture and the Art of Soil Building’ on Saturday, March 29, from 1pm to 4pm in Stelle, IL (90 minutes south of downtown Chicago). George Blackman will share his more than 20 years of experience using composting worms in a variety of ways to increase nutrients in the soil, producing healthier plants. Cost for the afternoon including handouts is $40. To register for the workshop and learn more, please call Julie at 708/828-4325 or visit the website www.centerforsustainablecommunity.org/calendar.html

Explore the world of honey bees and steps to becoming a beekeeper at "Introduction to Beekeeping." This program is sponsored by Lincoln Land Beekeepers Association and University of Illinois Extension Sangamon-Menard Unit. This three part series will cover all aspects of beginning beekeeping. Session dates are on Thursdays, Thursdays, March 13, March 27 and April 3 from 6 to 9 pm. Sessions will be held at the University of Illinois Extension on the Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL.

Presenters will include: Rich Ramsey, a beekeeper for 20 years and past president of Illinois State Beekeepers; and Dr. Stu Jacobson, Research Specialist, University of Illinois at Springfield, who has 30 years experience with honeybees.

Registration fee of $15 includes all three sessions, a textbook, handouts and participants name in a drawing for a beehive. Advanced registration is requested. For more information call Sangamon-Menard Extension Unit at (217) 782-4617, or Rich Ramsey at (217) 498-9374.

"The New American Farm: Advancing the Frontier of Sustainable Agriculture"

Innovative farming and grazing methods. Lucrative organic markets. Specialty crops. Community farmers markets. Sustainable farming is rapidly changing the face of American agriculture and rural life. Come to the New American Farm Conference to find out more. State-of-the-art practitioners will be there - farmers, ranchers, teachers, researchers and students sharing work and experiences. Tour local farms to see sustainable agriculture at work.Learn the ins and outs of quality marketing and production. Meet others, build partnerships. Help chart a course for 20 more years of SARE success!

The first in a series of interactive video conferences being offered is entitled, Introduction to Hoophouse/High Tunnel Production Systems. It will be presented on March 20 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 pm. The program is available via live streaming video (must have a broadband, high-speed connection) on March 20 but will also be available for later viewing.

For information about how to connect to the conference, visit http://www.tristateorganic.info/

The video conference is free and can be viewed by anyone with access to a high-speed Internet connection on a computer at mms://video.dis.purdue.edu/agcomm.

The University of Illinois is joining Purdue University, Michigan State University and Ohio State University to offer this interactive video conference series presented by researchers, organic farmers, and Extension educators. The series is sponsored by Cooperative Extension Services at University of Illinois, Purdue University, The Ohio State University, and Michigan State University, and also supported by funding from USDA's North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program.

The program will be archived for later viewing at http://tristateorganic.info.

Explore the world of honey bees and steps to becoming a beekeeper at "Introduction to Beekeeping." This program is sponsored by Lincoln Land Beekeepers Association and University of Illinois Extension Sangamon-Menard Unit. This three part series will cover all aspects of beginning beekeeping. Session dates are on Thursdays, March 13, March 27 and April 3 from 6 to 9 pm. Sessions will be held at the University of Illinois Extension on the Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL.

Presenters will include: Rich Ramsey, a beekeeper for 20 years and past president of Illinois State Beekeepers; and Dr. Stu Jacobson, Research Specialist, University of Illinois at Springfield, who has 30 years experience with honeybees.

Registration fee of $15 includes all three sessions, a textbook, handouts and participants name in a drawing for a beehive. Advanced registration is requested. For more information call Sangamon-Menard Extension Unit at (217) 782-4617, or Rich Ramsey at (217) 498-9374.

Registration is free, but you MUST register by March 5 to guarantee a lunch ticket (with local food choices).

http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/research/marketing_files/
workshop08/index.htm

The program begins with registration at the Royer farm from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., followed by a tour of the Royer Suffolk flock and facilities. There will also be a fitting demonstration by Dennis Crouch," said Dick Cobb, University of Illinois Extension sheep specialist. "The meeting portion of the program begins at 11:30 a.m. with lunch at the Stonewings Center. At 12:30 p.m., Harry Carr of Stelle will discuss how he markets his forage-fed lambs at the Chicago farmers market. Donna Lehrer will discuss the Illinois Greener Pastures Coop program for fiber producers.

"A marketing roundtable will be held at 1 p.m., followed by the Illinois Lamb and Wool Producers annual meeting."

Registration is $5 per person, which includes lunch. Those interested should contact: Jane Zeien, (815) 544-9582 jzcci@aol.com, Bill Royer, (309) 444.2356 royerfarm@aol.com, or Cobb, (217) 333-7351 arcobb@uiuc.edu.

The 2008 Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference will be held at Sinsinawa Mound Center, Sinsinawa, Wisconsin. This is the fourteenth year for the conference, which annually draws 550 woodland landowners from Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa. It has become one of the largest woodland owner conferences in the nation.

Presentations will cover a wide range of subjects including tree identification, tree diseases, managing pests and invasive plants, timber marketing, chainsaw use, protecting trees from deer damage, forest carbon basics, Lyme disease, the Farm Bill, and protecting forests through public planning. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn about state-specific woodland landowner programs, including, the Illinois Forestry Development Act, cost share opportunities in Iowa, and Wisconsin's private forest landowner incentives and programs.

Additional conference information is available online On the website you will find detailed descriptions of the conference sessions, a link to online registration, and a registration form that can be printed to register by mail.

The program is from 9:30 a.m. to Noon and will be presented via distance delivery at 33 University of Illinois Extension offices across the state. Registration begins at 9 a.m.

Topics and speakers are:

• Ways to Speed Hay Dry Down – Dr. Kevin Shinners, Ag Engineer, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Roundup Ready Alfalfa-What’s the Current Situation? – Dr. Aaron Hager, Extension Weed Specialist, University of Illinois
• How Hardy is Alfalfa?-Lessons Learned from the ’07 Easter Freeze – Dr. Paul Peterson, Extension Forage Specialist, University of Minnesota
• Update on Nitrogen Credit from Alfalfa – Jim Morrison, Extension Educator, Crop Systems
• Managing Alfalfa Diseases-Where to Start? – Dr. Carl Bradley, Extension Plant Pathologist, University of Illinois

Continuing education units in IPM and Crop Management for Certified Crop Advisers have been requested. The program is sponsored by University of Illinois Extension.

For more information and to register, open the map below and determine which county closest to you is hosting the program.

2008 Alfalfa Program Map

After you have found the closest county, contact them with the county information found here: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/state/findoffice.html.

The workshop targets issues in the recreational hunting industry affecting landowners, outfitters and hunters. Learn how to start or improve a natural resource based business from those who are successful in the fee hunting industry. The workshop will answer many questions for landowners and outfitters regarding liability, insurance, deer herd management, land management, marketing and business management. Networking opportunities among landowners, outfitters and others are another benefit of the workshop, and one reason many past attendees keep coming back.

