Small farm machinery and your body: Use both wisely
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[April 26, 2013]
URBANA -- Safely matching the right tool to the
right job is necessary in developing a sustainable small farm that
is productive and profitable. The Central Illinois Sustainable
Farming Network, which promotes the development of local food
systems in central Illinois through farmer support and training, is
presenting a field day on May 11 at the Spence Farm Foundation on
"Small Farm Machinery and Your Body -- Using Both Wisely." The
program will run from 9:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
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Topics covered in the sessions will include: choosing the right
implements for the job, maintaining those tools, demonstrations of
the machinery in action, and several different methods for avoiding
injury while using large- and small-scale equipment. Maintaining
farm machinery for optimal performance will also be addressed.
All sessions will focus on using equipment safely and using the
most valuable tool you have, your body, carefully to prevent injury
and strain. The different methods that large- and small-framed
individuals need to follow to stay safe around farm machinery will
be demonstrated. There will also be sessions about using hand tools
efficiently and how to recuperate from injury.
The program will include tours of historic Spence Farm, where
Kris, Will and Marty Travis grow vegetables, grains and hay; raise
pastured cattle and hogs; do beekeeping; wild harvest; and make
maple syrup. Participants will have a chance to see a variety of
farm machines in action.
Spence Farm Foundation is dedicated to growing sustainable farms
and communities and focuses on "teaching the art, history and
practice of sustainable small family farming." It offers instruction
to children, farmers and the public about farming and rural
lifestyles, translating the vision of a diversified small family
farm from the past to the present. For more details, visit
www.spencefarmfoundation.org.
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Register for the event by May 10 at
http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lms/. The program is limited
to 50 participants age 10 and up. The cost is $5 per participant.
Members of the Central Illinois Sustainable Farming Network can
attend at no charge.
Participants should bring a sack lunch and a folding chair.
Drinks will be provided.
The Spence Farm -- Phelps Schoolhouse is located at 2959 N. 2050
East Road, Fairbury, in Livingston County.
[Text from file received from
University of
Illinois Extension]
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