September 14, 2019 | Sidney, IL

‘Agroforestry’ is a term for agricultural practices that combine perennial crops like chestnuts, hazelnuts, currents, and berries with annual crops or grazing livestock. The crops are arranged in a way that maximizes biodiversity and management efficiency, and assures high productivity across the farm. These innovative systems mimic natural ecosystems to enhance the environment and provide a multitude of crops for a farmer to harvest and market. Join the Savanna Institute and The Land Connection to see first-hand how an agroforestry system can work in central Illinois. You will visit two working farms, meet successful agroforestry farmers, and hear practical advice for establishing your own operation.

August 22, 2019

When imagining a farm, many will conjure a picture of an idyllic landscape, but a farm can be a dangerous place. All too frequently, farmers and their employees are injured on the job, both by accidents and by wear and tear on their bodies. In this workshop, we will learn about best practices for maintaining a safe farm workspace and explore the ergonomics of common farm tools and equipment. Prevention is the best protection against a farm workplace injury.

July 30, 2019 | near Gibson City, IL

Monarch butterflies, whitetail deer, honey bees, red tail hawks – these animals and insects are part of the diversity of wildlife that live on a working farm. This field day will showcase conservation practices that support wildlife species at R Wildflower Farm & Fields, owned by Sally Lasser. Dallas Glazik, Sally’s farm operations partner and Farm Bill Biologist with Pheasants Forever, will lead the farm tour and discuss the practices implemented at R Wildflower Farm. He will also explain programs offered by USDA to help farmers and landowners support wildlife on their land.

July 24-25, 2019 | Crawfordsville, IN

The Organic Agronomy Training Series (OATS) is a collaboratively managed, science-based train-the-trainer program for agricultural professionals working with organic or transitioning producers in the United States. This two-day training provides education and guidance on organic production methods and certification necessary for agronomists, certified crop advisors, extension agents, and technical service providers to serve the needs of certified organic grain producers.

June 25, 2019 | Danforth, IL

Join us for a tour of one of central Illinois’ leading organic grain farms. Harold and Ross Wilken farm over 2400 acres of certified organic grain crops. They will share their secrets for growing food grade small grains. The field day includes a tour of The Mill at Janie’s Farm showcasing what bakers are looking for to create delicious local breads and confections. The tour will wrap-up with a tasting of artisan breads made with flour directly from the mill.