Do you grow and sell fresh products locally?  Are you considering diversifying your farming operation?  Would you like to get to know your local farmer?  Join University of Illinois Extension educators as they team up with area farmers to provide four monthly evening meetings to highlight and demonstrate diverse farming enterprises across southern Illinois.

The series will provide participants an opportunity to experience different types of production and marketing practices utilized by southern Illinois producers.  By meeting on working farms, participants have the opportunity for a “hands-on” learning experience as well as a chance to ask questions.  Throughout the four twilight meetings, growers and extension educators will provide information on the following topics: annual plasticulture strawberry production, insect pests in high tunnel production and management strategies with natural predators, high tunnel vegetable production, no-till tomato and pepper production, regenerative grazing techniques in cattle production, and utilizing roadside stands and other techniques to direct-market products.  At each of the meetings, individuals will have a networking opportunity which is an important step in forming relationships with other local enterprises.  This opportunity helps to increase business for both parties, grow the capacity of our local foods and small farms, and support a stronger, more sustainable, regional economy.

There is no cost to attend this in-person program, but pre-registration is required as capacity is limited to allow for social distancing. In accordance with CDC guidelines, those that are not yet fully vaccinated are encouraged to continue wearing face masks.  To register online for this meeting, go to go.illinois.edu/2021TwilightSeries. To register by phone, call 618-695-2441.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact Bronwyn Aly at baly@illinois.edu.  Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your needs.  University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.