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 operations across southern Illinois. 

The annual Beef Field Day at the University of Illinois Dixon Springs Agricultural Center will be on Thursday, July 30. The program will focus on research conducted at Dixon Springs that pertains to cow-calf producers as well as highlight a new NRCS program.

More Illinois specialty crop growers are planting in high tunnels to benefit from the extended growing season, increased crop diversity, higher yields, and improved quality. But high tunnels come with their own unique challenges including deciding on layout and structural design, managing insect pests, balancing fertility needs, and more. Come for a walk through the high tunnels at the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center on July 16th at 6:00pm. There is no cost to attend but registration is required.