The deadline for advance registration is Friday, February 22, 2008. Registration is $35 per person. After Feb. 22, the registration fee is $40 per person. Make checks payable and mail to: Prairie Hills RCD, 321 W. University Drive, Macomb, IL 61455. For more information please call Prairie Hills RCD at 309-833-4747, check their website www.prariehillsrcd.com under current events, or contact the University of Illinois Fulton County Extension office at 309-547-3711.

The Peoria Chapter of the Initiative for the Development for Entrepreneurs in Agriculture (IDEA) will host a Roundtable on the topic of Cooperative Marketing - Limited Liability Corporations. The Roundtable will begin at 6:30 pm and conclude by 8:30 pm. See flyer for additional information.

Join us for USDA's 84th annual forum as the Secretary of Agriculture and government, farm and industry leaders discuss the future of American agriculture.

An extraordinary, farmer-centered event, this gathering is the largest organic farming conference in the U.S. Last year, more than 2200 people attended, with participants traveling from 41 states and 7 foreign countries. Sponsored by the Wisconsin-based Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES), the conference is celebrated as the foremost educational and networking event in the organic farming community.

"Coming Home to Eat"

Ohio's largest annual sustainable agriculture conference Featuring keynote speakers Joel Huesby (farmer and mobile livestock processor, co-sponsored by IFO) and Dr. Kamyar Enshayan (local food activist), along with nearly 50 workshops, locally sourced organic food, kids' conference, child care, trade show, Saturday evening entertainment, and more!

Organic farmers, plant breeders, researchers, and seed industry professionals will gather for the 5th Biennial Organic Seed Growers Conference. The Organic Seed Growers Conference, hosted by OSA with partnership from Oregon State University (OSU) and Washington State University (WSU), is the largest meeting of seed professionals engaged in organic seed production, research, and plant breeding in the United States. This event brings together producers, university researchers and Extension agents, seed industry professionals, and food industry participants from across the country.

Interested in innovative, money-making ideas for your farm, including raising unique crops or livestock, holding on-farm tourism events or starting an on-farm market? Want to learn more about the risks in selling direct to consumers and what resources might be available to assist you with business planning and marketing? Then plan to attend 101 Enterprises for Your Farm. The workshop will be held from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m at the University of Illinois Extension-Winnebago County. The cost for the workshop is $15, payable at the door, although pre-registration is required. To register, call the University of Illinois Extension-Winnebago County at 815-986-4357 or register online by Friday, February 8.

University of Illinois Extension is a statewide educational network that links the resources and research of the University of Illinois to the people of Winnebago County. Our programs and workshops, which take place throughout the community, address issues involving youth, families, community development, agriculture, and natural resources. If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in any of our programs, please call the Winnebago County Office at 815-986-4357.

Growers Science Network, a not-for-profit organization that seeks to link farmers with practical science approaches to improved production, is co-hosting a seminar on the 8th of February at the Champaign County Extension/Farm Bureau auditorium (801 N Country Fair Dr Champaign). The meeting will run from 9 to noon. The purpose of the meeting is to give growers exposure to the latest developments in agronomic topics, especially soil fertility, and provide assistance in helping them evaluate those practices on their own farms. Additional updates on hybrid selection and pest management will also be presented. All are welcome, but seating is limited. If you would like to attend please contact David Pike at pike2020@gmail.com to reserve a seat. There is no charge to attend.

Download agenda

Download brochure

Due to the success of the Chicago Farmers Markets system the City of Chicago is actively seeking to recruit more farmers to serve the citywide system. The workshop is designed to answer questions and inform new and existing farmers and producers --how they too, can participate in Chicago’s well attended program. The City of Chicago is looking for farmers from Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and Illinois. Some of the products in demand include organic fruit and vegetables, artisan cheeses and specialty foods that are a staple in the diet of Hispanics and the African-American Community. Registration is required. The doors open at 8:15 am and the program begins at 9:00 am until 3:00 pm. For more information or to register call 312-744-9493 or email: chicagofarmforager@yahoo.com

Download the Press Release

University of Illinois Extension - Winnebago County will host a program from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at US Bank, 430 Main St., Pecatonica, IL 61063.

This program will focus on management strategies for increasing the profit potential of small grains grown for grain, forage, and cover crops. Some of the specific topics include selecting winter wheat varieties, seeding rate and date, use of fungicides and insecticide seed treatment, and nitrogen rates. Also presented will be the economics of including wheat in the rotation. Lastly, how to successfully use small grains as a companion, forage, or cover crop will be shared. Leading the discussion will be Emerson Nafziger, Extension crops specialist and Jim Morrison, Extension Crops Educator.

A $10 registration fee per person will cover handout materials and refreshments. Reservations should be made no later than January 28 by registering online or contacting the Winnebago County Extension Office, (815) 986-4357.

Midland Crossing has room for up to 50 people. For more information, call the store at 815-695-1130 and ask for Amy.

Herb Day 2008 will feature herbal experts presenting five educational sessions to inspire herb gardening and use in the coming year. The conference will be held from 8:00 am through 4:30 pm at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Center, 1001 Killarney St., Urbana, IL 217-328-7900. Cost of registration is only $49 per person. This includes seating in the lectures, coffee, tea, and rolls during morning registration, an herbal theme lunch buffet (including vegetarian options), and access to the retail area. A vegan plate is available, but only if specified on the registration form. Herb Day registrations are due by January 11, 2008. Those interested in attending should mail checks, payable to the University of Illinois, to: Herb Day 2008, Attn: Carol Preston, S-406 Turner Hall, 1102 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, Illinois 61801 (see enclosed return envelope). For more information call 217-333-7738 or email preston1@uiuc.edu.

Download brochure & registration

Mark Kastel’s dynamic speaking style, combined with the Cornucopia Institute’s reputation as an “organics watchdog, make him perhaps the most provocative speaker in the country on issues related to agriculture, organics, and small farms. Kastel will be one of two keynote speakers at the Midwest Organic Production and Management Conference and Trade Show January 17 and 18 at the University of Illinois.

The two-day conference will cover topics including economics, developing markets, livestock, agronomic and horticulture crops, aquaculture, and organic management.

Visit the following link for a complete listing of conference speakers and sessions and online registration.

