 Cavanaugh-Grant said that the series of innovative workshops,
designed to equip farmers with the information they need to
create and sustain their farms, are the result of a
collaborative effort of a number of organizations, including
University of Illinois Extension. "The workshops will be helpful
for established farmers who want to expand their operation as
well as those who are interested in starting alternative,
entrepreneurial agriculture enterprises."
For a complete listing of workshop details, visit
web.extension.uiuc.edu/smallfarm/events.cfm.
With additional questions, contact Cavanaugh-Grant at
217-968-5512 or
cvnghgrn@uiuc.edu.
Aug. 12
Marketing with a Human Face
Pana
This workshop will provide strategies for using direct
marketing between farmers and consumers, including subscription
farming, farmers markets, U-pick operations and roadside stands.
To register, contact Paula at the Illinois Stewardship Alliance,
217-498-9707 or
isa@illinoisstewardshipalliance.org.
Aug. 16
Farm Dreams: Assessing Risks and Resources to Start an
Entrepreneurial Farm Business
Quincy
At this half-day workshop, participants will have the
opportunity to meet experienced sustainable farmers and learn
about many types of farm enterprises. The workshop will also
preview the more involved program of courses entitled
Farm Beginnings
and will look at resource assessment, goal-setting, financial
planning, marketing options, and finding land and equipment. To
register, contact U of I Extension Adams-Brown Unit,
217-223-8380, or visit
webs.extension.uiuc.edu/
registration/?RegistrationID=915.
Aug. 20
Plant Micro-Nutrient Health
Springfield
This on-farm workshop at Jubilee Farm, presented by Dr. Bill
Becker of Agrosystems Management, will focus on the importance
of micronutrients in all forms of agriculture, including fruit
and vegetable production. The workshop includes a demonstration
of composting and its use in the treatment of plant pathology.
The registration fee of $20 for the first attendee and $10 for
accompanying family members includes a noon meal featuring local
food. To register, contact Paula at the Illinois Stewardship
Alliance, 217-498-9707 or
isa@illinoisstewardshipalliance.org.
Sept. 17
Conservation Security Program
Boone County
This workshop will showcase the Mike Lindberg farm, which is
enrolled in the highest tier in the Conservation Security
Program. The workshop will give a history of the program and its
current status and provide information for farmers interested in
preparing their operations for CSP enrollment. To register,
contact Paula at the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, 217-498-9707
or
isa@illinoisstewardshipalliance.org.
Sept. 24
Farm to Zoo: Linking Local Organic Farmers to the Brookfield Zoo
Chenoa and Eureka
Brookfield Zoo is committed to buying animal feed and human
food directly from Illinois organic farmers. This field day and
workshop begin with a farm tour at the Ackerman Farm, just off
Interstate 55 in Chenoa. It will then move to Larry and Marilyn
Wettstein's Organic Pastures farm near Eureka. Panelists from
the Brookfield Zoo will inform farmers of the many foodstuffs
that the zoo is anxious to purchase from Illinois farms. To
register, contact The Land Connection, 847-570-0701 or
Kathy@thelandconnection.org, or visit
www.thelandconnection.org.
Nov. 3
Putting Small Acreages to Work
Belleville
This program will provide practical, no-nonsense, hands-on
advice to beginning and transitioning farmers in the areas of
crop production, market development and other important business
options. To register, contact U of I Extension Madison/St.Clair
Unit Office, at 618-650-7050, or visit
web.extension.uiuc.edu/madisonstclair.
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 Nov. 10
Soap Making Workshop
Clinton
Soap-making is a process that dates back hundreds of years. This
workshop for beginners or experienced soap-makers will provide an
overview of the soap-making process, including specifics about
glycerin, goat's milk, botanical and herb soaps. The workshop will
conclude with a producer round-table discussion on marketing soap
products. To register, contact the Illinois Stewardship Alliance,
217- 498-9707 or
isa@illinoisstewardshipalliance.org .
Nov. 17
Small Farms Conference
Peoria
Presenters at this conference will discuss topics of importance
to those who are considering an alternative agriculture enterprise
or are presently engaged in one. To register, contact Roger Larson,
309-685-3140, or visit
web.extension.uiuc.edu/peoria.
Nov. 26
Food Rules: Knowing the Regulations
Carlock
This one-day workshop will bring farmers and regulators together
so that each can hear from and ask questions of the other. Panelists
will include farms that are successfully marketing meats and
value-added food products, as well as personnel from the Illinois
Department of Agriculture, the USDA and several central Illinois
Health Department officials. To register, contact The Land
Connection, 847-570-0701 or
Kathy@thelandconnection.org, or visit
www.thelandconnection.org.
Nov. 28
Putting Small Acreages to Work
Kankakee
This workshop provides practical, no-nonsense, hands-on advice to
beginning and transitioning farmers in the areas of crop production,
market development and other important business options. To
register, contact U of I Extension Kankakee County Unit,
815-933-8337, or visit
web.extension.uiuc.edu/kankakee.
Nov. 29
Tri-State (Illinois, Iowa and Missouri) Local Foods Conference
Quincy
This workshop will increase the awareness and knowledge of
farmers and educators to be more effective in marketing. To
register, contact U of I Extension Adams-Brown Unit, 217-223-8380,
or visit
web.extension.uiuc.edu/adamsbrown/.
Dec. 8
Getting the Word Out: Analyzing, Evaluating, and Improving Your
Marketing Materials
Carlock
Participants are encouraged to bring their current marketing
materials, such as business cards, brochures and signage. The
materials will become part of the presentation and discussion of
what makes effective marketing of farm products. Panelists will
include professional designers and marketers, as well as experienced
farmers involved in direct marketing. To register, contact The Land
Connection, 847-570-0701 or
Kathy@thelandconnection.org, or visit
www.thelandconnection.org.
The workshops are provided through a grant from the Illinois
Department of Agriculture's Sustainable Agriculture Grant Program
and co-sponsored by Illinois Stewardship Alliance, The Land
Connection, Peoria County Initiative for the Development of
Entrepreneurs in Agriculture, USDA Natural Resources Conservation
Service, University of Illinois Extension and the Western Illinois
Sustainable Agriculture Society.
[Text from file received from
the University of
Illinois Extension]
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