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Local Foods and Small Farms

Photo of local foods educator teaching children in garden
Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator Bronwyn Aly talks to youth about plants in a community garden.

Local Food Systems and Small Farms

Americans have never been more interested in understanding where their food comes from and how it was grown and prepared. From the use of pesticides during the growing season to the practice of composting food waste, there is a lot of information available through Illinois Extension that provides insight into how fruits, vegetables, and food products move through their life cycle. The Local Foods & Small Farms program provides resources to help consumers and producers better understand their role and responsibilities within the local food movement.

Agricultural Research

High tunnel production and management is of interest to both seasoned growers and beginning farmers as they look for economically viable ways to increase revenue. Research and demonstration trials conducted at Dixon Springs Ag Center provides timely recommendations and best management practices as well as information for new and beginning farmers. 

Dixon Springs Agricultural Center

The Dixon Springs Agricultural Center was established in 1934 near Simpson in Pope County. It is the largest experiment station of its kind east of the Mississippi River. DSAC links the laboratories and classrooms of University of Illinois and the USDA with the farms in Southern Illinois. Researchers at DSAC coordinate their programs to meet the needs of area farmers.

Learn more about Dixon Springs Ag Center and information about ongoing Ag research in Southern Illinois here:

Quick Links
Ground-level view of wheat almost ready for harvest.

Farm Doc

Providing analysis, tools, and data to help cornbelt farmers make better decisions.
Farm with red barns on the horizon at sunset.

Local Food Systems and Small Farms YouTube Channel

The Illinois Local Foods YouTube channel houses information from Illinois Extension educators on small scale commercial production and management of specialty crops and livestock. With a wide range of topics, this channel is an excellent resource for both beginning and established farmers as well as backyard hobbyists looking to expand their knowledge in the production of food. 
A tray of cupcakes decorated with white icing.

Be a cottage food seller

Whether for a hobby or as a career, selling food grown or made in your home carries endless possibilities for enjoyment and profit. It also carries substantial responsibilities for the safety of the public who purchases and consumes your food products. Major changes took effect January 1, 2022 in the Cottage Food Operation Law's Home-to-Market Act. Illinois Extension is your guide to operating within the new regulations. Outshine the rest and grow your home-based business. 
Aerial view of a field of green row crops.

Crops

From pests to disease to weather, you face mounting challenges that threaten profitability, production, and health. You need strategies to reduce the worry that keeps you up at night. Illinois Extension professionals help you navigate the risk by bringing the research from the university to you at the farm. Stay updated with ways to reduce risk so you can sleep better at night and wake up with a plan that fits your farm operation.
A tractor pulling a sprayer in a field surrounded by trees.

Private Pesticide Applicator Training

Training modules to prepare for the private applicator test
Ripe red strawberries on a plant.

University of Illinois Plant Clinic

Plant disease and injury can be costly. The Plant Clinic provides solutions to what's attacking the health of your plants. We provide plant and insect identification; nematode assays; diagnosis of injury from disease, insects, weeds, and chemicals; and help with nutrient-related issues.
A combine harvests corn in the fall.

Farm Management

As a farmer or landowner, you're used to working hard and making your own decisions. As the challenges of agriculture grow larger, you look for advice that you can trust from people who aren't trying to sell you something and genuinely want you to be successful. Illinois Extension's growing resources in farm management provide timely information on farm finances, land stewardship, estate planning, environmental management, and production practices. Get the facts you need to make the best decision for your farm's future.
Green tractor drives through a field.

Regenerative Agriculture

Agriculture is one of the most rewarding professions, but it's not always easy. Balancing the business needs and decisions of your operation can be tough enough without incorporating the environmental ones. We know you want to be economically and environmentally sustainable, but to do that, you may need to adjust some of your current practices, which can be intimidating. At Illinois Extension, we understand that you might not know where to start, which is why we provide easy-to-understand information outlining regenerative agriculture practices. So you can stop guessing and instead start implementing.
Tractor drives away into sunset.

Illinois Agrability

Farming is in your blood. Don't let challenges keep you from doing what you love. Illinois AgrAbility offers education and assistance to eliminate barriers, accommodate limitations, and help you continue farming.

  • Customized, onsite farm assessments
  • Effective solutions and safe modifications
  • Educational opportunities and resources