Download the flyer

Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (Southern SAWG) holds its seventeenth annual conference in Louisville, Ky., January 16-19, 2008 in the beautiful downtown Galt House Hotel and Suites. Joel Salatin, this year's keynote speaker, will address the entire gathering at the Saturday evening Taste of Kentucky Dinner on the topic "Healing the Planet, One Plate at a Time." Earlier in the schedule Endell Berry, Kentucky farmer and renowned author, will be part of a conversation on the necessary work of sustainable agriculture.The day and a half of pre-conference offerings begin on Wednesday at noon and include; eight intensive short courses, five field trips and five new hands-on activities. Then on Friday morning, the conference begins and includes 62 practical sessions to choose from and twenty U-Pick networking meetings for sharing and learning from each other. Plus, visit the exhibit hall and meet vendors whose products and services provide support to producers. The complete conference schedule is available at www.ssawg.org or call 678-494-0696 to request a brochure.

There has been a growing interest among farmers, consumers, and grocery chains to promote the growing and marketing of local foods. Locally produced foods are fresher, support local farmers, support the local economy, and provide greater food security. Join us for a local foods seminar entitled "Buy Local - Eat Healthy" on January 12, 2008 at the Crowne Plaza, Springfield, IL. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. followed by the program at 9:00 a.m. The seminar will be sponsored by Illinois Vegetable Growers Association, Illinois State Horticulture Society, Illinois Herb Association, Illinois Department of Agriculture, and University of Illinois Extension.

Chef Michael McGreal, Joliet Junior College Culinary Arts Department, will lead the morning session preparing delicious and exciting dishes that use fresh produce. Lloyd Nichols, Orchardist, Marengo, IL, will assist attendees with choosing the right produce varieties to satisfy their taste and purpose. Extension educators from University of Illinois will cover topics including: when to expect your favorite produce to be available, how to store and handle what you buy, meaning of an organic label, and how to use herbs and spices when preparing your favorite dishes.

Attendees will have an opportunity to meet local growers who supply local markets with fresh produce. Growers will have business cards, brochures, and other promotional pieces available to assist with locating fresh produce grown in your area.

This program follows the annual Illinois Specialty Crops and Agritourism Conference which will be held January 9-11, 2008 at the Crowne Plaza, Springfield. To review a detailed agenda, along with registration forms for both programs, go to www.specialtygrowers.org and find "Convention Update" and click on "More." Attendees can pre-register by printing a registration form and sending it to Illinois Specialty Growers Association, 1701 Towanda Ave., Bloomington, IL 61701. If you have any questions, please call Diane Handley PH: 309-557-2107 or e-mail: handley@ilfb.org.

The Illinois Specialty Crops and Agritourism Conference will be held January 9-12, 2008, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield, IL. Pre-conference workshops (concurrent) will be offered Wednesday, January 9 highlighting the use of "High Tunnels and Greenhouse for Extending Seasons and Increasing Markets," and a second workshop on "Growing Grapes in Illinois."

On Thursday and Friday, January 10-11, the conference will kick off with Charlie Touchett, Executive Director, North American Farmers Direct Marketing Association, as the keynote speaker followed by the traditional concurrent breakout sessions on fruits, vegetables, herbs, and agritourism with an additional track of programming on marketing, risk management, legal issues, and labor. Friday evening will feature a banquet followed by the announcement of the annual cider contest winners and comments from Andrew McCrea, Oscar-winning syndicated radio broadcaster.....popular author...farmer and rancher."

New to the 2008 conference will be a local foods program entitled "Buy Local - Eat Healthy" on Saturday, January 12, 2008. The program will feature Chef Michael McGreal, Joliet Junior College, who will demonstrate the preparation of delicious and exciting dishes that use fresh produce. Other sessions by Extension Educators, U of I, will include when to expect your produce to be available, what produce to use for specific uses, and how to store and handle what you buy.

The 19th Annual Cider Contest and the 6th Annual Hard Cider Contest will again be held in conjunction with the conference. For more information about the cider contests, contact Dr. Elizabeth Wahle, U of I Extension, PH: 618/692-9434; FAX: 618/692-9808; E-mail: wahle@uiuc.edu.

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 $79 per night plus tax. Please call the hotel directly at 217/529-7777 to make your reservations, and ask for the Illinois Specialty Crops Conference rate.

A multi-state Heart of America Grazing Conference will be held on Monday and Tuesday, January 7 & 8 at the Holiday Inn Select in Columbia, Missouri. Speakers will comprise a number of specialists from throughout the U.S. with several exhibits available from industry representatives.

The program will begin with registration from 4:30 to 6:00 pm on January 7 with an evening dinner and program starting at 6:00 pm. The January 25 program will have speakers covering all species of livestock along with breakouts session on: Production to Profit in Ranching; Phosphorous Fertilization; and Co-Products on Pasture.

The conference will feature Matt Boatright, MDA Deputy Secretary of Agriculture on "The Future of Grassland Agriculture" for the opening program on Monday evening, January 7. Also featured on the program is Bob Budd, Executive Director, Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust from Lander, Wyoming who will discuss "Grazing for Ecological and Economic Sustainability."

A copy of the program and registration can be made by contacting Melodie Marshall, USDA-NRCS, 1050 Hwy. 72 East, Suite 2, Rolla, MO 65401. Registration before December 14 cost $60 for Full and $35 for Single Day. Late registration is $70 for Full and $45 for single day. Make check payable to MFGC/GLCI.

Educational meeting targeted for commercial fruit and vegetable growers. Master gardeners and home gardeners are very welcome to participate. Registration fee $25.

Organic sales have more than doubled in the past five years, reaching $16.9 billion last year, according to the Organic Trade Association. The demand for organic crops currently exceeds supply and growers everywhere are encouraged to consider the potential for organic production. This year's Iowa Organic Conference will include multiple sessions on organic livestock production taught by farmers who have successfully managed their animal systems, as well as local foods including marketing options for beginning growers. In addition, we will have presentations on organic grains, vegetables, herbs, fruits, soil health and incentives to get you started or enhance your marketing skills. A trade show of 30 vendors featuring organic products and services will be held during the conference with ample time for visiting. Our all-organic, four-course lunch will include delicious organic products from Iowa and the Midwest.

Dr. John Biernbaum, Professor of Plant and Soil Sciences at Michigan State University & Director of the Student Organic Farm will present at program on how to extend the growing season. The workshop will be held from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Chicago Center for Green Technology at 445 N Sacramento Avenue. The cost is $20 and includes materials. The Hoophouse Handbook can also be purchased ($15). For More Information & to Register YOU MUST Call or Email: Angelic Organics Learning Center, 773-288-5462 Urban Initiative (Chicago), chicago@learngrowconnect.org.

Download the flyer.

5:00 pm – 7:30 pm (program starts promptly at 5:00 pm)

Registration is $10 per person and required at least 3 days in advance of the workshop. Light refreshments and materials will be provided. To register, please contact Donna Cray at 217-241-4644, or you can register online.

Locations:

• Champaign Extension Center
• Countryside Extension Center
• East Peoria Extension Center
• Mt. Vernon Extension Center
• Springfield Center
• Macomb Extension Center
• Rockford Extension Center
• Will County Unit

For more information contact Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant at 217-968-5512.

