[UPDATE: AUGUST 18, 2020] Due to uncertainty surrounding the safety of hosting in-person events, this program has been cancelled. Rest assured that we are continuing to work with our partners at Farm Commons to bring this valuable content to you. Farm Commons staff are currently redeveloping this one-day workshop into a blended learning series that […]

In partnership with Campaign County SWCD, Champaign County Farm Bureau, and Riggs Brewery This informal mixer and information session will provide row crop farmers an introduction to the S.T.A.R. (Saving Tomorrow’s Agriculture Resources) assessment tool for evaluating nutrient and soil loss on their farm. Hear from farmers that have used the S.T.A.R. assessment tool to identify […]

September 18, 2019 | Waukesha, WI

Successful weed management can seem like an uphill battle, especially for organic farms. Learning about the basic principles and available tools for precise mechanical weed control is the key to creating a comprehensive plan that not only combats unwanted plants but also promotes responsible land stewardship. The 3rd annual Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day is bringing this hands-on learning event to Waukesha, WI. There you’ll learn about weeding tools and allied equipment through keynote speakers, company representatives, farmer-to-farmer networking, and in-field equipment demonstrations.

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.