7.07.10
Bloomington Pantagraph
Ramping Up Local Foods

6.28.10
Chicago Tribune Magazine
Farmers Fight Sprawl in Central IL

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3.27.10
New York Times
Push to Eat Local Hampered by Shortage

3.13.10
Peoria Journal Star
Is Herbicide Atrazine Bad for You?

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The Land Connection is offering the following hands-on workshops in farmer-identified areas of need. The events are part of Central Illinois Farm Beginnings, but are also open to the public.

Monday, March 16, 2009
Web Marketing for Your Farm

Simon Huntley, Lead Developer, Small Farm Central (www.smallfarmcentral.com)

Location: University of Illinois Extension, Sangamon County Unit Office, Springfield
Time: 6:30-9:00 pm

Do you need a website?  Learn how the internet can be a critical part of your marketing plan. This session will feature two perspectives.  First, Simon Huntley will discuss his website development software that is specifically designed for the needs of small farms.  Second, we will learn how CIFB graduates developed a website on their own.

Saturday, March 28, 2009
VegScout School

Dr. Loretta Ortiz-Ribbing, Extension Specialist-Crop Systems
University of Illinois Extension, Macomb Center

Location: University of Illinois Extension, Sangamon County Unit Office, Springfield
Time: 9:30 am - 4:00 pm

This full day of instruction will consist of a series of lectures on insect, weed and disease identification followed by 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.

Saturday, May 16, 2009
Evaluating Soil Quality and Soil Maps

Leslie Cooperband and Wes Jarrell, Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery
Roger Windhorn, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service

Location: Prairie Fruits Farm, Champaign
Time: 1:30 pm-4:30 pm

This hands-on workshop 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.  We will review soil test results and how to interpret findings.  We will also discuss how to use county soils maps developed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, particularly when considering land for purchase or lease.

Saturday, May 23, 2009
Equipment for Small Farmers

Marty and Kris Travis

Location: Spence Farm, Fairbury
Time: 10:00 am-2:00 pm

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.