Soyatech's Soya & Oilseed Summits bring together thought leaders from all aspects of the food and energy sectors to explore critical issues and opportunities facing these industries. The 2007 Soya & Oilseed Summit will be held November 11-13 at the InterContinental Hotel, Chicago, IL.

Organic Gardening Day will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2007, at the Urbana Holiday Inn, exit 183 off I-74. As in the past, there will be five education sessions spaced through the day, with a retail sales area open from 8 to 3:30, an organic lunch buffet, and lots of information and fun in the air. Eliot Coleman, organic grower from Maine, will give two presentations, one about growing in the field and the other about greenhouse production. Jim Long, herbal author from the Missouri/Arkansas border country, will demonstrate how to make his bentwood trellises, and two other speakers, yet to be confirmed, will round out the day's program. Anyone already on the Organic Gardening Day or Herb Day mailing lists will receive information about two months prior to the event. Those not on these lists, or those wishing to exhibit in the retail area should contact Carol Preston at preston1@uiuc.edu or call her at (217) 333-7738.

Take advantage of this opportunity to meet Central Illinois' local grower and producers. Find out what types of foods are available locally, how they are produced and where to purchase them. Interested in signing up for a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) for the next growing season? Would you like to be able to buy local foods to serve this holiday season? Come "Meet Your Local Producers" at the Lincoln Park Pavilion on Saturday, November 10, 2007 from 10:00am - 2:00pm. Workshops will be held throughout the event on topics such as "Why Choose Grass Fed Beef?" and "What is Community Supported Agriculture?" This event hosted by Slow Food Springfield and Illinois Stewardship Alliance is free and open to the public. For more information: Contact Lindsay at (217) 498-9707 or lindsay@illinoisstewardshipalliance.org

Come join ALBC in a celebration of 30 successful years conserving livestock genetic diversity. Programs will include hands-on workshops on husbandry, management, and selection of rare breeds at local farms, as well as seminars on rare breed products production, processing, marketing, and breeding.

The largest annual small farm show in the United States! This year, there will be 60+ talks, 150+ exhibitors, a poultry exhibition, and demos. The schedule of events features Short Course, Seminars and the popular Farmer's Forum. Call 800-633-2535 to register!

You will learn:

• Key insights to help you work with Nature
• Management and decision-making skills to enhance productivity
• How to hone in on your unfair advantage as a producer
• New ways to motivate your work force
• Effective time management and team building practices

Everyone is talking about local food these days and what with food safety concerns, more consumers want to know where their food is coming from and the people who are producing it. This booming demand for locally produced food can be found throughout Illinois and the Midwest, offering farmer’s new business opportunities and encouraging more diversified farm production. We want to know what you think about local food production opportunities and what your experiences have been.

The Lumpkin Family Foundation (Mattoon) is hosting three evening events on October 15, 16 and 17 and invites farmers from Champaign, Christian, Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Macon, Montgomery, Moultrie, Piatt, Sangamon, Shelby and Vermilion counties for dinner and an exploratory discussion on local food development in your region. The events will be held at the Extension offices in Taylorville (15th), Effingham (16th) and Champaign (17th) from 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm.

Among the questions we’ll be exploring:

• What has frustrated you or prevented you from producing product for the local market?
• Are the supporting food industry infrastructure and resources adequate? What has worked, what hasn’t?
• Are you trying to make value-added processing part of your business? Improve post-harvest handling? Realize better distribution? What’s made this difficult to achieve?
• Can your business systems manage selling direct? Are you looking for systems help?
• Have you been interested in collaborating with other farmers in production, selling or marketing?
• What would make this production economically feasible for your business?

Everyone is talking about local food these days and what with food safety concerns, more consumers want to know where their food is coming from and the people who are producing it. This booming demand for locally produced food can be found throughout Illinois and the Midwest, offering farmer’s new business opportunities and encouraging more diversified farm production. We want to know what you think about local food production opportunities and what your experiences have been.

The Lumpkin Family Foundation (Mattoon) is hosting three evening events on October 15, 16 and 17 and invites farmers from Champaign, Christian, Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Macon, Montgomery, Moultrie, Piatt, Sangamon, Shelby and Vermilion counties for dinner and an exploratory discussion on local food development in your region. The events will be held at the Extension offices in Taylorville (15th), Effingham (16th) and Champaign (17th) from 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm.

Among the questions we’ll be exploring:

• What has frustrated you or prevented you from producing product for the local market?
• Are the supporting food industry infrastructure and resources adequate? What has worked, what hasn’t?
• Are you trying to make value-added processing part of your business? Improve post-harvest handling? Realize better distribution? What’s made this difficult to achieve?
• Can your business systems manage selling direct? Are you looking for systems help?
• Have you been interested in collaborating with other farmers in production, selling or marketing?
• What would make this production economically feasible for your business?

Everyone is talking about local food these days and what with food safety concerns, more consumers want to know where their food is coming from and the people who are producing it. This booming demand for locally produced food can be found throughout Illinois and the Midwest, offering farmer’s new business opportunities and encouraging more diversified farm production. We want to know what you think about local food production opportunities and what your experiences have been.

The Lumpkin Family Foundation (Mattoon) is hosting three evening events on October 15, 16 and 17 and invites farmers from Champaign, Christian, Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Macon, Montgomery, Moultrie, Piatt, Sangamon, Shelby and Vermilion counties for dinner and an exploratory discussion on local food development in your region. The events will be held at the Extension offices in Taylorville (15th), Effingham (16th) and Champaign (17th) from 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm.

Among the questions we’ll be exploring:

• What has frustrated you or prevented you from producing product for the local market?
• Are the supporting food industry infrastructure and resources adequate? What has worked, what hasn’t?
• Are you trying to make value-added processing part of your business? Improve post-harvest handling? Realize better distribution? What’s made this difficult to achieve?
• Can your business systems manage selling direct? Are you looking for systems help?
• Have you been interested in collaborating with other farmers in production, selling or marketing?
• What would make this production economically feasible for your business?

A pasture walk will be sponsored in October by University of Illinois Extension at 5:30 p.m., at the Arrowsmith farm of Elton and Spring Mau. "In their pasture-based operation, the Maus have 175 head of ewes and lambs weighing 16,800 pounds on about 27 acres of forages," said Cobb. " In forage, they have 10 acres of Pearl Millet (if it has not frosted off), 10 acres of Wonderleaf oats, cereal rye and Pasja turnips, 7.5 acres of permanent grass pastures and maybe some wheat planted into corn stubble." Those arriving at the Mau walk after the starting time are invited to join the walkabout. This will consist of Elton discussing his strategies for pasture production as well as the various forages he has planted. Cobb and Oswald will be present.

The Elton Mau farm is located at 31086 E 1300 N Road in Arrowsmith. People traveling from the Bloomington area can take Illinois 9 East for 13.5 miles from Eastland Mall, to Road 3000 E and turn south or right for 1 mile to the intersection of 1300 N Rd. Turn east or left on 1300 N Rd. and the Mau farm is 1.25 mile east on the north side of the road. Producers coming from the east on Interstate 74 should exit at LeRoy and go north on Illinois 150. At the four-way stop turn left or west and follow 150 for about one-half mile until you get to Casey's on the north side of the road. Turn north, this is 2600 E Rd., and drive eight miles to 1300 N Rd. Turn right or east onto 1300 N and go 5.25 miles to the Mau farm on the north side of the road.

For further information, contact Dick Cobb at (217) 333-7351.

A meat goat pasture walk will be sponsored by University of Illinois Extension at 5:30 p.m. at Rush Creek Farm in Sydney. "Rush Creek Farms produces forage-raised meat goats and pasture-based chickens on 10 acres," said Dick Cobb, U of I Extension sheep specialist. "The owners, Andrew and Jennifer Miller, have developed an intensive rotational pasture management system for utilizing a variety of perennial warm- and cool-season forages, including big bluestem, switchgrass, eastern gamma grass, birdsfoot trefoil, forage chickory, orchardgrass, bromegrass, and red, white, and ladino clover. "This year they also planted pearl millet to assist in summer grazing." The Millers, Cobb, and Dean Oswald, U of I Extension animal systems educator and forage specialist, will lead the discussion during the tour. Those arriving late are welcome to join the walk in progress. To reach Rush Creek Farms take Illinois 130 south from Urbana for about five miles to Road 1100N. There is a blue tourism sign on the right (west) side of the road. The next road is the Sidney slab, which means you have traveled too far south. Turn left (east) onto 1100N and go four miles until after two, sharp 90-degree curves around a white house with large grain bins. This is the Miller home.

For further information, contact Dick Cobb at (217) 333-7351. There is also a webpage with information about Rush Creek Farms.

The Illinois Water Resources Center is one of 60 groups working together to cosponsor the 11th Biennial Governor's Conference on the Management of the Illinois River System. The conference will be held Oct. 2-4 at Peoria's Holiday Inn City Centre Hotel. Conference information including schedule, registration and fees is available online. Full conference registration, paid by Aug. 31, costs $135 and includes three meals, two continental breakfasts, breaks and a reception. The Wednesday-only fee is $90, while Thursday-only will cost $60. After August 31, each fee increases by $40, plus another $20-$50 on site. Registration can be completed with credit card online, or by fax or mail. The conference is designed to bring together concerned citizens, agricultural, conservation and environmental organizations, industry and government representatives, educators and resource management professionals.

The University of Illinois Extension is sponsoring a North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR-SARE) Farmer Rancher Grant Writing Workshop on Thursday, September 27 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the University of Illinois West Central Regional Office located at 2930 Montvale Drive, Suite E. The workshops will include information to help farmers compete for grants and will provide participants with an in-depth overview of the Call for Proposals, as well as grant writing tips. Producers interested in research, demonstrations or educating others about profitable, environmentally sound, socially responsible agriculture are encouraged to apply. Although there is no charge for the workshops, registration is required. To register, contact Donna Cray at 217-241-4644. For more information, contact Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, Small Farm and Sustainable Agriculture Specialist and Illinois SARE Coordinator at (217) 968-5512 or cvnghgrn@uiuc.edu

5:00 pm – 7:30 pm (program starts promptly at 5:00 pm)

Registration is $10 per person and required at least 3 days in advance of the workshop. Light refreshments and materials will be provided. To register, please contact Donna Cray at 217-241-4644, or you can register online.

Locations:

• Carbondale Extension Center
• Champaign Extension Center
• East Peoria Extension Center
• Edwardsville Extension Center
• Springfield Center
• Macomb Extension Center
• Rockford Extension Center
• Will County Unit

For more information contact Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant at 217-968-5512.

Download agenda

Have you ever thought of starting your own small farm enterprise? If so, you will want to attend an afternoon tour of two entrepreneurial farm enterprises in Carroll County to see what it takes to start and manage such pursuits. Participants will learn how local food is grown and the realities in operating a small farm business from the farmers themselves who will showcase their properties and livelihood. The Carroll County Small Acreage Farm Tour will take place on Wednesday, September 12th from 3:00p.m-6:30p.m. The first stop of the tour will be near Thomson, IL at Seger’s Tree Farm which includes shitake mushroom production and planted woodlots of black walnut trees. The second tour stop at 5:00 p.m. will be at Fairhaven Fruit Farm also located near Thomson. This farm will showcase numerous varieties of tree fruits including 35 varieties of apples. University of Illinois Horticulture Specialist, Peter Chege will also be at each site with information on farm- raised products. The tour program fee is $5 per family to cover for handouts and refreshments. Registrations are requested by September 7 and can be made by contacting Carroll County Extension at 815-244-9444 or by e-mailing Mark Maidak, Jo-Carroll Unit Director at mmaidak@uiuc.edu.

The goal of the conference is to promote the success and viability of small and beginning farmers and ranchers. Producers and potential farmers and ranchers, and people that work with these individuals are invited to attend and participate in this exciting conference and learn the latest strategies that contribute to the success of America's small farms.

Scope: National

Transitioning to organic farming may seem to be too complicated, have too many regulations and be way more work than conventional farming. But, those who have done it believe that it has been worth the effort. Some successful organic and natural farmers in Illinois are willing to share what they've learned on four separate tours sponsored by University of Illinois Extension. Online registration is available for one or more of the tours.

Each tour is $20 per person, and $10 for each additional family member. Children under the age of 10 are free. For additional information, contact Dan Anderson (217-333-1588; aslan@uiuc.edu).

The 2007 Illinois Forage Expo will be held on Thursday, September 6, at the Prescott Frost Farm in Shelby County, about 14 miles north of Shelbyville on Route 128 (look for the signs). The expo will start at 9:00 a.m. and conclude at 4:00 p.m. Lunch will be available.

The Frost operation consists of about 150 head beef cow/calf operation, a grass-fed beef finishing system, and 120 acres of hay. The majority of the hay acres and pastures are certified organic. The operation also includes a pasture-based poultry flock.

The expo will include field demonstrations of forage harvesting equipment and commercial displays of forage-related products and equipment. In addition, educational sessions will be presented that focus on forage establishment and management, conventional versus organic beef production systems, and the role of forages in an organic crop and livestock production system. Also, a quality hay contest will be available for producers to enter 2007 harvested bales. Entries will be evaluated for bale density, visual assessment, crude protein, acid detergent fiber, and relative feed value. There is no entry fee, and NIRS analysis will be conducted free of charge.

For more information about the expo, contact Ellen Trainor, University of Illinois Extension in Shelby County (217-774-9546, etrainor@uiuc.edu). For information on exhibiting a commercial display, contact Chrissy Marley, Moultrie County Soil and Water Conservation District (217-728-7921, ext. 3).

The Illinois Forage Expo is sponsored by the Illinois Forage and Grassland Council, University of Illinois Extension, Shelby County Farm Bureau, Moultrie County Soil and Water Conservation District, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, and USDA Risk Management Agency.

Have you ever dreamed of starting your own farm business? Farm Dreams is a half-day, interactive workshop designed to help you decide if entrepreneurial farming is for you. Participants will have the opportunity to meet experienced sustainable farmers, Farm Beginnings graduates, and other prospective farmers. You will learn about different successful farm enterprises, and be able to ask questions about the genesis and development of farm businesses. The day will cover resource assessment, goal-setting, financial planning, marketing options, and finding land and equipment. Farm Dreams will help you learn what it takes to start and manage your own farm-based business, and decide whether this is the path you are ready to take.

The workshop will be held at the University of Illinois Extension, Macon County Unit in Decatur, Illinois from 4:30–8:30 pm.

Transitioning to organic farming may seem to be too complicated, have too many regulations and be way more work than conventional farming. But, those who have done it believe that it has been worth the effort. Some successful organic and natural farmers in Illinois are willing to share what they've learned on four separate tours sponsored by University of Illinois Extension. Online registration is available for one or more of the tours.

Each tour is $20 per person, and $10 for each additional family member. Children under the age of 10 are free. For additional information, contact Dan Anderson (217-333-1588; aslan@uiuc.edu).

Do you have a specialty crop or alternative agriculture enterprise that you would like to start or expand but need additional financing to do so? There is financing help available for alternative agriculture enterprises, but at first glance the range of various loan and grant programs can be more than a little confusing. “Application procedures, proposal deadlines, paperwork requirements, and selection criteria vary widely from program to program. It can seem overwhelming,” said John Horn, County Extension Director, University of Illinois Extension DeKalb County.

The University of Illinois Extension – DeKalb County hopes to help shed some light on this topic by hosting an Alternative Agriculture Financing Workshop on Thursday, August 23, 2007 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the DeKalb County Extension offices at 1350 W. Prairie Drive in Sycamore, IL. A light supper will be provided . There is no fee, but pre-registration is necessary. Respond by August 17 at 815.758.8194.

Among the presenters at the workshop will be Terry Feinberg, Community & Economic Development Educator with the University of Illinois Extension. The difficulty in writing grant proposals can sometimes be the biggest barrier to getting one. Terry has extensive experience assisting in the grant writing process.

Deborah Cavanagh-Grant, Small Farm and Sustainable Agriculture Specialist with the University of Illinois Extension and North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR SARE) coordinator for Illinois will discuss the basics of grant writing and specifics on grants available through the NCR SARE Farmer Rancher Grant Program. Other topics will include a brief "refresher" on the basics of business planning, information about other grant and loan programs for alternative agriculture, as well as other potential sources of financing and business development assistance that may be available.

After the workshop, presenters will be available to provide assistance to individuals who are working on writing a grant or developing a proposal for future application.

Participants are encouraged to bring along any rough drafts or other application materials.

To register for this program, contact University of Illinois Extension – DeKalb County phone (815.758.8194; or email johnhorn@uiuc.edu).

Download agenda

Conservation Expo 2007 is coming to central Illinois. This statewide event is a showcase for the construction and exhibition of conservation and land improvement practices and equipment. The hosts for this year’s Conservation Expo are Richard and Robert Lasser, Colfax, IL.

The Conservation Expo 2007 Show Site is located approximately 2 miles south of Colfax, IL, in McLean County, in central Illinois. It is located just off of IL Route 9, about 15 miles east of Bloomington, or about 15 miles west of Gibson City. Coming from either direction proceed to County Highway 15 or Road 3300E, also known as the Colfax-Arrowsmith Road. Turn north towards Colfax and travel 4 miles to County Road 1800N. Turn right and go east one fourth mile. The show site will be on your right.

Throughout the 3-day event, tours will be conducted to showcase the following eight conservation structures and practices: Pond Construction, Wetland Restoration, Field Borders/Wildlife Food Plots, Filter Strips, Grassed Waterways, Stream Monitoring/Water Quality, Soils Demonstration and New Septic System Installations. Tour guides will be at each of the sites throughout the show to discuss installation techniques, cost of construction, and benefits to the landowner and the watershed. More complete tour information will be available shortly.

The hours of the Conservation Expo are Tuesday & Thursday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; and Wednesday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. There is no admission charge, and everyone is welcome to attend, including landowners, farmers, agri-businesses, conservationists, planners and the general public. Food and drink concessions will be available at the show site.

The Illinois Conservation Expo is sponsored by the Illinois Land Improvement Contractors Association (ILICA), in cooperation with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, McLean County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), Ducks Unlimited, The Nature Conservancy and University of Illinois Extension. For more information, go to the ILICA website or contact Janet Burtle-Doubet, Ex. Director of ILICA, ph. 309-446-3700, email janet@illica.net; the McLean County SWCD/NRCS, ph. 309-452-0830, Ext. 3; or Bob Frazee, University of Illinois Extension, ph. 309-694-7501, Ext. 226.

While almost all of the focus on plant nutrition is restricted to N, P, and K, micronutrients are overlooked in their importance to plant health as well as the nutritional value of the products. This on-farm workshop, organized by the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, will be presented by Dr. Bill Becker (Agrosystems Management, Inc.). The workshop will be held at Jubilee Farm in Springfield, on Friday, July 20 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, and will focus on the importance of micronutrients in all forms of agriculture, including fruit and vegetable production. Registration, $20 for the first attendee and $10 for accompanying family members, is due by Friday, July 13. Registration includes resource materials and a noon meal featuring local food. To register, please call Paula at Illinois Stewardship Alliance, (217) 498-9707, or e-mail contact information to isa@illinoisstewardshipalliance.org.

Transitioning to organic farming may seem to be too complicated, have too many regulations and be way more work than conventional farming. But, those who have done it believe that it has been worth the effort. Some successful organic and natural farmers in Illinois are willing to share what they've learned on four separate tours sponsored by University of Illinois Extension. Online registration is available for one or more of the tours.

Each tour is $20 per person and $10 for each additional family member. Children under the age of 10 are free. For additional information, contact Dan Anderson (217-333-1588; aslan@uiuc.edu).

Location: First Fruits Farm in Mahomet, IL

Have you ever dreamed of starting your own farm business? Farm Dreams is a half-day, interactive workshop designed to help you decide if entrepreneurial farming is for you. Participants will have the opportunity to meet experienced sustainable farmers, Farm Beginnings graduates, and other prospective farmers. You will learn about different successful farm enterprises, and be able to ask questions about the genesis and development of farm businesses. The day will cover resource assessment, goal-setting, financial planning, marketing options, and finding land and equipment. Farm Dreams will help you learn what it takes to start and manage your own farm-based business, and decide whether this is the path you are ready to take.

The workshop will be held at the University of Illinois Extension, Adams-Brown Unit in Quincy, Illinois from 4:30–8:30 pm.

Download agenda

This workshop provides strategies for successful direct marketing that makes direct connections between farmers and consumers. Direct Marketing increases the value of a farmer's products, connects consumers with fresh food, and promotes diversified farming operations. Direct Marketing includes CSAs, farmers markets, U-pick operations, and roadside stands. This half-day workshop, organized by the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, will be held at White Oak Farms near Pana on Sunday, August 12 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The workshop will cover growing and marketing for CSAs and a farmers market, and tips for successful ventures. The workshop will feature a presentation from a successful Illinois farmer involved in several direct marketing strategies including farmers markets and a CSA. Participants will receive a copy of the newly revised SARE bulletin, Marketing Strategies for Farmers and Ranchers, as well as other materials and farm-fresh produce. To register, please call Paula at the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, (217) 498-9707, or e-mail contact information to isa@illinoisstewardshipalliance.org. Registration is $10 and due by Friday, August 6.

Transitioning to organic farming may seem to be too complicated, have too many regulations and be way more work than conventional farming. But, those who have done it believe that it has been worth the effort. Some successful organic and natural farmers in Illinois are willing to share what they've learned on four separate tours sponsored by University of Illinois Extension. Online registration is available for one or more of the tours.

Each tour is $20 per person and $10 for each additional family member. Children under the age of 10 are free. For additional information, contact Dan Anderson (217-333-1588; aslan@uiuc.edu).

Learn how to propagate, plant, and manage quality aquatic habitat, Heartland Community College, 10:00am – 1:00pm, Normal.

This workshop is limited to 50 participants. A $15 fee covers the workshop and a box lunch. Please download the brochure and registration form and return it by July 16 to guarantee your spot!

Sponsored by the Illinois Lake Management Association (ILMA-Lakes).

Location: Heartland Community College, Normal, IL (map)

CSP is rewarding farmers who implement conservation on their farms and financially open up opportunities for farmers to do more. It is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to promote the conservation and improvement of soil, water, air, energy, plant and animal life on private working lands. CSP is extremely popular among Illinois farmers who have successfully enrolled in the program, and its future is currently being debated in the new Farm Bill. This half-day workshop, organized by the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, will showcase a farm enrolled in the highest tier in CSP, give a history of the program and its current status, and provide information for interested farmers in preparing their operations for CSP enrollment. This workshop will be on Saturday, July 21 from 9:00 am to 11:30 am at Mike Lindbergís farm in Boone County, who is participating in CSP in the Kishwaukee Watershed (encompasses portions of Boone, DeKalb, Kane, Lee, Ogle, McHenry, and Winnebago Counties in Illinois and Walworth County in Wisconsin). To register, please call Paula at Illinois Stewardship Alliance, (217) 498-9707, or e-mail contact information to isa@illinoisstewardshipalliance.org. Registration is $10 and due by Monday, July 16.

Come see the newly expanded demonstration plots of Bioenergy crops, oilseeds, and other general alternative crops, along with breeding history plots of corn, soybeans, sunflowers, and cuphea. Research updates will also be given on Milkweed and Cuphea production. The day is set up as a guided tour through the plots with plenty of time for pictures and individual questions. If you have any questions or would like to bring a large group, please contact Dr. Win Phippen (309) 298-1251 or Mr. Fred Iutzi (309) 298-1522 for more details. The field day will be held from 2-4 pm at the Western Illinois University Agriculture Field Laboratory

North of the Harry Mussatto Golf Course on Tower Road in Macomb. No registration required and free to the public.

• 12:00 (Noon) Depart from U of I Extension Office, 330 S. 36th St. Quincy, IL
• Tour 2 Farms and Greenhouses, Meet with 3 Market Masters of large Farmers' Markets, Visit Local Harvest Grocery and Whole Foods Market, Visit with operator of large CSA (Full itinerary on back of this flyer).
• Dinner (at your expense) at natural foods restaurant
• Arrive back at Quincy at 10:00pm

To reserve your seat on the van, send $10 by July 13 to: WISAS, U of I Extension, 330 S. 36th St., Quincy, IL 62301 (map).

WISAS Members: Your membership entitles you to a full refund when you board the van! Expenses for this tour are partially funded with a grant from the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

For more information call Mike at 217-223-8380.

Special thanks to Dave Moore for planning this tour!

We are pleased to announce the 2nd National Conference on Facilitating Sustainable Agriculture Education, July 11–14, 2007. Please join us for this exciting opportunity to facilitate a cross-disciplinary dialogue on learning and teaching in sustainable agriculture at colleges and universities in the U.S.

Held at Cornell University's Alice Cook House, located in Ithaca, New York, the conference will draw a diverse gathering of faculty, staff, undergraduate and graduate students, administrators, extension educators, farmers and food system practitioners who are active or interested in sustainable agriculture education at institutions of post-secondary learning.

Scope: National

The Illinois Wind Working Group (IL WWG) is holding its first conference, "Advancing Wind Power in Illinois," on June 28-29, 2007. The conference covers all aspects of wind energy including small wind, community wind and large wind farms. Sessions will cover "how to's", policy recommendations, case studies, and more. Exhibitors will be available to answer questions and provide information.

The cost of the conference is $40 and includes all materials, breakfast on June 28 and June 29 and lunch on June 28. An optional tour of the Horizon Wind Farm is available for the evening of June 28 with a picnic lunch sponsored by Horizon. The cost of the wind farm tour is $25. After June 1, the cost of the conference increases to $50. Space is limited, so please register early.

The conference will be held at the Doubletree Hotel, 10 Brickyard Drive, Bloomington, Illinois, United States 61701. The conference has reserved a block of rooms at the hotel for Conference participants at the reduced rate of $109. Contact the hotel at 309-664 6446 by June 1, 2007 to qualify for the discount. Please mention "Wind Conference" when making your reservations.

Sponsorships and exhibit space are available. Please contact David Loomis at dloomis@ilstu.edu for more information.

Scope: Statewide

VegScout School is a workshop for vegetable producers or person interested in producing vegetables. This full day (8:30am–4:30pm) of instruction will be held the Hancock County Extension office. The program will consist of a series of lectures on insect, weed and disease identification followed by hands-on identification of live samples and color photos. A discussion of troubleshooting problems in organic and conventional production systems, scouting techniques, sample collecting, and record keeping will be presented. This workshop was developed by Dr. Ortiz-Ribbing to help participants improve their ability to correctly identify pests in their vegetable crops, learn IPM principles and alternative control techniques, plus it allows participants to work on general crop troubleshooting skills and identifying problems that are not caused by a pests.

Class size is limited to 20. Registration fee is $35.00. This provides a good set of references and lunch for all participants. CEUs have been requested. For more information contact Loretta Ortiz-Ribbing at ortizrib@uiuc.edu or the Hancock County Extension office at (217) 357-2150.

The Pennsylvania Forage and Grassland Council and Penn State University will host the joint 2007 American Forage and Grassland Council and Northeast Branch ASA & SSSA Annual Conference.

Purdue University Information Field Day

Four local Purdue Extension Educators from Daviess, Gibson, Knox and Pike Counties are on a mission. Together they are focused on transitioning a small plot at the Southwest Purdue Agriculture Center in Vincennes, from conventional to organic production. The educators began the transition last year and now have information to share with local growers and the general public. On Tuesday, June 12th an informational field day centered on organic vegetable production will be held for those interested in learning about organic transition. The program will run from 6-8 pm (CDT) and will include a visit to the plot and a short information session. The Southwest Purdue Agriculture Center is located three miles North of Vincennes on the west side of US-41. This program is free and open to the general public. For more information contact Stacye Johnson, Knox County Extension Educator at 812-882-3509. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, prior to the meeting, contact Stacye Johnson. Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service is an equal access/opportunity institution.

This in-depth, hands-on workshop will focus on ways to increase visibility for agritourism businesses and attract more visitors. During the workshops, you will learn:

1. Key concepts necessary for developing successful marketing strategies and materials;
2. How to develop and distribute brochures and news releases; and
3. How to use marketing tools available through the Indiana Office of Tourism Development.

The keynote speaker for the workshop is Megan Bruch, marketing specialist at the University of Tennessee Center for Profitable Agriculture. The program is sponsored by the Indiana Office of Tourism Development, Indiana State Department of Agriculture and Purdue Extension. The workshop will originate at Purdue's West Lafayette campus from 1:00 to 4:00 EDT (or noon to 3:00 CDT) and be broadcast to eight other satellite locations using video conferencing technology. The cost of the workshop is $15 per participant. A boxed lunch will be provided to participants who register by June 4.

To register, please contact Roy Ballard with the Hancock County Extension Office at (317) 462-1113 or at rballard@purdue.edu. A copy of the full brochure along with registration information is available on the Hancock County website.

The second Sharing Indigenous Wisdom: An International Dialogue on Sustainable Development Conference is being hosted by College of Menominee Nation’s Sustainable Development Institute at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center, Green Bay, Wisconsin, June 11-15, 2007.

Scope: National

5^th Annual International Gathering

The Business Alliance for Local Living Economies is pleased to announce our 5^th Annual BALLE Conference, May 31–June 2, 2007, at the University of California, Berkeley. Join entrepreneurs, innovators, community organizers, government officials, investors, and green business pioneers to explore cutting-edge social and environmental innovations, learn practical business skills, share best practices for network development, and connect with others in this flourishing network.

Keynote speeches from Van Jones, Paul Hawken, Judy Wicks, and others; Breakout sessions on topics including "Growing Local Food Systems"; "Big Box Stores, Jobs, and Politics", "Financing Your Community-Based Business", and "New Vehicles for Local Investing"; All-day pre-conference seminars on May 30 on topics including localized economic development strategies, sustainable manufacturing, local currencies, and Buy Local First campaigns. For additional information, visit the 2007 BALLE Conference website.

Scope: International

CALL FOR PROPOSALS FOR SESSIONS

The 2007 joint annual meetings of the Agriculture, Food, and Human Values Society (AFHVS) and the Association for the Study of Food and Society (ASFS) will bring together in Victoria, British Columbia, two multidisciplinary professional and scholarly societies...

Scope: International

A gathering of scholars to develop more concrete thinking and identification with Black ecological thought and its applications to African American farming, sustainable agriculture and professional development opportunities. Papers and other presentations are invited on various topics including...

Scope: International

The Fourth National Aquaculture Extension Conference is scheduled for April 30 – May 4, 2007 and will be co-hosted by The Ohio State University and Kentucky State University, at the Garfield Suites Hotel in Cincinnati, Ohio. The conference is sponsored by the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service's (CSREES) five Regional Aquaculture Centers. This event has been held about every five years since 1992 and promises to strengthen professional development and growth for all levels of experience and years of service in extension education. The conference program is aimed for organizations and individuals who have extension education and outreach responsibilities in the diverse disciplines associated with aquaculture, including production, marketing, economics, risk management, processing, engineering, public policy and more.

The conference will focus on innovative techniques, current issues and emerging technologies of interest to Extension educators who work with diverse aquaculture clientele. The program tentatively includes one day of technical presentations, one day for participation in several hands-on workshops, and a day devoted to field tours of various places of interest in Cincinnati.

Details on how to submit an abstract for all oral and poster presentations will be forthcoming in another email and available on the website.

The conference registration fee is $100, which will cover the cost of conference materials, several meals and transportation for field visits.

For any additional information please contact the conference co-chair, Laura Tiu, tiu.2@osu.edu, 740-289-2071 x. 121.

Michael Fields Agricultural Institute hosts this workshop taught by veteran urban farmer Wally Satzewich, who developed the SPIN-Farming method after he realized the income from his large acreage in the country could be exceeded by growing intensively in small plots in the city.

Scope: National

Growing Power presents "Growing Your Community Food System," an intensive, hands on, training workshop offering diverse groups the opportunity to learn, plan, develop, operate, and sustain community food projects. Project participants leave the workshop with improved skills that they can take...

Scope: Statewide

This third national conference is titled "From Cafeterias to Capitol Hill: Growing Healthy Kids, Farms, and Communities." Join hundreds of farm to cafeteria and food policy enthusiasts to share experiences, and get the latest, up-to-date info on institutional purchasing-on both the organizing and...

Scope: National

The Local Foods Expo will be part conference, part trade show, and part planning session. The day will include workshops, presentations, and marketing opportunities. Keynote speaker is Lisa Johnson, Valley Food and Farm Coordinator of Vital Communities in Vermont & New Hampshire. Join others in this first time...

Scope: Regional

"Landscapes of Well-Being: Renewing People, Place, and Spirit" is the theme for this conference that offers keynote speakers Sally Fallon and Mark Shepard, over 40 individual workshops focused on growing and eating sustainably produced food, kids' conference, and networking opportunities.

Scope: Statewide

This is an annual conference that offers educational sessions and discussions by and for farmers, researchers and marketers. The conference also offers a trade show. It is organized by MOFFA (Michigan Organic Food and Farming Alliance), a member organization to promote local and organic food an...

Scope: Regional